Choosing the Best Lock Systems for Your Home

There’s a certain peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected by a reliable lock system. After years of tinkering with different types of locks for my own home and a few friends, I can tell you, choosing the right lock isn’t just about security—it’s about convenience, durability, and finding what suits your daily life. It’s a small detail, but trust me, it’s one that can make all the difference.

You see, I was in your shoes not too long ago, wondering which lock would best keep my family safe. I spent hours browsing online and testing various systems. I wish I had a simple guide back then. So, let me save you some time with what I’ve learned.

Start with the Basics: Types of Locks

When I first moved into my house, I thought all locks were pretty much the same. Deadbolts, right? Wrong. There are so many options out there that it can be overwhelming. Here are the main ones I’ve tried:

Deadbolt Locks – These are the bread and butter of home security. When I installed a deadbolt on my front door, it instantly made me feel more secure. It’s a solid choice if you want to keep intruders out. Make sure you get a double-cylinder deadbolt. It locks both sides, meaning a thief can’t just break a window and unlock it from the inside.
Smart Locks – I hesitated before jumping on the smart lock bandwagon, but eventually, convenience won me over. Now, I don’t need to fumble around for keys anymore. With a quick tap on my phone, the door unlocks. Some even use voice commands! But here’s the kicker: smart locks can get glitchy if they lose power. So, I always keep a spare key hidden nearby. Technology is great, but it’s not perfect.
Keypad Locks – These are a sweet spot between traditional and smart locks. I installed one for my garage. No more digging through my pockets when my hands are full with groceries. I just punch in the code. A bit of advice, though—pick a code you can easily remember, but something hard for others to guess.
Mortise Locks – If you’re someone who values durability, go for mortise locks. I tried one on my backdoor. They are more complex to install, but these locks are heavy-duty. It’s not something that’s going to be kicked open anytime soon.

Each of these locks has pros and cons, and the best choice depends on what you’re trying to secure and how much convenience you want.

Think About Location

Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: different locks work better in different places. You don’t need the same type of lock on every door. Take my house for example—on the front door, I’ve got a high-security deadbolt paired with a smart lock. That’s because it’s the main entrance, and I want extra security there.

But on the backdoor, where it’s mostly us going in and out, I opted for just a deadbolt. I figured, why overcomplicate things for a door only the family uses?

Then there’s the garage. This one’s interesting because it’s part of the house, but it also has a big, heavy door that’s not as secure as you think. I went with a keypad lock for ease and also added an extra lock on the inside.

For side entrances or windows, a slide bolt can also add an extra layer of security without breaking the bank. I use them on my basement windows because, honestly, those are weak points.

Material Matters: What’s Your Door Made Of?

This might sound trivial, but your door’s material can influence what type of lock you need. I learned this after installing a smart lock on a flimsy wooden door in the guest room, only to realize it wasn’t secure enough.

Here’s the rule of thumb:

Wooden Doors: Perfect for deadbolts or mortise locks. Just make sure your door frame is solid because all the security in the world won’t help if the door can easily be kicked in.
Metal or Fiberglass Doors: These work well with just about any lock. I’ve found that the strength of these doors pairs nicely with the precision of a smart or keypad lock.
Glass Doors: This is where it gets tricky. Glass is naturally more vulnerable, so you want something extra secure. I personally use double-cylinder deadbolts on glass doors, making it impossible to unlock without a key from the inside.

Rekeying vs. Changing the Lock: Don’t Make This Mistake

One of my biggest “aha” moments came when I thought I had to replace all my locks after losing a key. Spoiler alert: you can rekey a lock without replacing it.

When I lost my keys a few years ago, I thought I’d have to replace every lock in the house. Then, a locksmith friend taught me that most locks can be rekeyed for much cheaper. All you do is have a locksmith change the internal pins in the lock to work with a new key. It’s faster, cheaper, and just as effective.

This is also a great option if you’ve moved into a new house and don’t know who has copies of the old keys. Always, always rekey or change the locks when you move into a new place!

Installing Locks: DIY or Call a Pro?

Now, I’m no professional locksmith, but I’ve installed enough locks to know this: some are easy DIY projects, and others will make you pull your hair out.

If you’re just adding a simple deadbolt, go ahead and DIY it. There are plenty of tutorials out there. I remember installing my first deadbolt in less than an hour, and it’s still going strong today.

But if you’re dealing with something more complex, like a mortise lock or a smart lock that requires a precise fit, don’t be afraid to call in a professional. I had to learn this the hard way after spending two hours on a smart lock installation, only to give up and call someone to finish it. Sometimes, it’s worth paying for peace of mind.

Choosing What’s Right for You

At the end of the day, the best lock system for your home is the one that fits your needs. If you’re after maximum security, double down on deadbolts and reinforced doors. But if you value convenience, maybe a smart or keypad lock is more your style.

Here’s the thing—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s all about figuring out what’s best for your home and lifestyle. Personally, I like to mix it up: a little bit of tech with the smart lock at the front, some old-school strength with a deadbolt in the back. Whatever you choose, make sure it works for you and keeps your home safe.