After more than 15 years working as a locksmith across the GTA, I’ve seen the same issue too many times — beautiful homes with strong locks but weak doors.
A door is more than just a way in or out. It’s the barrier between safety and risk. Reinforcing it doesn’t always mean replacing it; most improvements are simple, affordable, and make a real difference against forced entry.
Here are 13 practical ways to reinforce a door, based on what truly works for homeowners I’ve helped throughout Toronto and Richmond Hill.
1. Use Longer Screws for the Hinges and Strike Plate
Most factory-installed screws are too short and only bite into soft wood. Replace them with 3-inch screws so they anchor deep into the wall studs.
It’s one of the simplest and most effective upgrades for better door strength.
2. Upgrade to a Reinforced Strike Plate
A heavy-duty strike plate distributes the force of a kick-in attempt.
Make sure it’s installed with long screws that reach the structural framing — not just the jamb. I install these on nearly every security call in older Toronto homes.
3. Install a Solid-Core or Metal Door
A hollow-core door can splinter under minimal pressure. A solid-core wood or steel door resists impact and adds serious weight.
Even if the frame gives a little, the door itself will hold longer.
4. Reinforce the Hinges
Exposed hinges make it easier for intruders to remove the door entirely.
Install hinge bolts, security studs, or setscrews so the door stays locked in place, even if someone removes the pins.
5. Add a Door Reinforcement Kit
These wraparound kits strengthen the area around the lock and latch, reducing the risk of the door splitting during an attack.
They’re inexpensive and blend well with most door finishes.
6. Install a Deadbolt With Grade 1 Security
Not all deadbolts are equal. Choose a Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA deadbolt for top-tier resistance.
High-security brands such as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock are ideal for Toronto and North York homes, where forced entries are more common.
7. Reinforce the Door Frame
Even the strongest door will fail if the frame gives way.
Use metal strike reinforcers, jamb shields, or full-length latch guards to keep the frame tight and secure. I recommend this upgrade especially for older Richmond Hill properties.
8. Protect Glass Panels and Sidelights
Glass near your locks is a weak point. Add laminated safety glass or security film to prevent it from shattering easily.
If you’re replacing the door, choose a design that keeps glass further away from the locking mechanism.
9. Add a Secondary Lock or Door Barricade
For night-time use, a floor-mounted barricade or secondary bolt lock adds instant strength.
It’s also ideal for basement or side entrances where visibility is lower.
10. Strengthen the Door Jamb
The door jamb takes most of the force during a kick-in. Reinforcing it with a steel plate or jamb shield distributes pressure across a larger surface, making it much harder to break.
11. Maintain the Door Regularly
Locks, hinges, and frames shift over time.
Check alignment, tighten screws, and lubricate your deadbolt every few months. Maintenance keeps reinforcements doing their job when it matters.
12. Improve Exterior Lighting and Visibility
Security isn’t only about hardware.
Install motion-activated lights and make sure your entryway is visible from the street. Most break-ins happen in poorly lit areas — lighting alone can act as a strong deterrent.
13. Match the Reinforcement to Your Home’s Style
Every home is different. Older houses in North York may have thin frames and original woodwork, while newer homes in Toronto use composite materials.
A professional locksmith can evaluate your specific entry points and recommend the right balance between aesthetics and security.
Final Thoughts
Reinforcing your door is one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to increase home security.
Small details — like screw length, hinge strength, and door material — often decide whether an intruder gives up or succeeds.
If you’re in Toronto, Richmond Hill, or North York, Matrix Locksmith can assess your entry points and help you install practical reinforcements that last for years.
Matrix Locksmith – Trusted Residential Locksmith Services in the GTA.
Contact us today for a home security inspection.
FAQs About Door Reinforcement
What’s a good way to know if my door is actually strong enough?
A good way to tell is to knock on the door. If it’s hollow, you’ll hear a light, echoey sound. A solid door has a dull thud instead. Most cheaper homes come with hollow-core doors because they’re affordable, but they’re also easy to break with one or two strong kicks. If you can, switch to a solid wood or steel core door.
Are deadbolts necessary?
A proper deadbolt keeps burglars out. If you’re shopping for one, look for a Grade 1 deadbolt, that’s the strongest kind available. It sinks deeper into the frame and resists force a lot better. In all my time working various locksmith jobs across Toronto and North York, I’ve rarely seen a door with a Grade 1 deadbolt forced open cleanly.
What’s the cheapest way to make my front door safer?
Making your front door safer doesn’t have to break the bank. For starters, here are small things that you can do. They won’t cost you much but they make a huge difference:
- Replace short screws in your strike plate with 3-inch ones.
- Tighten or replace old hinges.
- Add hinge bolts if your door swings outward.
Can I install these reinforcements myself or should I call a locksmith?
Don’t take a chance on your safety and security. Call the professionals. I’ve seen too many well-intentioned DIY jobs that did more harm than good. If you’re not sure, We do door reinforcement jobs all over Toronto, and it usually takes less than an hour to do it right.
What about those smart locks? Do they make doors stronger or just more high-tech?
Smart locks are more for convenience, but even the smartest lock won’t help if the door frame is weak. The best combo is a solid core door, long strike screws, and a smart deadbolt. That way you get both strength and convenience.
Should I be worried if my door opens outward?
Not necessarily. Outward-swinging doors are common, especially for commercial buildings. The issue is the hinges being exposed, which means someone could try to remove the pins. You can fix that with security hinge bolts or corrugated pins. I’ve added those to dozens of outward-opening doors, and they hold up great.
What’s the best way to reinforce a door?
There’s no single best way to reinforce a door. You can start with a solid core or steel door. Swap out the short strike plate screws for longer ones, and use a good Grade 1 deadbolt. From there, hinge bolts or a sturdy security bar add another layer of protection. I’ve seen plenty of break-ins, and most doors fail not because of the lock but because of weak frames or screws.
Do door reinforcement kits really work?
Some of them do, yes. There are kits that include strike plate reinforcements, hinge screws, and latch shields. They’re not a magic fix, but when combined with a solid door, they make a big difference. I use similar hardware when we reinforce doors professionally. Just be sure to buy metal kits, not plastic ones, I’ve seen those snap the first time someone slams the door.
Do motion lights really help prevent break-ins?
They do. Thieves prefer darkness and quiet. Motion-sensor lights suddenly shining on them can be enough to scare them off or make them pick another house. I always tell customers, if you can’t afford a full alarm system, get motion lights and visible cameras. Even dummy cameras help sometimes.
How much do I have to spend if I want to reinforce my door in Toronto?
It depends. Prices also vary by area, since materials cost more in some parts of Toronto. If you want a free quote, I can take a quick look and tell you exactly what you need, no upselling, no pressure.
13 Different Ways to Reinforce a Door
The protection of your home begins with the front door, as it is the initial point of entry for a possible thief. According to Tornoto Locksmith, the majority of burglaries occur during the day, when homeowners are at work.
Remember that an expert robber can break through a typical entry in under a minute. How to reinforce front door? Fortunately, there are numerous ways to reinforce front door, boost your family’s protection, and safeguard your belongings.
1. The Solid Core
When purchasing a front door, you must select between a solid core and a hollow type. There is a reason why hollow core doors are less expensive. Because they are made of cardboard, a few kicks are all it takes to smash this door type.
The solid core door, on the other hand, is significantly safer and more resistant. You can select between a low-cost pinewood model and a more expensive but more dependable hardwood model. Don’t forget about a steel door, which is both secure and helps protect your home from inclement weather.
If you are unsure whether your door has a hollow or solid core, you can test it by knocking on it. The hollow door has an echoey sound, but the solid core door has a dull sound.
2. Locked Deadbolt
A deadbolt lock is one approach to improve the security of your door. If your door lacks one, you may easily install one in a matter of minutes. Because it is the longest, security experts recommend purchasing a grade 1 deadbolt lock. As a result, the bolt is set deeper into the door frame, making it more difficult for the burglar to breach.
Some states, such as California, mandate that the front and balcony doors have single deadbolts. As a result, you can only lock and unlock the deadbolt door from the inside. As a result, it is far safer than conventional lock systems, such as door chains and swing bar locks.
3. Reinforce the Door Lock
Believe it or not, a few little modifications can dramatically increase door security. Because an experienced thief may quickly break a normal lock, many homeowners opt for a lock with an anti-snap cylinder.
You can, however, add security pins to the lock. If you use the lock for a long time, make sure to replace the springs because they can become loose or rusty.
To tighten the lock even more, replace the screws in the metal strike plate that holds the lock latch. Screws in the plate are typically 1 inch (2.5 cm) length. By replacing them with screws that are 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, You will fortify the lock and increase its resistance to forceful access.
5. Secure Door Hinges
Hinges are an important component that joins the door to the door frame. They are visible to the person standing in front of the door if you have the model that opens outwards.
You can strengthen hinges with safety studs to increase your safety. It’s also a great idea to use corrugated pins and lengthy screws. These modest modifications can keep burglars from knocking your door off its hinges.
However, if you have no previous expertise with DIY projects like this, you may inadvertently harm the hinges and doors. In that scenario, it is best to hire a professional to properly secure your door.
6. Lights
When a burglar selects a target, it is usually a house that has been left unattended. The well-lit driveway and porch increase the likelihood that neighbors or anybody else will notice the burglar. As a result, leave the light on at night or install floodlights in the yard.
Floodlights with motion sensors may now be purchased online for $20 to $50 and considerably reduce the danger of burglary. Furthermore, while you travel, you can configure the lights to turn on at predetermined intervals. The robbers will be unaware if no one is at home in this manner.
7. Antique Keys
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
8. Door Frames
A thief with sufficient strength can get into your home by destroying the door frame, as most hardwood frames are not impact resistant. Installing a metal frame will address this problem. Nowadays, you may galvanise your metal door frame and paint it to match the colour of your door.
If you don’t want to replace the door frame entirely, you can add a layer of steel to keep it from breaking. In fact, fastening the high-gauge steel to the frame with long screws is not difficult. Remember that the screws must go through the wall studs on all four sides.
9. Security Bar And Door Barricade
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
10. Security Devices
When you acquire a house, the previous owner, the real estate seller, and who knows who else have all had access to the keys. The most prudent course of action is to replace the lock as soon as feasible. That is also the first thing you should do if you misplace your keys.
It was once usual for your first neighbours to have a spare key to your house. Today, though, it is uncommon to have a neighbour in whom you have such faith.
Unfortunately, keeping a spare key exposed, such as under a mat or flowerpot, can be dangerous. As a result, the best approach is for only family members who live in your home to have access to the front entrance.
11. Glass Doors
There are a variety of front door models available on the market. Keep in mind that, despite their appealing appearance, glass-paneled doors are not safe. By smashing the glass and unlocking it from the inside, criminals can easily overcome the security bolt. If you currently have a glass door, you can have it replaced or a double cylinder deadbolt lock installed.
12. Peephole
As you are aware, a thief can knock on your front door and forcefully enter your home when you open it. Install a wide-angle peephole to avoid this issue. That way, you can see who is standing in front of the door before opening it. That means you can only let people in who you trust.
13. Back Doors
Even if you have done all possible to lock your front door, there is always the risk that robbers will enter through the back door. If you are one of these homes with a sliding glass door in the back, you must also secure it.
Unfortunately, no strike plates or deadbolts can be installed on the glass door. The ideal choice is to choose a high-quality glass that will not shatter on the first strike. You can also install a two-bolt locking system or a security bar to prevent the door from slipping open when you are not at home.
Summary
The front door is the first point of entry for intruders trying to break into your property. As a result, you should protect it as much as possible. The good news is that there are numerous strategies to strengthen your entrance. The final decision will be based on your preferences.
When considering how to reinforce a door, it’s crucial to prioritize security by implementing several key steps. Begin by upgrading the strike plate with longer screws and installing a deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt, paired with a reinforced strike plate for added strength. Enhance the door frame’s durability by incorporating door reinforcement bars or jamb reinforcement kits and replacing hinges with longer screws for better anchorage. To further fortify the door against forced entry, consider installing a door security guard or brace and applying security film to glass panels. Regular maintenance ensures all components remain in optimal condition, effectively bolstering the door’s security and deterring potential intrusions.
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