Door Security & Furniture

About Door Security & Furniture

Door security and furniture encompasses all the essential hardware needed to make doors functional, secure, and aesthetically pleasing. This comprehensive category includes everything from basic door chains and bolts that provide additional security layers, to sophisticated door closers that ensure controlled and safe door operation in commercial and residential settings. Whether you're a professional locksmith upgrading a property's security, a joiner fitting out a new build, or a homeowner looking to enhance home security and appearance, the right door hardware makes all the difference.

The range of products in this category serves multiple purposes beyond simple aesthetics. Door furniture such as handles, letterplates, and knockers provides the crucial interface between users and the door itself, while security components like replacement cylinders, latches, and viewers offer peace of mind and comply with insurance requirements. Modern door hardware must balance security, fire safety regulations, accessibility standards, and design preferences, making product selection an important consideration for any project.

Quality door security and furniture products are built to withstand thousands of operations over their lifetime, resisting wear, weather, and potential forced entry attempts. From Euro cylinders meeting British Standard ratings to heavy-duty door closers calibrated for specific door weights, professional-grade hardware ensures long-term reliability and compliance with Building Regulations. Whether securing a residential property, fitting out a commercial premises, or maintaining a rental portfolio, investing in proper door hardware is essential for safety, functionality, and property value.

Jargon Buster

Euro Cylinder

A standardised barrel-shaped lock mechanism commonly used in uPVC and composite doors throughout the UK. Available in various security ratings including British Standard BS EN 1303 and anti-snap designs that resist forced entry techniques.

Backset

The distance measured from the edge of the door to the centre of the keyhole or spindle hole. Standard UK measurements are typically 44mm or 57mm for latches, crucial for ensuring correct door furniture alignment.

Door Closer (Overhead)

A mechanical device fitted to the top of a door and frame that automatically closes the door in a controlled manner. Rated by power size (EN 1-7) based on door width and weight, often required for fire doors to comply with Building Regulations.

Night Latch

A spring-loaded lock that automatically latches when the door closes, operated by a key from outside and a handle from inside. Common on front doors throughout the UK, often used alongside a deadlock for additional security.

TS007 Standard

British Standard specification for enhanced security cylinders, offering protection against lock snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping. A 3-star TS007 rating (1-star cylinder plus 2-star fitting) meets Sold Secure Diamond standard and insurance requirements.

Mortice Lock

A lock fitted into a pocket (mortice) cut into the door edge rather than surface-mounted. Five-lever mortice deadlocks meeting BS 3621 are the insurance industry standard for wooden external doors in the UK.

Who Uses Door Security & Furniture?

• Locksmiths - Installing, repairing, and upgrading door security systems for residential and commercial clients
• Joiners and Carpenters - Fitting door furniture and hanging doors as part of renovation and new build projects
• General Builders - Installing complete door systems including all necessary security and furniture components
• Property Maintenance Teams - Maintaining and replacing worn or damaged door hardware in rental and commercial properties
• Shopfitters - Installing commercial-grade door closers and panic hardware for retail premises
• Facilities Managers - Specifying and maintaining door hardware throughout office buildings and public spaces
• Fire Door Inspectors - Ensuring fire doors have compliant closers, seals, and hardware that meet safety regulations
• Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts - Upgrading home security, replacing worn door furniture, and improving property appearance
• Landlords - Meeting legal obligations for tenant security and maintaining properties to insurance standards
• Architects and Specifiers - Selecting appropriate door hardware for new developments and refurbishment projects

How to Choose the Right Door Security & Furniture

Security Level Requirements: Assess the security needs based on location and insurance requirements. External doors typically require BS 3621 mortice locks or TS007 3-star rated cylinders to meet insurer standards. Consider anti-snap, anti-pick, and anti-drill features for cylinders in vulnerable locations. Higher-risk properties may benefit from additional security layers such as door chains, hinge bolts, and security viewers.

Door Type and Material: Different doors require specific hardware. uPVC and composite doors typically use Euro cylinders and multi-point locking strips, whilst traditional timber doors need mortice locks. Door thickness, material density, and construction method all affect which products will fit and function correctly. Measure accurately and check compatibility before purchasing.

Fire Safety Compliance: Fire doors must have approved closers, intumescent seals, and compatible furniture that won't compromise the door's fire rating. Check that all components carry appropriate CE marking and certification. Door closers for fire doors must be properly sized (power rating) and adjusted to ensure the door closes and latches from any open position.

Accessibility and Usage: Consider who will be using the door. Lever handles are easier for elderly users and those with limited grip strength compared to knob handles. Door closers should be adjusted to provide appropriate closing force without making doors difficult to open. For high-traffic commercial settings, choose heavy-duty products rated for frequent operation.

Aesthetic Coordination: Door furniture contributes significantly to property appearance and value. Coordinate finishes across all visible hardware - popular options include polished chrome, satin chrome, polished brass, antique brass, and black. Architectural style should guide selection, with period properties often benefiting from traditional designs whilst contemporary buildings suit modern minimalist hardware.

Weather Resistance: External door furniture must withstand UK weather conditions. Look for corrosion-resistant materials and finishes suitable for coastal or industrial environments if applicable. Stainless steel, marine-grade brass, and properly coated products offer superior longevity when exposed to the elements.

Popular Accessories

• Door Stops and Buffers - Wall-mounted or floor-fixed stops protecting walls and door furniture from impact damage
• Hinge Bolts - Additional security devices fitted to the hinge side of doors to prevent forced entry by hinge removal
• Letter Restrictors and Draught Excluders - Accessories for letterplates preventing fishing attacks and reducing heat loss
• Escutcheon Plates - Decorative and protective plates surrounding keyholes and providing additional security
• Key Safes - Secure wall-mounted boxes for storing spare keys, popular with landlords and carers
• Door Numerals and Letters - House identification hardware matching door furniture finishes
• Spy Hole Viewers - Wide-angle optical devices allowing door identification before opening
• Lubricants and Maintenance Products - Specialist PTFE or graphite-based lubricants for locks and mechanisms
• Security Marking Kits - Products for marking and registering valuable items visible through door viewers
• Multipoint Lock Strips - Complete locking mechanisms for uPVC and composite doors

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a 3-star and 1-star cylinder lock?

The star rating under TS007 indicates security level. A 3-star rating (the highest) requires either a 3-star cylinder alone or a 1-star cylinder plus 2-star security door furniture, providing protection against snapping, picking, drilling, and bumping. This meets Sold Secure Diamond standard and is recommended by police and insurers for optimal home security. Standard 1-star cylinders offer basic security but are more vulnerable to forced entry techniques.

Do I need planning permission to change my front door furniture?

Generally, replacing door furniture like handles, knockers, and letterplates doesn't require planning permission for standard residential properties. However, listed buildings and properties in conservation areas have restrictions on external changes, and you should consult your local planning authority before making alterations. Even where not required, maintaining architectural consistency with the property style and neighbourhood is advisable for property value.

How do I measure for a replacement door cylinder?

Measure the cylinder with the door open. First, remove the existing cylinder by loosening the retaining screw in the door edge and withdrawing it using the key. Measure from the centre of the cam (spindle hole) to each end of the barrel. A typical UK size might be 35/35mm (70mm overall) or 40/40mm, but sizes vary. Note whether you need a single, double, or thumb-turn cylinder depending on your door configuration.

Why won't my fire door stay closed properly?

Fire doors that don't close fully usually have an incorrectly adjusted or failed door closer. The closer's closing force may be set too low, the door may be binding on the frame or floor, or the latch may not be engaging properly. Check the closer adjustment screws (usually requiring an Allen key), ensure hinges are tight and not loose, and verify the latch and keep are correctly aligned. Fire doors must close and latch from any angle to comply with regulations, so this requires immediate attention.

What security measures do insurance companies require for doors?

Most UK home insurance policies require external doors to have locks meeting British Standard BS 3621 (for mortice locks) or TS007 3-star rating (for cylinders). This typically means a five-lever mortice deadlock on wooden doors, or anti-snap cylinders on uPVC doors. Final exit doors may have different requirements. Always check your specific policy as requirements vary, and keep proof of compliant locks fitted as insurers may request evidence when making claims.