Door Hardware Schedules: Specify a Complete Opening

A door hardware purchase should begin with the opening, not with a list of attractive handles. The leaf, frame, hinges, lock, closer and seals interact. A hardware set that looks complete in a quotation can still omit a strike, fixing plate or accessory needed for the actual door construction.

Organize by door reference

Give every opening a door number and assign a hardware set. Record leaf dimensions, thickness, material, opening direction, frame construction and intended use. Ask the project designer to identify any fire, escape, accessibility or security requirements before requesting suitable products.

Check the interfaces

The lock preparation must correspond to the selected lock body. Hinges need compatible fixing arrangements, and a closer needs suitable mounting space. Ask who supplies reinforcement or backing where required. A nominally similar replacement may have different hole positions or operating characteristics.

Before purchase approval

• Confirm quantities per opening rather than per building area.
• List all included accessories and fixings.
• Match visible finishes across the complete set.
• Obtain drawings for unusual door and frame arrangements.

Test a representative opening where practical before committing a repeated package. For certification claims, check the exact product and applicable listing rather than a brand-wide statement. BHMA's directory is one reference for products certified under its program; it does not establish every project's acceptance requirements.