Wooden Door Lock Service — Mortice, Sash & Rim Locks
Traditional and modern locks for timber doors. We work on Victorian, Edwardian, and contemporary wooden doors across all UK property types.
Step by step
How It Works
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Identify the lock type
Wooden doors use mortice deadlocks, sash locks, rim latches, or a combination. We identify what's fitted and what your insurance policy requires.
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Assess condition
We check the lock mechanism, the door edge, the striking plate, and the frame. Wooden doors can shift seasonally — we assess whether alignment is contributing to any problems.
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Supply the right lock
We carry BS3621 five-lever mortice locks, sash locks, and rim latches on every van. We fit the correct lock for the door thickness and security requirement.
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Fit and finish
Wooden door lock fitting includes chiselling the mortice pocket if needed, fitting the striking plate, and testing the action. We leave no rough edges.
Transparent pricing
Wooden Door Locks
Starting from
£49
per job — exact price confirmed before we start
Mortice, sash, or rim lock supplied and fitted.
- No call-out fee
- Quote before we start
- No fix, no fee
Wooden Door Lock Service
Despite the growth of UPVC and composite doors, timber doors remain extremely common across the UK — particularly in Victorian, Edwardian, and inter-war properties where the original wooden frames are still in use. FastLockAssist’s engineers have extensive experience working on all types of wooden door locks, from traditional five-lever mortice deadlocks to modern multipoint timber-door systems.
Types of Wooden Door Locks
Five-lever mortice deadlock (BS3621) The most common insurance-required lock for timber front doors. Fitted into a slot (mortice) cut in the door edge. A five-lever mechanism provides much better resistance to picking than the cheaper two-lever versions. BS3621 certification means it has passed independent security testing.
Sash lock Combines a latch (spring-loaded, handle-operated) with a deadbolt (key-operated) in a single unit. Very common on back and side doors. Also available in BS3621 versions.
Rim latch (Yale nightlatch) Surface-mounted on the inside of the door, operated by a spring-loaded latch that engages automatically as the door closes. Provides convenience but not deadlock security on its own. Most insurers reference a mortice deadlock in addition to a rim latch as the minimum specification on final-exit doors.
Rim deadlock A surface-mounted deadlock that provides an additional locking point on timber doors, often used alongside a mortice lock for insurance compliance or where a mortice cannot be fitted.
Seasonal Movement and Timber Doors
Timber moves with changes in humidity and temperature. A lock that works perfectly in winter may become very stiff or fail entirely in summer when the door has swollen. We diagnose whether a lock problem is actually a door alignment problem before recommending a replacement — often, adjusting the striking plate or planing the door edge resolves a stiffness issue without any lock work at all.
Period Properties
For Victorian and Edwardian properties where the original timber door and frame are being retained, we work sensitively around the existing woodwork. We can fit modern BS3621 locks into period doors without unnecessary cutting, and we carry a range of traditional-style escutcheon plates and furniture to maintain the aesthetic.
Lock Specifications and Insurance
Before fitting any lock, we confirm what your home insurance policy requires. Most standard policies specify:
- Front door: BS3621 five-lever mortice deadlock or equivalent
- Back and side doors: BS3621 deadlock
- Patio doors: Patio door lock or bolts top and bottom
We can also advise on window locks and additional security measures if required by your insurer.
Local engineers
Wooden Door Locks — Available in Your Area
Select your city for local response times and a dedicated phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our wooden door locks service.
What is a mortice deadlock and do I need one?
A mortice deadlock is fitted into a pocket (mortice) cut into the door edge and locks with a key on both sides. Most home insurance policies require a five-lever BS3621 mortice deadlock on the front door. If you have a Yale nightlatch only, your insurance may not cover you.
My wooden door lock is very stiff — should I replace it?
Not necessarily. Stiff wooden door locks are often caused by seasonal wood movement — the door swells in damp weather and puts the lock mechanism under stress. We can adjust the striking plate and door alignment before recommending a replacement.
Can you fit a new lock in the same hole as the old one?
Usually yes, if the new lock is the same type and similar size. If you're upgrading from a two-lever to a five-lever mortice lock, the pocket may need widening, which we can do on the same visit.
What is a sash lock and where is it used?
A sash lock combines a mortice latch (operated by a handle) with a deadlock bolt (operated by a key) in a single unit. It's commonly used on back and side doors where you need both latch and deadlock functions in one fitting.
How much does a wooden door lock replacement cost?
Wooden door lock replacement starts from £49 for a standard rim latch up to £139 for a BS3621 five-lever mortice lock with parts included. We quote before starting.
Available 24 / 7 — No call-out fee
+44 7871 596411Need wooden door locks right now? Call for immediate dispatch. Fixed price confirmed before we start.