Dogs bring a lot of joy into our lives. They also bring a lot of work.

 

Thanks to Schlage, you can say goodbye to getting up in the middle of the night to let Spike out. Forget the dread of whether you let Spot in out of the rain. Forever retire the leash and give your furry friends the freedom they deserve.

 

Introducing the Schlage Pet Sense Smart Dog Door. This revolutionary smart dog product features a paw pad touch screen and is perfect for all dog lovers out there. This dog-first design has left the Corg-Keys behind and dog independence is no longer a far-fetched idea.

 

Never worry again about making your dog wait to go to the bathroom. Delete your dog-walker’s code, Fido can now walk himself. After hours of Lab testing, the first-ever smart lock for dogs encourages a whole species to retrieve their long-forgotten independence.

 

Just like the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, the smart lock for dogs works with the Sense app so you can see when your dog uses the door. You can also set hours for the deadbolt, so your dog can’t get outside just as the mailman is walking up.

 

Because the lock is specifically for dogs, you don’t have to worry about anyone being able to break in to your house or your teenagers trying to sneak out as it only works with dog paws.

 

Coming soon: Schlage Pet Sense for Cats (We just haven’t figured out how to convince the cats to not lock out the humans. Pre-order right meow.)

 

Happy April Fool's Day! :)

With a wide range of architecurally-inspired styles featuring a premium designer look and feel with concealed screws and low profile trim, Schlage Custom Door Hardware is out top-of-the-line offering that allows you to create the perfect customized look to elevate your home's style.

 

Schlage Custom combined interior door hardware offers both hall/closet and bed/bath functionality in one lock. From nursery to bedroom to home office, you can adapt to the ever-changing life of a room by switching from one function to another. Simply insert the locking pin on the interior side of the lock to enable locking for bedrooms and bathrooms.

 

Installation is easy and Schlage Custom hardware is guaranteed to fit on standard doors. You'll only need two tools to complete the job - a tape measure and a screwdriver. Before we get started, be sure your door is properly drilled and aligned with this door prep checklist.

Door hardware parts checklist

Once you've gathered your tools, you're ready to get started installing your Schlage Custom lock. The first step you want to take is to ensure you have all parts and pieces you will need. Here's a checklist to help you be sure:

Allen wrench: You will use this to tighten the knob or lever.

 Latch: A spring operated bolt with a beveled face to permit a latching action when the door closes.

 Round corner faceplate: This is the decorative faceplate attached to the latch.

 Backplate: The backplate is used to secure the round corner faceplate to the latch.

 Drive-in faceplate: This is an optional faceplate that may replace the round corner faceplate if your door calls for it.

 Strike: The strike plate is the metal plate that will be affixed to the door frame. The strike is used to increase security by holding the latch in place.

 Latch/strike screws: These will be used to secure the latch and strike with the door.

 Chassis screws: These will be used to secure the interior chassis to the exterior chassis.

  Interior chassis: This chassis will be installed on the interior side of the door and will be secured in to place with the chassis screws.

  Exterior chassis: The chassis with two posts and a privacy pin hole.

  Trim: A circular or decorative trim plate attached to the door under the knob or lever.

 Door knobs or levers

  Privacy pin: You will need this tool to change the function of your lock from locking to non-locking.

 Emergency unlock tool: This tool can be used if your lock is set to privacy and is ever accidentally locked. Be sure to keep this tool some place handy.

Installation instructions

1You'll begin by first installing the strike. Secure the strike to the door frame using the two short screws.

2If your door has a backset of 2 3/8", you will not need to make any further adjustments. If your backset measures 2 3/4", the latch is easily adjusted to make it longer by turning the bottom half and extending it out.

3Next, you'll need to determine if you'll be using the round corner faceplate or the drive-in faceplate.

If using the round corner faceplate, put the silver backplate on the latch so the tabs on the latch are aligned with the notches on the backplate. Install the decorative, round corner faceplate over the silver backplate.

If you need to use the drive-in faceplate, you'll need to add a hammer and block of wood to your tool set. Simply install the drive-in faceplate over the latch until you hear it snap.

4If you're using the round corner faceplate, be sure that the angled beveled side is facing the door frame and slide the latch into place and secure with the two remaining short screws.

 

For the drive-in faceplate, slide into place and gently tap in to place flush with the door edge using a block of wood to protect the latch.

5Now that the latch is installed, it's time to put the chassis in place. With the privacy pin hole at the bottom, put the exterior chassis into the hole of the door while aligning the chassis posts with the holes in the latch.

6Place the interior chassis on the other side of the door and secure with the long chassis screws, being careful not to overtighten them.

 

7Now you are ready to install the trim. Notice the small indents on the chassis that lign up with indents on the interior side of the trim.

Make sure the privacy pin hole on the trim also lines up with the privacy pin hole on the chassis.

Line the trim hooks up and slide and click in to place. Repeat on the other side of the door.

8If you want to be able to lock the door, you'll want to use the privacy function. Insert the privacy pin on the pin hole on the interior side. Make sure the wings are horizontal then push until you hear a click.

Rotate the privacy pin one quarter turn to the right, then push it to engage the lock.

9Now it's time to attach the knobs or levers. Levers should face away from the door frame. If your lever is pointing the wrong way, watch this video on changing the handing here. Push your knob or lever into place with the correct orientation then tighten with the allen wrench.

Testing the lock

Now that the installation is complete, it's important to test the lock to make sure everything is in proper, working order.

1If you chose to use the privacy pin, push the pin to lock the door.

2To disengage the lock, simply turn the lever on the interior side to unlock.

 

Your installation is now complete. You can also reference the printed installation instructions here or the video here. For more installation tips and product resources, check out our Schlage Custom FAQ page.

Before you replace your vintage door with a fresh new one, consider the possibility of rejuvenating that old door instead. With a little DIY knowledge, you can restyle, refinish or repurpose that old door into something special – without breaking your budget. Take a look at the ideas below.

1. RESTYLE

Updating your door hardware is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to restyle your door. Schlage door hardware comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes so you can personalize and complement your look. Style is in the details, and this small, inexpensive upgrade is sure to make a big impact.

 

If your door needs a little more TLC, you can still keep it simple and affordable with a little paint or stain as experts and DIY enthusiasts on The Home Depot Community discuss. When one customer couldn’t decide whether to paint or stain his exterior doors, he turned to the experts to find the techniques – and the tools – he needed to do the job right.

 

Another unique option? Milk paint. It’s a water-based paint that creates an antique, distressed look. With a variety of colors and techniques available, you can transform your furniture and take shabby chic to a whole new level.
 

2. Refinish

Who better than our friends at This Old House to offer up a few professional secrets for bringing a beautiful, vintage exterior door back to life? Check out their step-by-step guide that covers removing door hardware, sanding and scraping tips, hanging and finishing, and re-installing the original door hardware.

Sometimes, it’s just nice to sit back and look at all the possibilities and get some inspiration. For that, you can always count on Houzz to provide a whole house full of DIY tips and success stories. Interested in adding a salvaged barn door? Enamored by the original doors from a 19th Century row home? Or is shabby chic your style? The sky’s the limit.

3. Repurpose

If you do decide to replace that old door, there are lots of ways you can repurpose it. Turn it into a bookshelf, a knickknack shelf, a strikingly unique picture frame or a host of other imaginative and useful items. Don’t just think of it as an old door when you can think of it as so much more.

Show us your vintage door upgrades on Facebook and Instagram.

Life is ever changing. At Schlage, we appreciate that every room has a life of its own, evolving over time to reflect your unique preferences. That’s why we set out to create a door hardware solution that would support your needs and adapt to the changing life of any room.

 

Designed as a flexible system, Schlage Custom hardware provides customers with a customizable lock solution. With the 2:1 functionality, you can change a non-locking door to lockable - without having to remove the inner core of the lock. This means you can switch the functionality of your door hardware without buying a new lock. Simply insert or remove the pin tool provided with the lock to change from one function to another.

 

Below are five life moments you likely haven’t considered yet that makes Schlage Custom Door Hardware the perfect choice for families.

First-time parents

Congratulations! You just found out you’re expecting. Once that nesting phase hits, do you know where your child will be sleeping? It may be time to change that office or guest bedroom to a nursery. That might mean you’ll want a non-locking function on the nursery door to ensure you can always get to the baby quickly, and easily.

Families with toddlers

Once your child becomes mobile, consider the doors that may lead to dangerous areas they should be kept away from. Think, basement stairs and rooms that have not been baby-proofed like a home office, hobby room or even a closet storing items that are not safe for a baby or toddler to play with. Easily change your door knob or lever to a locking function without ever removing the hardware from the door.

Families with young kids

So what if your child accidentally locks herself in a room? There’s no need to break the knob – or door. All Schlage Custom locks come with an emergency unlock tool so you can quickly and easily free your child from accidental captivity. You may even want to consider switching a child-proof room, like their bedroom or playroom, from locking to non-locking (Hall & Closet function).

Families with teenagers

As your child grows and gains some independence, easily switch their hardware from non-locking to locking to grant a little more privacy. You may even want to add a little extra security to other areas of the home, like your closet if your kids are prone to stealing your clothes.

Empty-nesters

And just like that, you blink and your kids are all grown up, living in homes of their own. You may decide to change their old bedrooms into something with more utility for your stage of life. Perhaps a hobby room or guest bedroom.

No matter where life takes you or your family, you can count on the quality and flexibility of Schlage Custom Door Hardware to support your needs along the way. Visit Schlage.com/custom to browse the multiple styles and finishes.

Adding a device like Amazon Alexa is a popular way to incorporate smart home technology into your life. But getting the most out of this technology can seem overwhelming. We are here to help with simple tips and innovative products like the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt.

1. The Internet of Things

With more than 25,000 skills just a shout away, Alexa is always ready to help. From playing your favorite music, to ordering your favorite products from Amazon, families are welcoming Alexa into their homes in record numbers. But did you know you can also request a ride to the airport by connecting to your Uber account? Or control your thermostat and lighting? Just don’t tell Alexa to laugh. More products and services are connecting each day, but the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is still our favorite.

2. Secure Connections

To utilize your Alexa-powered device to lock your door, you will need the Schlage Sense™ Wi-Fi Adapter in addition to your Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. The adapter also allows you to control your lock from your smartphone when you’re away from home. The Schlage Sense app simplifies the process of connecting your phone to the Wi-Fi adapter and lock, utilizing industry-leading security to protect communication between your Apple or Android smartphone and your lock.

3. Which Alexa-powered device is right for you?

It really depends on your specific needs. There are a variety of Echo devices available, and all of them are compatible with the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt. The second-generation Amazon Echo is ideal for most homes. The Echo Dot is designed to connect to a home audio system. The Echo Tap lets you make Alexa portable. And the latest options like the Echo Show, Echo Spot and Echo Look are video enabled. Choose the options that work for you and your smart home needs.

4. Peace of mind

Worried about how someone might use Alexa to gain access to your home? Rest easy. At Schlage, we understand that the digital age brings new security concerns, which is why, at this this point in time, we only allow Alexa to lock your door and check the status of your lock. Only an authorized user can use the Schlage Sense app to unlock the door for visitors.

 

*Update May 9, 2018: Schlage announces new Amazon Alexa voice unlocking capabilities. Get the details here.

 

5. Seamless style

Like the Amazon Echo, the Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is offered in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any décor. And the Schlage Sense Wi-Fi Adapter is designed to discreetly blend into its surroundings. So, whether you prefer a modern or traditional look for your front door, it’s easier than ever to make your home smarter and more stylish.

For more information on Alexa and other home automation integrations, visit Schlage.com/Sense.

Everyone wants to save money when it comes to purchases for their home. After all, there is so much that goes into a home and the costs can start to get a little overwhelming. While there are many low-cost alternatives for most household items, there are some key items that you should never penny-pinch on. Here is a list of items that are worth the extra investment.

Kitchenware (knives and pots and pans)

Knives, pots and pans are items you likely use every day. These are products that need to stand up to daily wear and tear. By spending more money on them up front, you will save yourself time and money in the long run. It’s also much safer to work with sharp knives, as they are more likely to cut your food instead of your fingers.

Mattress

Your bed is another item that gets daily use. And it has a major impact on your quality of life. If you wake up each day with a sore back, your whole day is thrown off. And while a good mattress can be expensive, it’s also going to last you for years. Do your research and find the best option for your home. Saving a little money isn’t worth years of restless sleep and back issues.

Large appliances

Similar to your mattress, large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines are going to last you for years, so it isn’t an item that you want to skimp on and later regret. Newer appliances are typically more energy efficient than older models, so some of the initial cost will be offset each month by lower utility bills.

Paint

Painting is a quick and easy way to change up the look of a room, but making changes to your house can get very expensive, pretty quickly. It’s easy to look for the cheapest gallon of paint you can find. But that’s not going to save you money in the long term. Better paints have fewer solvents than low-quality paints, so it takes fewer coats to cover old paint. And the color tends to be richer and truer when you opt for higher quality.

High-traffic furniture

While every family has different needs, there are some pieces of furniture that are subject to a lot of wear and tear. In most cases, your couch and kitchen table need to stand up to daily use. Invest in sturdier pieces that are designed to last. Two cheap couches are usually more expensive than one that’s well made. So save money in the long run and go for a quality product.

Vacuum

If you’re putting a lot of thought and work into your home, you want to be able to keep it looking nice. If you have kids or pets, you are definitely going to be cleaning up messes on a regular basis, so you want a vacuum that is up to the task. While smart vacuums may be more expensive, they save you a lot of time and the technology has come a long way. In addition to Roomba’s Traditional line of smart vacuums, they now offer wet-mop options. Investing in a quality vacuum is also an important consideration if anyone in your family has allergies. Lower-end vacuums often emit more dust and allergens than the high-end options.

Home security

Your home is your sanctuary. Give your entire family the peace of mind that comes with a home security system. There are a lot of options available, so choose the right system for your area.

The foundation of any secure home is the lock on your front door. Schlage offers a wide variety of stylish door hardware with the highest safety ratings available. The Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt offers additional features like a built-in alarm that goes off if someone attempts to tamper or force the lock. The integrated touchscreen also eliminates the need to hide a key under the welcome mat.

Ready to start updating your home? For more tips and ideas on home security and style, check out our Pinterest page.

 

The mark of a true innovator is solving problems before you even know you have them. This is certainly the case when it comes to creating perfect door hardware for your home. There are so many factors to consider – from how a door functions to how it looks to how easy it is to install to what it costs. At Schlage, we continue to develop innovative products that eliminate problems and add simplicity, safety and style to your home.

1. We have to hand it to you

Is your door right handed or left handed? That’s something many people don’t think about when they’re shopping for door hardware. With a left-handed door, from the outside the door hinges are on your left. With a right-handed door, they’re on your right. Schlage Custom Door Hardware makes shopping easy. You don’t need to choose a left or right-handed lock ahead of time because the core can be customized to work either way.

2. It’s your turn

It’s a good idea going in to decide if you prefer knobs or levers for your door hardware. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the number of options available once you get to the home-improvement store. Schlage Custom Door Hardware offers 12 knob and lever designs from which to choose. So what impression are you looking to make? What rooms will they open? Think function as well as fashion.

3. You’ve got the look

Whether shopping online or visiting your local home improvement retailer, Schlage Custom Door Hardware makes it easier to find the perfect look. From Traditional and Transitional to Contemporary, we offer trim options with subtle, yet unique details meant to make a lasting impression. Hidden screws. Low-profile designs. It’s the little things that make a big difference and add value.

4. From start to finish

It’s exciting to have a wide selection of design options available to you. Do you prefer the understated style of Satin Brass? The timelessness and flexibility of Satin Nickel? The rustic character of Aged Bronze? The contemporary elegance of Matte Black? Schlage Custom Door Hardware is available in a range of customizable options to suit.

5. To lock or not to lock?

That is the question. Are you looking for a non-locking interior door for a hallway or closet? Or do you want an added measure of privacy and security for a locking bedroom, bathroom or home office? With Schlage Custom Door Hardware you don’t have to choose one or the other. The innovative system includes a locking pin that easily allows you to switch back and forth. One system. Endless possibilities.

Be in the know. Change your mind–and pretty much anything else your heart desires–without having to change your lock. For more information, visit schlage.com/custom.