We finally found the perfect excuse to update the front door hardware: an upcoming appearance on camera. That little nudge was enough to get the project moving. A recent return to the store left us with an extra $80, which more than covered the roughly $50 cost of the new hardware. With the budget sorted, we set out to replace the old brass doorknob and deadbolt and freshen the door’s finish so everything would look intentional and cohesive.
The original brass set clashed with our nearly black, oil-rubbed bronze porch lights and matching shutters. Beyond aesthetics, the old deadbolt was frustrating: it required a key to lock from the inside. That’s not ideal for everyday convenience or safety. Removing the dated brass hardware made an immediate visual difference and felt like a small but meaningful upgrade.
Installation of the new oil-rubbed bronze doorknob and deadbolt was straightforward, but there were a couple of small challenges. First, the existing bore hole for the knob was slightly undersized for the new set. Rather than call a professional, we used a makeshift chisel (a flathead screwdriver and a hammer) to carefully enlarge the hole. Take it slow and test the fit frequently to avoid taking out too much material. Safety note: wear eye protection when chiseling or hammering near the door.
We also discovered some red paint that peeled away with the old brass hardware. At first we tried a simple “sand and paint” fix, but the transition between old and new paint remained visible. To achieve a seamless finish, we switched to spackle: apply a thin layer to fill any ridges, let it dry, sand smooth, then prime and paint. This method eliminates visible lines and creates a uniform surface ready for the final coats.
After sanding and spackling, we painted the door with several coats of Valspar’s Fabulous Red. Multiple thin coats work better than a single thick coat: they dry faster, reduce drips, and provide a more even finish. We allowed adequate drying time between coats and lightly sanded between layers where necessary to achieve a professional-looking surface. The result coordinated perfectly with the rest of the porch and brought fresh curb appeal to the entryway.
The finishing touch was adding a bull-ring door knocker. We tracked down a specialty hardware store locally and found an antique-bronze knocker that matched the oil-rubbed finish of the new Quickset doorknob and deadbolt. The knocker cost about $23, and the small investment added character and a classic feel to the front entrance. When selecting accents like a knocker, check them against your primary hardware in different light to ensure the finishes complement each other.
Tips and takeaways from this front door hardware upgrade:
- Measure carefully before purchasing new hardware—check bore hole size and backset measurements to avoid surprises.
- If the existing hole is small, expand it gradually. Test fit often and protect the surrounding paint and trim.
- Address peeled or uneven paint by sanding, applying spackle where needed, and using primer before painting the final color.
- Choose complementary finishes (oil-rubbed bronze, antique bronze, etc.) and compare pieces in natural light when possible.
- Invest a little in accents like a knocker to enhance curb appeal and create a cohesive look.
In the end, swapping the doorknob and deadbolt and refreshing the door color was an affordable project that greatly improved the look and function of our entry. With a few basic tools, some patience, and attention to detail, you can update your front door hardware to match your home’s style and boost its curb appeal.