Choosing the right entrance set door hardware is an important part of upgrading or replacing your front-door hardware. The set needs to suit the way you use the door, provide the required level of security and complement the style of your home. It also needs to fit the existing door preparation correctly.

As practising Master Locksmiths based in Blackburn, Victoria, we install and service the same hardware we sell. Our advice comes from working with these products on real doors, not simply comparing catalogue descriptions.

This guide covers the main decisions to make before buying, from locking function and security to finishes, brands, compatibility and installation. You can also browse our full range of entrance sets as you compare the options discussed below.

What Is an Entrance Set and Which Function Do You Need?

An entrance set is door hardware designed for external entry doors where controlled access is required. Entrance set door locks differ from passage hardware, which operates freely from both sides, and privacy hardware, which is typically intended for rooms that need to be locked from one side.

What comes in an entrance set varies between products. Some include the lock mechanism, cylinder, handles and associated hardware as a complete package. Others are handle furniture designed to work with an existing lock or latch.

Depending on the product, components may include a lever or knob handle pair, mortice or tubular lock mechanism, keyed cylinder, interior thumb turn, faceplate, striker plate, fixings and a drilling template. Checking exactly what is supplied is essential when replacing existing hardware.

For a front door entrance set, the locking function should also match how the door is used. Common configurations include:

• Key/thumb turn: operated by key outside and thumb turn inside

• Key/key: requires a key from both sides

• Key/snib: uses a key outside with a snib inside that can hold the latch in an unlocked passage mode.

Start with function rather than appearance. Once you know how the door needs to lock and unlock, you can narrow the product options considerably.

Security Features to Consider

Front-door security depends on more than the entrance set alone. The condition of the door, frame, lock, strike and installation all contribute to the overall result.

When comparing hardware, consider the cylinder and locking mechanism, resistance to common forms of attack, compatibility with the door and frame, and any relevant product ratings or standards. Check current manufacturer specifications for the individual product rather than assuming every model from the same brand offers identical security features.

For example, the Lockwood Nexion Mechanical Entrance Lockset features a 13mm brass bolt, box strike with a concealed crossgrain door-frame strengthening screw, and Secure, Safety and Passage modes. Other Lockwood products may use different security features, so compare the specifications of the exact model you are considering.

Additional hardware such as a deadbolt may complement an entrance set where greater security is required. Some products also provide rekeying functionality, allowing the cylinder to be reset after keys are lost or changed.

The important point is to assess the complete entry point. A high-specification lock cannot compensate for an unsuitable door, weak frame or poor installation.

Choosing the Right Style, Finish and Brand

Once you have narrowed the options by function and security, consider how the hardware will look on your door.

Common finishes available through The Lock Shop include satin stainless steel, polished brass, bright gold, brushed nickel, satin chrome, Venetian bronze and Everbrass. The right choice depends on your door, architectural style and surrounding hardware.

Satin stainless steel offers a clean, contemporary appearance and is commonly used in Australian homes. You can compare entrance sets in satin stainless steel with other finishes to see what best suits your entry. For exterior applications, also check manufacturer specifications for weather and corrosion resistance rather than relying on appearance alone.

Brand is another consideration. Two familiar options are Gainsborough and Lockwood, but the choice should be made at product level rather than assuming one brand is universally better.

A Gainsborough entrance set can suit homeowners prioritising residential design variety or replacing hardware within an existing Gainsborough installation. Browse Gainsborough's entrance set range to compare the available designs and finishes.

A Lockwood entrance set may suit buyers looking for integrated residential locking solutions with specific security features. Products such as the Nexion and Velocity ranges provide different configurations depending on the application. Compare Lockwood's entrance set range against your door preparation, required function and security priorities.

Rather than starting with a preferred brand, identify what the door actually requires and then compare suitable products from each range.

Check Installation and Door Compatibility Before Buying

An entrance set that looks right and provides the function you want still needs to fit the door. Before ordering, check the door thickness, backset, existing holes and cut-outs, handing, and compatibility with existing locks or latches. Standard Australian residential backsets are commonly 60mm, while 70mm may be found on some commercial or older doors.

For cylindrical locks, the bore-hole diameter may be approximately 54mm, but not every entrance set uses a cylindrical configuration. Mortice-style hardware requires different door preparation. Always check the individual product template or specifications before drilling or purchasing.

Door thickness also varies, so never assume a replacement product will fit solely because the existing handles look similar.

A like-for-like replacement may be manageable for an experienced DIY homeowner if the new hardware matches the existing preparation. If fitting requires new holes, lock installation or modifications to the door, professional installation can reduce the risk of poor alignment or damage.

Handle shape and operation matter too, particularly when you're updating more than the lock itself. See our guide to choosing door handles and knobs for additional guidance on selecting suitable door furniture.

How Much Should You Spend on an Entrance Set?

Price is best considered alongside construction quality, security requirements, finish, expected use and product features. The cheapest hardware is not automatically the best value, but a higher price does not guarantee that a product is better suited to your door. Paying for security or durability features you genuinely need makes more sense than choosing an expensive model with features that add little value for your application.

Think about how frequently the door is used, the level of security required and the expected lifespan of the hardware. A main front door used throughout the day may justify a different investment from a secondary external door with lighter use.

For a broader look at budgeting, read our guide on how much you should spend on door handles and hardware.

Once you have set a realistic budget, compare products by function and specifications rather than price alone.

Entrance Set Buying Checklist

Before purchasing entrance set door hardware, work through these points:

• Confirm the hardware is designed for an external entrance door.

• Decide on the required locking function.

• Measure the door thickness and backset.

• Check existing holes, cut-outs, locks and latches.

• Confirm the handing requirements, if applicable.

• Decide if additional security hardware is needed.

• Choose a handle or knob style suited to the door.

• Select a finish that complements nearby hardware.

• Compare suitable Gainsborough, Lockwood and other product options.

• Check the individual product specifications.

• Consider frequency of use and durability.

• Set a budget based on the door's actual requirements.

• Check the installation requirements before ordering.

Following the checklist in this order helps prevent appearance from driving the entire decision. Function and fit come first, followed by security, style, brand and budget.

Choosing the Right Entrance Set for Your Home

There is no single entrance set that suits every front door. A suitable choice needs to fit the existing door preparation, provide the required locking function and security, and complement the other hardware around your home.

Start by measuring the door and identifying the function you need. From there, compare compatible products by security features, finish, brand and price. This approach makes it easier to find hardware that works properly rather than choosing on appearance alone.

For homeowners in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, professional installation is also available when the job involves new lock fitting, drilling or modifications to the existing door.

FAQs

What is included in an entrance door set?
It varies by product. Some entrance sets include handles, the locking mechanism, cylinder and associated hardware, while others provide handle furniture designed for use with an existing lock or latch.

What is the best entrance set for a front door?
The best option is one that matches your door measurements, required locking function and security needs. Once those requirements are established, you can compare suitable products by finish, brand and price.

Can I replace an existing entrance set myself?
A like-for-like replacement may be manageable for an experienced DIYer. If new holes, lock fitting or modifications are required, professional installation is generally the safer option.

Should my entrance set match the other door hardware in my home?
It does not need to match every piece exactly, but coordinating the finish and general style with nearby handles, hinges and locks can create a more consistent appearance.

What security features should I look for in an entrance set?
Look at the lock mechanism, cylinder construction, relevant security ratings and compatibility with your door and frame. For additional protection, some front doors may also benefit from a separate deadbolt or other security hardware.