Understanding Commercial Door Lock Types for Secure Access

Technology is ever-evolving, offering enhanced efficiency, productivity, and—in the case of some commercial door locks—security. For instance, tech like commercial smart locks are designed to make building entry more convenient for those permitted onto the premises while keeping intruders out.

But are today’s smart locks more effective than traditional commercial door lock types like deadbolts and mag locks?

Ultimately, commercial locks fall into a few different categories, each offering unique security benefits. Below, we’ll explore these categories in detail to help you determine the right door lock for your commercial building.

Why Choosing the Right Commercial Door Lock Matters

Commercial properties hold valuable cargo, so they require tight security. Not to mention, the safety of guests, staff, and residents is of the utmost importance.

When it comes to locks, commercial buildings pair best with devices that can:

Bar thick double doors
Resist weather
Hold up under heavy use
Withstand break-in attempts

Since building staff must come and go, commercial locks should also be reliable. Employees should never waste valuable time wrestling with a jammed lock or struggling to latch it when leaving.

When well chosen, commercial locks can render a building impenetrable to miscreants and welcoming to guests and staff.

Common Types of Commercial Door Locks

Security-conscious minds have engineered several different types of commercial door locks. Once you grasp their subtleties, the right choice (or choices) for your building should become clear.

Deadbolt Locks

The deadbolt lock drives a cylinder into an empty slot in the doorframe when someone turns its key. You’re likely familiar with deadbolts—many exterior residential doors feature them.

When it comes to commercial settings, deadbolts also deliver. Some ideal locations for deadbolt locks include:

Exterior, street-facing doors
Storage spaces (to protect inventory or equipment)
Server rooms (for IT-heavy companies)

Deadbolts also come in single and double-cylinder varieties.

Single cylinders require only an outer key to lock or unlock. Occupants can lock the door from the inside by turning a knob.
Double-cylinder deadbolts call for two separate key turns: one for the exterior and another for the interior.

Businesses often employ double-cylinder deadbolts to prevent intruders from simply smashing through a window and reaching through to unlock the door.

Keypad and Keyless Entry Locks

Chances are, you’ve encountered keypad locks at high-traffic commercial buildings, like gyms and condos. Here’s what you need to know about them:

They operate by mooring the door to the doorframe
Instead of a key, they require an access code
Once the code is entered, the lock retracts automatically and allows entry

For busier buildings, keyless entry offers security and ease of access. Plus, given their electronic nature, keypad locks readily integrate with overarching access control networks, including smartphone-based systems.

Keyless locks also make life easy for visitors and service providers: Residents can simply send instant, temporary codes to allow entry.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are designed to respond to commands from linked devices. This means you can latch and unlatch a smart lock from a corresponding app on your phone. Importantly, this tech relies on WiFi or Bluetooth signals to transmit its commands.

If remote accessibility ranks high on your priority list, commercial smart locks offer an ideal solution—just make sure your building has the internet capacity to handle the load.

What’s more, smart locks are compatible with an array of apps, and easily pair with other “internet of things” (IOT) devices, such as automatic doors, vehicles, and appliances.

Magnetic Locks (Mag Locks)

Mag locks utilize electromagnetism and feature a simple design and setup process. Installers will:

Attach a potent magnet to the doorframe
Fix a thick strip of metal to the top of the door
Connect it to a power supply to charge the magnet field

To unlock a mag-locked door, you simply switch off the power.

Mag locks come in two sub-varieties:

Fail-safe – Since they rely on power to generate an electromagnetic field, fail-safe mag locks will disengage if the power dies, allowing for quick escapes during emergencies.
Fail-secure – Sometimes, security remains paramount. In these scenarios, opt for a fail-secure mag lock. Even if the power drops, the lock will remain fixed to the metal strip.

The best choice for your building will depend on your security needs and the prevalence of escape routes.

Mortise Locks

The mortise lock comes implanted directly into the door. It functions similarly to a deadbolt lock, responding to a key turn or latch rotation from either side.

Mortise locks have garnered renown for their durability and impenetrable nature. Since they rely on a hefty mechanism, they’re best suited for thick, exterior doors rather than internal ones. Their complex arrangement of levers also renders them nearly impossible to pick.

You’ll find mortise locks guarding assets in buildings like:

Retail stores
Schools
Hospitals
Manufacturing plants

Any facility that requires airtight protection can benefit from mortise locks. They generally require keys, however, and don’t typically offer smartphone integration.

Electric Strike Locks

An electric strike lock works in tandem with a door strike—a metal device affixed to the door that coordinates with the locking mechanism. When you see a doorknob encircled by a large metal plate, you’ve likely got a door strike on your hands.

Electric strike devices often pair with local intercom systems or smartphone security apps. It’s common to encounter them in large apartment buildings that deal with heavy foot traffic and frequent visitors.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Commercial Door Locks

When deciding on the best door locks for your commercial building, it pays to assess the full spectrum of your building’s needs. Likely, some combination of commercial door lock types will serve you best, depending on the following factors.

Building Type and Traffic Levels

First and foremost, building type comes into play. For bustling apartment buildings, consider keypad or electric strike locks. They offer elite security while making life easy for tenants and building staff thanks to simple smartphone integration.

For a low-traffic warehouse or retail setting, deadbolts and mag locks are impervious to break-ins and resilient under harsh conditions. They also hold up well under heavy-duty applications.

Compliance and Safety Standards

Of course, any security decision must comply with local safety regulations, as well as federal rules defined in laws such as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Thoroughly research regulatory standards and verify that your lock decisions match with regulations.

Scalability and Integration

You likely have a security system in place already. When adding new locks to the equation, check that they’re compatible with your current tech.

Security systems perform best when well-integrated, with each component supporting the others. You’ll also want to ensure that new additions offer scalability for expansion or evolving needs.

Additionally, opting for smart-integrated systems can further boost security by preserving a record of ins, outs, and alerts. This data serves as an “audit trail” when incidents occur, and furnishes training data.

Best Practices for Installing and Maintaining Commercial Door Locks

While they represent one of the more durable fixtures around, even commercial locks require maintenance to stay strong and secure. Keep your locks in optimal condition by:

Scheduling regular inspections – Minor issues can easily turn into major headaches if they’re not addressed. To that end, check your locks regularly, inspecting for rust, creaky noises, and debris.
Lubricating often – Proper operation depends on slick, smooth surfaces. Reduce grinding by lubricating lock components on a regular basis.
Tightening screws – Components can wiggle loose over time, and loose locks mean lax security, so make sure to tighten screws routinely.

Why myQ | LiftMaster Commercial Access Control Stands Out

No matter what type of lock you choose, commercial door locks work best when paired with smart access control systems, like those offered by myQ.

myQ and LiftMaster’s commercial access control solutions allow you to select locks with a wider access control system, complete with smart video intercoms, real-time alerts, smartphone controls, and more.

Explore all of our technology today to prepare your building for a safer tomorrow.

October 29, 2025