Patchwork doors really do have a certain charm—like a well-loved pair of jeans, right? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve tried to “fix” a door and ended up just embracing the quirks. Keyless locks are wild though. The first time I installed one, I kept reaching for my old key out of habit... muscle memory is real. Still, I can’t quite bring myself to trust tech 100%. There’s a backup key taped behind a planter, just in case my smart lock decides to take a day off.
“There’s a backup key taped behind a planter, just in case my smart lock decides to take a day off.”
That’s honestly the only way I can sleep at night—always a backup plan. I’ve worked on so many old houses where doors never quite sit right, and it’s always the quirks that make them memorable. But keyless locks? I wrestled with the same trust issues. I love the convenience, but I still keep a physical key tucked away. Tech is great, but when it glitches, you really appreciate old-school hardware.
I get the appeal of smart locks, but I’m still not sure they’re a perfect fit for older homes. The doors in my place are original to the house—over a hundred years old—and nothing’s ever quite square or flush. I had to do some creative chiseling just to get a deadbolt to line up, let alone something with electronics involved.
I do appreciate the idea of not fumbling for keys in the dark, especially when you’re carrying groceries or it’s raining. But I’ve seen tech go sideways too many times. Once, a neighbor’s smart lock battery died while she was out of town, and it was a whole ordeal getting back in. That’s why I’m with you on the backup key. I actually keep mine in a lockbox out back, not taped anywhere obvious. Maybe I’m paranoid, but I don’t trust tape to hold up through a New England winter.
Curious if anyone’s had luck integrating these newer locks with old, slightly warped doors? Or is it always a bit of a headache? I’ve thought about trying one of those retrofit models that just go over the existing deadbolt, but I wonder if that’s just asking for trouble with a door that doesn’t always latch the same way twice.
And then there’s the look—some of these smart locks are just plain ugly on a vintage door. I know function matters more than form, but I can’t help thinking it spoils the character a bit. Anyone found a model that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb?
I’ve run into this with a few clients—old doors are just unpredictable. Even the retrofit smart locks can be finicky if the bolt doesn’t line up every time, and sometimes they’ll just grind away without locking. One workaround I’ve seen is sanding down the strike plate area a bit more, but it’s not always a perfect fix. As for looks, I agree—most of them clash hard with vintage hardware. The August lock’s probably the least obtrusive I’ve installed, but you still notice it if you’re looking. Honestly, sometimes sticking with a good old-fashioned key just makes life easier on these old doors...
That’s been my experience too—old doors just don’t play nice with modern tech. Even when you get the strike plate lined up, wood movement from humidity or settling can throw things off again. I’ve had to go back and re-adjust a few installs after a season change, which is always a pain. Sometimes I’ll use a bit of graphite or silicone spray on the bolt to help it glide, but that’s more of a band-aid than a fix.
Aesthetically, I’m with you. Most smart locks just look out of place on anything with character. The August is less obvious, but if you’re into period details, it still stands out. I’ve seen people try to paint or antique the hardware to blend in, but it rarely matches perfectly.
Honestly, unless there’s a real need for keyless entry—like short-term rentals or frequent guests—I usually leave the original hardware alone. There’s something satisfying about a solid old lock that just works, quirks and all...
