Commercial Door Lock Guide (2025): Types, Grades, & Code Compliance | ZenSupply

Everything you need to know about choosing the right commercial door lock for your building or business.

At ZenSupply, we know selecting the right commercial door lock can feel overwhelming. With dozens of options, codes, grades, and specifications, it’s easy to get lost in the details. This complete guide breaks it down simply, so you can select the right lock for your project — whether you're securing offices, schools, hospitals, storefronts, or large commercial buildings.

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Why Choosing the Right Commercial Door Lock Matters

Commercial door locks are engineered to handle high traffic, increased security demands, and long-term durability compared to residential locks. Selecting the right type ensures:

• Code compliance (ADA, Fire Code, Building Code)

• Long-term reliability under heavy use

• Simplified key management for your business

• Reduced maintenance costs

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Common Types of Commercial Door Locks

1️⃣ Cylindrical Lever Locks (Most Popular)

• Installed via two bore holes in the door.

• Ideal for most standard commercial doors.

• Offered in dozens of functions, finishes, and grades.

• Easy to install and maintain.

• Highly compatible with ADA accessibility standards.

✅ ZenSupply Tip: This is our most commonly recommended lock for commercial offices, retail storefronts, and professional buildings.

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2️⃣ Mortise Locks (High-Security & High-Traffic Applications)

• Installed into a mortised pocket cut into the door edge.

• Provide superior strength, durability, and versatility.

• Handle abuse and wear better than cylindrical locks.

• Commonly used in schools, hospitals, government buildings, and high-traffic public facilities.

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3️⃣ Deadbolt Locks

• Adds an extra layer of security when paired with lever or mortise locks.

• Can be standalone or used with door pulls.

• Easy installation in standard 2-1/8” bore holes.

• Popular for after-hours security or restricted access rooms.

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4️⃣ Electronic Keypad & Smart Locks

• Offer keyless entry options using PIN codes, cards, or credentials.

• Reduce the need to issue or track physical keys.

• Many models still include a keyed override for emergencies.

• Popular for buildings with frequent personnel changes.

✅ ZenSupply Tip: Perfect for coworking spaces, gyms, or multi-tenant buildings.

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5️⃣ Cylindrical Knob Locks (Limited Use Today)

• Less common due to modern ADA requirements.

• Still used for non-ADA interior doors or utility rooms.

• Not recommended for primary entry doors in commercial settings.

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Commercial Lock Grades Explained

The ANSI/BHMA lock grades tell you how durable and secure a lock is:

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Commercial Door Lock Code Compliance

? ADA Accessibility (ANSI A117.1 / ADA Standards)

• Lever handles required for ADA compliance.

• Hardware must be operable with one hand, without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.

• Mounted between 34"–48" above finished floor.

• Opening force limited to 5 pounds.

✅ ZenSupply stocks only ADA-compliant commercial lever locks for public use spaces.

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? Fire-Rated Commercial Locks (UL Listed)

• Required for fire-rated doors in commercial buildings.

• UL certified up to 3-hour fire ratings.

• Look for UL marks on latch faceplates.

✅ Our fire-rated locks meet ANSI/UL 10C Positive Pressure Tests, suitable for most commercial fire doors.

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Understanding Lock Functions

Every lock function determines how the lock operates. The most common commercial lock functions are:

✅ Not sure which function you need? Our team at ZenSupply can help you match the right lock function to your building’s needs.

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Commercial Lock Keying Options

Conventional Cylinders:

• Key-in-knob or key-in-lever cylinders.

• Manufacturer-specific.

• Can be keyed alike or master keyed.

Interchangeable Core (IC) Cylinders:

• Allow locks to be rekeyed on-site without disassembly.

• Managed via a control key.

• Ideal for campuses, property managers, and multi-tenant buildings.

IC Core Types:

• SFIC (Small Format Interchangeable Core)

• FSIC / LFIC (Full Size Interchangeable Core)

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Lock Backset (Critical Measurement)

• Commercial standard: 2-3/4” backset (edge of door to center of bore hole).

• Some doors may require 2-3/8" (less common in commercial).

✅ All ZenSupply locks are stocked with 2-3/4” backset standard.

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Commercial Lock Strike Plates

• Standard ASA strike plate included with most cylindrical locks.

• Additional strike options available for metal frames, aluminum storefronts, and specialty doors.

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Lock Finishes

Choose finishes that match your design aesthetic while maintaining durability. Common commercial lock finishes include:

✅ Our commercial locks are available in all popular finish options across major brands.

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Top Commercial Lock Brands We Carry

At ZenSupply, we stock only trusted commercial lock manufacturers including:

Premium Brands:

• Schlage

• Sargent

• Corbin Russwin

• Yale

• BEST

Value Brands:

• Marks USA

• Cal-Royal

• Falcon

✅ Our commercial lock experts can help you select the right balance of cost, performance, and long-term durability.

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Conclusion: Choose the Right Lock With Confidence

Whether you're replacing a single lock or managing an entire facility upgrade, ZenSupply offers the expertise, inventory, and pricing to help you succeed. We specialize in providing:

• ADA-compliant commercial locks

• UL fire-rated door hardware

• Master key systems

• Interchangeable core locks

• Top brands, best prices, fast shipping

? Still have questions? Contact our team for expert help with your commercial door hardware project.