When it comes to choosing the right door hardware for your home, quality and safety matter just as much as the perfect style. That is why Schlage volunteers our door hardware for testing against the highest standards, like the new Builder's Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) residential grading system. Here's what you need to know about the new BHMA Certified Secure Home^TM label you'll see on all of our packaging.

 

BHMA is a group of industry experts who grade residential door hardware performance in the categories of Security, Durability and Finish. A grade of ‘C’ is good, ‘B’ is better, and ‘A’ is best. A grade of AAA is the best grade possible in all three categories.

The categories.

Durability: 

A measure of functionality.

 

Determined by how well the hardware can withstand repeated, long-term use with thousands of cycles of turning the lock, latching it, unlatching it, and turning it again.

 

Testing requirements measure:
 

Ease of use when the door changes its fit into the frame as seasonal temperatures rise and fall 

Smooth functionality after a lifetime of use (approximate to 100 years of being used 10 times per day) 

Resistance to dents, like banging keys or purses against the lock when entering

Finish: 

A measure of resilience against the elements.

 

Evaluation of the surface coating or texture of the hardware and its ability to resist softening, bubbling, peeling, discoloring or corroding over time.

 

Testing requirements measure resistance to:
 

Scratching 

Wear and tear from exposure to elements like salt, humidity and UV rays 

To know how each product stacks up against these ratings, look for the BHMA certified label above on packaging. How does Schlage rate against this standard? See our guide to lock security grades on schlage.com for more details.

Giving your home a fresh new look for spring doesn't always require a full remodel. By focusing on a few key details that tie a space together, you can give your home a refresh in no time. Here are five details that are easy to complete and will take your style up a notch.

Which room in your home would be the easiest to refresh? Comment below to let us know!

By Rob Martens, Futurist and VP of Strategy and Partnerships for Allegion, maker of Schlage.

 

One of the things I love most about technology is that every device begins its life as an idea. In decades past, inventors, futurists like myself, and even science fiction writers have spent countless hours imagining ways the future can be better through the advancement of technology. But it’s not only about ground breaking ideas, major advancements, or that moment when the idea becomes reality. Technology has its greatest impact when it becomes accessible enough for everyone to benefit from – when the idea becomes practical.

 

 

We may not have reached the age of flying cars, but now you can lock your car (or your front door) from the other side of the planet, so you don’t have to spend your entire vacation wondering if your belongings are safe. The technology used to do this is fairly simple and has existed for quite a while, yet using it in this practical way may seem like a new idea.

That’s because it takes time for a new technology to grow from just an idea into an actual device, and even more time to become accessible enough for everyone to benefit from. When technology becomes more accessible, it evolves even further as we find alternate ways it can become practical in our daily lives. For example, in just the past few decades the smartphone has completely changed the way we live. We still use them to make calls, but as smartphones have become more and more accessible they’ve also made mobile access to the Internet widespread across the country, giving rise to new services and cultural behaviors that weren’t possible before.

The smart home space is an especially exciting example of this evolution because advancements are happening so rapidly that the possibilities for real-world application expand every day. That moment when a new technology becomes affordable and performs well enough to make its way into the mass market is extremely important in opening up those possibilities. However, in order for a technology to become relevant enough to change the cadence of our lives and even our society, it must be truly demystified for the user.

A lot goes into that demystification. Smart home tech is truly successful when it adds convenience to our lives, and it can only do that when it is simple for any user to set up and begin using. The smart home is no longer about investing significant time and resources into hiring a professional to set up a complex, whole-home system with a user manual the size of a novel. These days, it’s easy to start with one device that works with a smartphone right out of the box and is easily integrated into your daily routine. Smart locks are a great example of this.

In other words, smart home technology is evolving from futuristic idea to practical application rapidly, and it’s no longer just for early tech adopters. It’s for your mom, your grandparents, your kids – anyone moving fast through the day who needs technology to make life easier without causing disruption. This level of accessibility takes smart home to the next level: no longer ‘smart’, but simply ideal. A home that is fluid and adaptable based on our daily, changing needs. No longer a luxury for a select few, but completely obtainable and customizable for all, one piece at a time.

Part of the demystification process is also understanding how these devices can actually be useful and make life easier. Why would you want to be able to control your lock with your smartphone? Because I was in a hurry this morning, and it’s incredibly comforting that I can double check from my office whether I locked the front door behind me. Why connect it to another device? Instead of fumbling for the light switch in the dark when I get home late, the lights come on automatically as I unlock the door. I may be biased, but the easiest way to try smart home tech for the first time is with your door lock. It’s the entry point to your home, and where so much of the magic can happen.

What’s most important is that it’s easy for me to set up my smart lock and integrate it with other devices without having to understand every detail of the technology. They work seamlessly, and they add a moment of convenience to my day without interrupting my routine. This convenience is exciting because it’s no longer just an idea for futurists to consider, but available today to everyone. That level of accessibility is the true future of the smart home –and it’s happening now. To learn more, visit Schlage.com/thoughtleadership.

When it comes to interior design, the details matter. It's easy to become focused on the major elements, like paint colors and furniture, and overlook the little things. When it's all said and done, it's the details that really set a room off and tie everything together. Here are five elements that are easy to update and make a major impact on the style of your home.

1. Door hardware

Updating your door hardware is an easy project that puts the finishing touch on your space. Try upping your style game but installing a new style and finish that coordinates well with existing hardware and accessories in your home.

2. Lighting

Whether you want to add style or function to your space, new lighting can freshen up any room. Try a finish that coordinates with your door hardware and opt for a fixture that brings adequate light into the space.

3. Hinges

Don't let the fear of installing new hinges keep you from trying a new finish on your door hardware. Replacing hinges with a coordinating finish is an easy project when you follow a few simple steps. Check out our step-by-step guide to installing new hinges to see for yourself.

4. Plumbing & fixtures

Consider updating your bathroom and kitchen faucets to a style and finish that complements your personal style. Uncoordinated hardware can be the single element keeping your home from feeling put together.

5. Accessories

Once you've completed installation of your new hardware, set it off with a few accessories that either match or complement the finish. Add a few pops of color for a fun twist or stick to a neutral palette for a sophisticated look. Whatever your personal style, bring it to life in the details.

We want to help you complete the details in your home and simplify your next DIY project. Follow along with us on Facebook and Instagram for plenty of inspiration.

When it comes to style and design, the details make all the difference. Replacing your door hinges will not only add beauty to your home, but also improve door function. It's an update that's as much about aesthetics as it is utility. And the good news is that installing new door hinges is a lot easier than you might think.

 

If you haven't seen our tips on choosing the right door hinges, check that out now. Once you're ready to install, simply follow these steps below.

Required tools

Before you get started, you will need a Phillips screwdriver and tape measure. You may use a cordless screwdriver but this tool is optional.

Installation Instructions

The easiest way to install new door hinges is to leave the door in place throughout the process. There's no need to remove the door if you replace hinges one at a time.

 

1 First, you'll need to remove the screws on both leaves of the existing hinge.

 

2 Simply remove and replace the old hinge with the new hinge.

 

3 Screw the new hinge in place.

 

4 Repeat the process for each remaining hinge, one at a time.

 

That's it! Replacing door hinges is an easy project you can complete in no time at all. For a complete step-by-step look, check out our video tutorial for replacing and upgrading new hinges.

Whether you want to revamp your curb appeal or give your interior a quick upgrade, Schlage's door hardware makes it easy to add the finishing touch to your home. Check out this video to see how door hardware can make a major impact.