Night latch
Locks automatically when the door closes and opens from inside with a knob. Convenient, but the bolt is spring-loaded and offers less resistance than a deadbolt.
Single-cylinder deadlock
Key on the outside, thumbturn on the inside. The bolt is thrown solidly into the frame and cannot be pushed back. You can always exit quickly, which is why this is the safest default for most homes.
Double-cylinder deadlock
Key required on both sides. It stops an intruder reaching through broken glass to open the door, but it also means nobody leaves without a key. If you fit one, agree as a household exactly where the internal key lives.
What the frame is doing
A strong bolt in a weak frame is still weak. Long screws into the stud behind the jamb and a solid strike plate often add more real resistance than a more expensive lock.
This guide is general information, not advice about your specific property. If you want a recommendation for your doors, book a security assessment or call us.