Smart locks vs Traditional Door Hardware

Which Door Lock Is Right for Your Build?

When selecting door hardware for external doors, homeowners are often weighing up the pros and cons of smart locks against traditional mechanical locks. While they both provide security, one might suit the site, the owner’s lifestyle and security habits more than the other.

Here, we discuss what makes a door lock popular with builders and with homeowners.

Smart Locks

Smart locks continue to gain traction across residential builds, offering a modern alternative to traditional keyed door hardware. For builders and trades, they add practical benefits and added value for clients.

One of the key advantages is the ability to eliminate physical keys. Instead of cutting and tracking multiple keys throughout construction, access can be granted via temporary PIN codes to builders, contractors, cleaners and house guests. This reduces time, avoids key-cutting costs, and removes the uncertainty around site keys.

As Suzanne McNeice, Circa Studio Manager, notes, “The beauty of smart locks is that you can give access to people, and they can’t copy the key.”

Smart locks also reduce common site frustrations such as lost keys or accidental lockouts. With app-enabled models, doors can be locked or checked remotely, which is particularly useful for homeowners who want reassurance without returning home to check.

That said, smart locks do come with considerations. The upfront cost is typically higher than traditional hardware, and installation can also involve app setup and configuration, which may not suit all homeowners. In addition, finish options can be limited compared to traditional ranges, which may impact design consistency.

“There’s a move in the finishes for smart locks, and I think because they used to be only in stainless steel or black. So, suppliers are increasing the finished range of digital locks,” Suzanne added.

Traditional Door Locks

Traditional door locks, on the other hand, remain a reliable and widely used solution across the industry. Their lower upfront cost makes them a practical choice for budget-conscious builds, while remaining quick and easy to install.

For many homeowners, the familiarity of a key-operated system is appealing, offering straightforward functionality without relying on technology. As Suzanne points out, “There is a move towards smart locks, but it can stall when people start to question the security aspect.”

Unlike smart locks, traditional locks are available in a wide range of finishes and styles, offering far greater design flexibility and allowing consistency across internal door hardware.

Some challenging aspects of traditional door locks include managing physical keys, lost keys and rekeying, which can add time and cost to the client. Unlike smart or digital locks, there is no visibility or control over who accesses the site at any given time.

Ultimately, the choice between smart locks and traditional door hardware will depend on the client’s needs and design vision. Bowens offers a wide selection of door hardware and smart locks to suit a variety of styles. With quality brands such as Gainsborough, Yale, Lockwood, Zanda, Iver, Lane and Novas, you’ll find the perfect door hardware in-store or online.