Shopping for new door hardware can be challenging – with so many brands offering similar products, it can be hard to determine which ones will work best for you. Two of the most popular brands that we sell here at Direct Door Hardware are Schlage and Emtek. Both have high-quality locks, handles, and other door hardware available at affordable prices, making them favorable to many of our customers. But how do they compare? Is one brand better than the other? In this post, we’ll be comparing these two hardware brands to see if we can find the answer. Because they both have popular door knobs, we’ll be focusing our comparison on those products, but we’ll talk a little bit about their door levers, too.

Schlage
This brand is backed by more than a century of experience, which is quite impressive. Their designers, engineers, and craftsmen work diligently to produce high-quality products that can safely secure any residential or commercial establishment. No matter what kind of hardware you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it from this well-loved brand! From traditional single-cylinder or double-cylinder deadbolts to keyless keypad entry systems for external access, they’ll provide you with everything you could possibly need. Check out their wide selection of door knobs, door levers, deadbolts, handle sets, keyless locks, and commercial products. Let’s dive into two of their product categories and see what features they have to offer:

  1. Schlage Knobs
    No matter what style or finish you’re looking for, this extensive collection of knobs has it all. Each of the knobs is available with a locking entrance function, featuring a turn button on the inside that’s designed to stay locked until disengaged by the user. Here you’ll find a variety of styles, such as the classic “Andover” knob and the simple “Plymouth” knob, which is also a customer favorite due to its versatile round design. For those looking for a more unique look, they even have customized glass options like the “Alexandria” knob and the “Hobson” knob.

  2. Door Levers
    Their door levers are made of all metal zinc die-cast components and feature an adjustable backset latch that can accommodate all of the most common ways a door could be prepped. They’re available in several functions, with the most common ones being keyed entry, passage (hall and closet), privacy (bed and bath), and single dummy. Each lever includes an adjustable latch with a rounded corner faceplate and a drive-in collar, strike plates (with rounded corners), door levers, and mounting screws. Keyed locks and privacy options come with additional keys or unlocking tools. Enjoy their impressive door lever warranty for peace of mind!

Emtek
This brand focuses on designing quality products that are built to offer both style and durability, making them a top name in the industry. Founded in 1983, they offer superior products in all the latest styles and designs, so you can enjoy the latest looks knowing you’re guaranteed a reliable outcome. Their products are known for being extremely customizable, allowing customers more flexibility to find the perfect hardware for their homes. Available product categories include barn door hardware, knobs, levers, rosettes, deadbolts, door hinges, handle sets, keyed entries, cabinet pulls, appliance pulls, cabinet knobs, mortise locks, and more.

  1. Emtek Knobs
    These knobs are very popular because there are a large variety of styles and finishes to choose from. Here you’ll find traditional options such as the “Orb” knob, the “Providence” knob, and the “Round” knob. If you’re looking for something that’ll stand out, unique designs like the “Lancaster” knob, the “Melon” knob, and the “Hammered Egg” knob are all great options. Each style is available in several different rosettes and finishes, so no matter what kind of hardware you already have, you’re sure to find something that will pair with it nicely.

  2. Door Levers
    One thing that this brand does well is keeping up with the current trends in door hardware, and this is evident in its selection of door levers. They’re always coming out with updated styles and designs, so customers can enjoy having the latest and most modern looks. But that doesn’t mean they forget about classic options, so they still have plenty of traditional door levers for those who want a timeless appearance. No matter the design, each lever is available in multiple backplates and finishes, so you can customize it to your liking.

Which Brand Is Best?

They share many of the same qualities and features, which is especially evident when you compare their similar products. One big difference is that Schlage is a hollow Zinc die cast construction and Emtek is made of solid brass. This is why Emtek is more expensive, and typically feels a bit nicer. Ultimately, if you purchase a hardware product from either of these brands, you really can’t go wrong. There’s a reason these are two the highest-ranking brands in this industry, so you’re guaranteed to love whatever product you choose!