Select and Install Shed Door Hardware

Shed door hardware is an important component to all sheds. Hardware can include things such door hinges, handles and locks. Although these items are easy to purchase from hardware or home and garden stores, some thought should go into the type of hardware chosen. The lifetime of these items should be considered as well as their ability to secure your shed from intruders. 

Shed Door Hinges 

Shed door hinges come in a variety of designs and styles. Some hinges are made to enhance the appearance of the shed. Others are designed for function, affordability or security. Designs usually consist of strap, butt, continuous, spring and concealed hinges. The strap and T-hinges are primarily used for heavy materials such as wood doors.

Butt hinges are the most common style for mounting doors. They are made with a choice of rigid or loose pin. The loose pin can easily be removed with a screwdriver while the rigid pin requires the unscrewing of the hinge to remove a locked door. Spring hinges allow the door to automatically close while concealed hinges keep the hinge from view. 

Installing Hinges 

Different types of hinges have different installation procedures yet all of the fitting methods will have some similar steps: 

Step 1 - Mark the Hinge Area 

The hinge needs to be marked on both the door and the door frame. Later, this mark will be cut to create a recessed area for the hinge. 

Step 2 - Mark the Hinge Thickness 

Place the hinge parallel to the door. Mark the thickness of the hinge on the door. Do the same to the door facing. 

Step 3 - Recess  

Cut out the area that has been marked from both the door and frame. 

Step 4 - Attach the Hinge 

Use a power drill to connect the hinge to both the door and the frame.

Shed Door Handles 

Doorknobs for sheds vary depending on the door. If the shed has a regular door, a doorknob that locks is best. Some shed doors are made in other shapes so latches are more appropriate. Locking doorknobs offer the greatest security since they are built into the door. 

Latches are a common door handle and come in a variety of styles but they need an added lock for security. Installing latches requires a drill and is attached to the door facing. To install doorknobs, the following steps should be used: 

Step 1 - Place Knob 

Determine where the knob will be in the door and mark it both on the outside of the door and the side where the latch will come out. 

Step 2 - Drill the Hole 

Use a 7/8 inch spade bit to drill the hole for the latch on the side of the door. Use a 2 1/8 inch diameter hole saw to drill the actual doorknob placement into the front of the door.  

Step 3 - Place Latch Cover 

Place the latch cover over the latch hole. Trace the cover and recess the area so that the latch cover is flush with the wood and doesn’t protrude. 

Step 4 - Attach Latch Cover 

Attach the latch cover into place by screwing it into the recessed area. 

Step 5 - Insert Doorknob 

Insert the doorknob into its hole and screw each side into place. 

Shed Locks 

Padlocks and key locks are common locks for shed doors that latch. These locks can be purchased in home supply stores and are relatively inexpensive. Although they secure the door, they can be cut by a determined thief. Deadbolts are a safer alternative but they should only be used with sheds that have a standard door.