Smart Lock Door Measurement Requirements
Before installation, check the following areas. The measurements shown in the reference image are useful examples for some lock layouts, not universal pass/fail rules. The exact allowance depends on the smart lock body, handle projection, door construction and frame.
1. Door Edge to Glass
If your door has a glass panel, photograph and measure the flat area between the door edge and the glass. Some wider smart lock bodies may need around 105 mm, while narrower models may need less. Confirm the exact model before drilling or purchasing.
2. Door Thickness
Measure the door thickness at the edge. Many residential smart locks suit doors around 35-55 mm, but spindle, screw and mortise requirements vary by model. The 40 mm reference in the image is a common check, not a guarantee of compatibility.
3. Security / Screen Door Clearance
If there is a security or screen door in front of the main door, photograph the gap from the side and measure the closest clearance. Some larger camera or pull-handle locks may need around 70 mm, but the required depth depends on the selected lock and both door handles.
Send Us Door Photos to Confirm Suitability
Please send us photos of your front door before booking or purchasing a lock. We can check the photos and confirm whether your door is suitable for smart lock installation, whether custom work is needed, or whether another model would be a better fit.
Please send these four clear photos first:
- The outside face of the door and existing lock
- The inside face of the door and existing lock
- The door edge showing the latch or mortise area
- The door frame showing the strike area
If relevant, also include the door thickness measurement, edge-to-glass measurement and a side-on photo of the screen/security door clearance.
These measurements and photos help us confirm whether your door is suitable for smart lock installation and ensure a smoother setup.
Before You Buy: Check the Door First
Most smart locks can be installed cleanly on common Adelaide timber doors, security doors and many modern entry doors. The important part is checking the door and frame before choosing the model.
A good smart lock installation is not just about the lock. The door thickness, frame clearance, existing hole position, handle style and latch alignment all affect whether the final result looks clean and locks smoothly.
Quick Self-Check
Use this checklist before booking an installation or ordering a lock.
- Door material: Timber doors are usually the easiest. Aluminium, metal, glass-framed and narrow stile doors may need a specific lock model.
- Door thickness: Many smart locks need a door thickness around 35-55 mm. Thicker or thinner doors may need special parts.
- Frame space: The door frame needs enough room for the strike plate and latch to close securely.
- Existing lock position: If the current handle or deadbolt is too close to the door edge, glass panel or metal frame, the lock choice matters.
- Pull handle clearance: Long pull handles can clash with wide smart lock bodies if the spacing is too tight.
- Door alignment: If the door already rubs, drops or needs lifting to lock, it should be adjusted before fitting a smart lock.
Doors That Usually Work Well
Smart locks usually work well on standard hinged front doors with enough flat space around the existing handle. Timber doors are the most flexible because the mortise pocket, latch hole and strike plate can be adjusted neatly.
Modern front doors with long pull handles can also work very well, but the lock body and handle clearance must be checked first.
Doors That Need Extra Care
Some doors are still possible, but they need a more careful model choice or custom installation:
- Narrow aluminium frame doors
- Glass-panel doors with very limited lock space
- Doors with existing oversized holes
- Doors with a very narrow jamb or strike area
- Double doors and doors with unusual multipoint locking systems
- Doors that are warped, dropped or difficult to close
For these cases, ADE may recommend a different smart lock body, a custom strike plate, door adjustment, or CNC-machined hardware for a cleaner finish.
Our Recommendation
Do not choose the lock only by features. Choose it by the door first, then features second. A camera lock, fingerprint lock or Apple Home compatible lock is only useful if it can be installed securely and aligned correctly.
If you are unsure, send us the photos before purchasing. We can check the door and recommend a suitable model for your Adelaide home.
Send your four door photos through our Adelaide quote form, text 0431060390, or email info@adesmarthome.com.au for a door compatibility check.
