A lock faceplate, also known as a lock trim, is the decorative cover plate that goes over and around the keyhole of a door lockset. The lock faceplate serves both aesthetic and functional purposes for a lock. Here’s a closer look at what a lock faceplate is, the different types, and why it’s an important component of any lockset.
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The Purpose of a Lock Faceplate
The main reason for having a lock faceplate is for appearance – it improves the look of the lockset and complements the style of the door. Faceplates come in a wide variety of designs, shapes, materials, colors and finishes to match door hardware and decor. A decorative faceplate can transform the look of a plain, boring lock into something much more stylish and attractive.
In addition to aesthetics, a lock faceplate also serves some important functional purposes:
- It protects the inner workings of the lockset from dust, debris and damage.
- It provides a stable, reinforced mounting surface for attaching the lock to the door.
- It hides any unsightly holes or hardware on the door behind the lock.
- It houses auxiliary components like deadbolts, key cylinders, thumb turns and levers.
Without a faceplate covering it, a lockset would be prone to damage and would look unfinished. The faceplate is what gives the lock assembly a neat, tidy appearance and protects the lock from exposure to the elements.
Types of Lock Faceplates
There are several different types of lock faceplates designed to accommodate various kinds of locksets and door preparations. The most common varieties include:
Mortise Lock Faceplates
Mortise locks have rectangular faceplates that fit over the mortised (recessed) pocket cut into the edge of the door. Popular styles include square corner, rounded corner and beveled designs. Mortise lock faceplates are held in place by either screws or a friction-fit mortise cylinder cam.
Cylindrical/Bored Lock Faceplates
These circular faceplates fit over cylindrically bored holes in doors. They come in a range of diameters like 2-1/8″, 2-3/8″, 2-3/4″ to match up with standard door prep sizes for cylindrical locksets. Cylindrical faceplates feature screw holes for attachment to the door and a center hole for the lock cylinder.
Rim Lock Faceplates
Rim locks mount to the surface of doors with faceplates instead of being recessed into mortises or door edges. Rim lock faceplates have an extra long “neck” that extends outward to overlay the lock body mounted on the door’s surface. Popular styles include oval, round and rectangular designs.
Deadbolt Faceplates
Deadbolt locks have faceplates with a rectangular hole for the bolt throw and a round hole for the key cylinder. Deadbolt faceplates may cover just the deadbolt itself or span across the deadbolt and doorknob holes for a complete look.
Dummy Trim Faceplates
Dummy trim provides decorative faceplates without any lock mechanism for doors that do not need locking functionality. These faceplates are mounted for a matching decorative look but do not have a working cylinder or latch assembly behind them.
Materials for Lock Faceplates
Faceplates are made from a range of materials to suit different budgets, styles and levels of durability. Common lock faceplate materials include:
Metal Faceplates
Brass, bronze and stainless steel faceplates provide exceptional durability for high-use locks. Metal faceplates also offer intricate detailing and engraving for ornamental styles.
Wood Faceplates
Wood faceplates like oak, maple, walnut and mahogany give a stylish, classic look reminiscent of old world architecture. Wood provides natural beauty, but requires more maintenance than metal.
Glass Faceplates
For contemporary homes, glass lock faceplates create a sleek minimalist look. Etched, frosted or colored glass options allow light to pass through the door in unique ways.
Composite Faceplates
Molded composite faceplates offer affordable durability by blending polymers, resins and minerals. Composite won’t rust, corrode or fade, providing long-lasting quality.
Finishes For Lock Faceplates
The finish plays a major role in determining the look, style and feel of a lock faceplate. Here are some of the most popular finish options:
Satin
A smooth, soft sheen popular for an understated contemporary or modern look. Works for many architectural styles.
Polished
High-shine polished finishes like polished brass or chrome convey luxury and opulence. Requires frequent polishing to maintain luster.
Matte
With no shine and a dull, etched texture, matte finishes like brushed nickel provide an industrial, avant-garde look.
Antique
Antique finish faceplates feature an aged, weathered patina like antique brass or rust. Conveys a vintage, timeworn appearance.
Oil-Rubbed
Oil-rubbed bronze finishes have dark, smoky overtones for a dramatic aged effect. Often used in traditional, Tuscan or Mediterranean interiors.
Patinated
Patinated copper and brass faceplates display a greenish aged coat from artificial chemical weathering. Ideal for Old-World, European styles.
Powder Coated
Powder coats provide extreme durability and scratch resistance in bold, vibrant color choices like red, blue, black etc. Great for modern exteriors.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Faceplate
With the wide range of faceplate varieties, materials and finishes available, you’ll want to take a few factors into account when selecting the right faceplate style for your entry doors and interior doors:
- Door Material: Oak doors suit brass, bronze or steel faceplates. Modern fiberglass and steel doors work best with stainless, satin nickel or bronze.
- Architectural Style: Ornate vintage faceplate designs match Craftsman bungalows. Simple, geometric faceplates complement contemporary homes.
- Finish: Make sure the finish coordinates well with other door hardware finishes throughout the home.
- Budget: Pewter and nickel faceplates offer style on a budget. Solid brass costs the most.
- Durability: Consider higher-maintenance real metals vs. low-maintenance composites based on lifestyle factors.
- Climate: In coastal climates, choose corrosion-resistant finishes like stainless steel or oil-rubbed bronze.
- Other Hardware: Match levers, hinges, pulls and knobs to the faceplate for a cohesive look.
How to Install a Lock Faceplate
Installing a lock faceplate takes just a few simple steps, although the specifics vary slightly based on faceplate type. Here is an overview of typical lock faceplate installation:
- Align the faceplate over the holes drilled into the door edge or surface for the latch, deadbolt, cylinder and screws.
- Insert the cylinder tailpiece into the cylinder hole at the “6 o’clock” position.
- Insert the mounting screws into the faceplate screw holes and use a screwdriver to tighten. Be careful not to over-tighten.
- Check cylinder function by rotating the key and toggling the thumbturn or lever handle.
- For mortise locks, insert the cylinder cam into the door’s mortise pocket and rotate 90 degrees clockwise.
- If the cylinder, thumbturn or lever wobbles, tighten screws gradually until snug.
With the right tools and little mechanical aptitude, anyone can tackle installing a new lock faceplate themselves. Just take care not damage the faceplate finish while tightening the mounting screws. If having trouble, consult a professional locksmith for faceplate installation help.
Faceplate Problems and Repair
Lock faceplates are prone to a few common problems after years of use. Here are some typical faceplate issues and fixes:
Worn/Damaged Finishes
Frequently touched and utilized faceplates will inevitably start to show signs of wear like scratches, tarnish, flakes and pits. Refinishing can help restore appearance. Professional replating services offer the best results.
Loose Cylinder/Thumbturn
If the cylinder or thumbturn jiggles, the faceplate screws likely need tightening. This prevents leverage that can snap interior components.
Warped Faceplates
Expanded moisture from seasonal weather shifts can warp wooden faceplates over time. If severe, warped wood faceplates may need replacement.
Corroded Metal
In coastal or high-humidity areas, metal faceplates eventually show signs of corrosion and rust. This necessitates replacement with new stainless or composite faceplates.
Cracked Plastic Housing
For lightweight mass-produced residential faceplates, cracked housings become inevitable after years of use. Carefully inspect plastic housings periodically for any cracks developing.
Faceplate Upgrade Options
If your home’s existing lock faceplates appear outdated or damaged, a faceplate upgrade can provide a quick cosmetic facelift. Faceplate upgrade options include:
- Replacing old faceplates with new ones in a more modern style
- Swapping out dull brass faceplates for a more durable satin nickel
- Coordinating the finish across all locks for a consistent look
- Choosing faceplates with decorative trim details like scrollwork or crystal accents
- Installing smart lock faceplates integrated with keypads, touchscreens or biometric fingerprint scanners
- Upgrading to solid metal faceplates from hollow plastic faceplates prone to cracking
A locksmith can help assess your current faceplates and recommend suitable replacement styles for an updated, cohesive look. Periodic faceplate upgrades also provide an opportunity to enhance home security with high-quality solid metal locking faceplates less prone to tampering.
Conclusion
The lock faceplate may seem like a minor component, but it actually serves many vital functions while also forming the keystone decorative element of any lockset. With the vast selection of sizes, shapes, materials and finishes available, homeowners can find just the right faceplate to perfectly complement the architecture, door hardware and interior design style of a home. And keeping faceplates properly maintained ensures locks continue operating smoothly while retaining their attractive visual appeal.