Your door type determines which smart locks will fit, which won't, and whether you need a locksmith. Full compatibility matrix for every common Australian door type.
Door type is the most overlooked variable in smart lock selection. A lock that works perfectly on a standard timber door may physically not fit, not legally comply, or simply not function on a different door type. Check your door type against this matrix before looking at any product.
| Door Type | Smart Lock Compatible? | Key Constraints | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard timber — hinged inswing | Widest choice | Confirm backset (usually 60mm) and door thickness. Most smart locks are designed for this prep. Largest product selection available. | DIY possible |
| Aluminium framed — hinged | Yes — measure stile first | Stile width is critical. Narrow-body locks required below 70mm (McGrath A210, A231). A standard-body lock physically will not fit most aluminium stiles. Measure before ordering. | Locksmith recommended |
| Security screen door | Limited — confirm first | Non-standard stile dimensions. Screen-to-main-door clearance gap critical — measure this gap. Proprietary lock positions on some brands (Crimsafe). Do not order without sending us your screen brand, stile width, and clearance gap. | Locksmith required |
| Fire-rated door (FD30 / FD60) | Certified lock only | Lock must carry AS1905.1-2015 certification for your specific door core type. Standard smart locks are not fire-rated. Legal compliance is mandatory. See Chapter 05 for full detail. McGrath Hamilton Disabled Fire Rated and KAS Neo are the certified products. | Locksmith required |
| Sliding glass / stacking door | Specific accessories | Completely different lock format to hinged doors. Smart lock handles and bolt additions available for sliding doors. Limited product range — contact us to discuss current options before selecting. | Locksmith required |
| Cavity slider — internal | Very limited | Cavity sliders have minimal frame depth and no standard prep for most smart locks. Mechanical digital options (Borg BL series with appropriate trim) may be more practical than electronic smart locks. | Locksmith required |
| Gate — pedestrian or vehicle | Outdoor-rated models | IP66 minimum for fully exposed positions. McGrath Ascot Black is the recommended electronic gate lock — back-to-back function for both sides. For maximum reliability on gates, consider Borg Digital mechanical locks — battery-free, zero electronics, designed for harsh outdoor environments where electronic reliability is a concern. | Locksmith recommended |
| Internal door — bedroom / office | Simpler range | Lower security rating acceptable for internal use. Latch format often sufficient. Battery life typically longer due to lower traffic. Many standard residential smart locks work well. | DIY possible |
| Strata / apartment entry | ⚠ Check strata rules first | Must check strata by-laws before modifying any entry lock. Most apartment entry doors are fire doors — see above. Many schemes require master key override. Some restrict hardware changes entirely. Four checks required — see below. | Locksmith required |
Security screen doors deserve special attention because they are extremely common in Queensland and cause more smart lock compatibility problems than any other door type. The key issues:
Changing the lock on an apartment entry door involves more stakeholders than most buyers realise. All four of the following must be checked before any purchase or installation:
| Check | What to Confirm | How |
|---|---|---|
| Fire door status | Is the entry door a fire door? If yes, only an AS1905.1-certified smart lock can be fitted. | Ask your building manager. Look for an FD rating label on the door edge. |
| Strata by-laws | Does your strata scheme permit changes to entry door hardware? Some schemes explicitly prohibit changes without body corporate approval. | Review your strata by-laws document, or ask the strata manager directly. |
| Master key requirement | Many strata schemes require that building management retains a master key capability. The smart lock must include a physical key cylinder that is masterkeyed to the building's system. | Confirm with building manager before purchasing any lock without a cylinder. |
| Body corporate approval | Even if by-laws permit it, some schemes require a motion or written approval from the body corporate committee before hardware changes are made. | Check with the strata manager about the approval process. |
Send us two photos — the door from outside and the lock face close-up. We'll identify the door type and tell you exactly what will fit.
