Playing Match Maker: For Door Manufacturers, It’s About Pairing Quality With Consumer Desires
by Angie Hennessy
Grander views. More sunlight. Fresh air and expansive spaces. These are just a few of the reasons why demand for large format doors has increased in recent years, particularly throughout the higher-end portion of the renovation market. Today’s hardware faces more stringent demands than ever due to evolving technology and consumer expectations. Following are some factors to consider when selecting door hardware.
Large format doors create dramatic effects that allow more of the outside in. To amplify those effects and maximize views and daylight, many door OEMs have moved toward larger glass and thinner profiles. These types of setups have significant implications for hardware, especially as system designers continue to push boundaries.
Consider a large format sliding patio door system with narrower profiles and more glass. OEMs will likely need to consider low profile rollers, narrower trim sets and other items. Weight is also a consideration. Depending on the size, systems today have the potential to push 1,000 pounds, which must be distributed effectively for the door to remain easily operable by the average end user. Supplementing the system with higher-performance rollers is one way to ensure this. For example, some applications may require a quadruple roller system to maintain easy functionality.
Matching Grander Aesthetics
Elsewhere, in large-format hinged door systems, hinges must be properly rated to handle the weight of larger door systems. The number of required hinges may also vary, based upon the door’s height, weight and material. Three hinges are common with most standard doors, but as doors get larger and heavier, additional hinges may be necessary to ensure stability and prevent movement. For these reasons, partnering with your hardware supplier on design can be important when manufacturing high-end, large format door systems.
Ensuring functionality in doors—no matter the size—is essential. And when it comes to meeting consumer demand, aesthetic alignment is equally important. Establishing a seamless experience—where handles, locks and other important hardware are visually incorporated into door profiles—creates a cohesive, modern look that many homeowners seek out. Sleeker, contemporary styles, as well as dramatic black finishes can enhance this updated look and feel. Once again, performance is a significant consideration, and sleeker hardware must endure daily usage and wear and tear to deliver years of reliable performance for end users.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, large format doors are often aesthetic statements in their own right, and consumers may want hardware options that deliver comparable elegance. Larger handles and plates can contribute to a greater sense of grandeur, creating a prominent focal point that anchors a main entryway.
No matter the aesthetic goals, one of the most important roles played by door hardware is providing peace of mind for homeowners. It’s part of why multi-point locks have become an increasingly popular design feature within modern hinged and sliding patio door systems. User-friendliness must also be considered here. Multi-point lock systems are more complex than a standard bolt lock, but end users look for comparable simplicity and intuitiveness.
Ultimately, aligning hardware functionality with consumer preferences is critical for today’s door and window OEMs. It’s all about ensuring that form, fit and function work in harmony to create a product homeowners will cherish for years to come.
Angie Hennessy is director of product management, door hardware, for Quanex. Angie.Hennessy@quanex.com
To view the laid-in version of this issue in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.