How a Door Brace for Security Can Protect You and Your Family | By Security Expert Jordan Frankel

As a security expert who’s spent decades protecting families and businesses, I can tell you this: your front door is one of the most vulnerable points in your home. In this article, I’ll show you how the right door brace for security can make all the difference when it comes to stopping intruders and keeping your loved ones safe. From real-world break-ins to product selection tips, you’ll learn everything you need to know about choosing and using a security door brace effectively. Don’t wait for a crime to happen. Let’s secure your door properly and permanently.

The Hard Truth About Front Doors

When it comes to home security, most people focus on alarm systems, cameras, and motion lights. And don’t get me wrong, those are all important. But in my experience, there’s one critical area that gets overlooked far too often: the front door. 

Believe it or not, around 34% of burglars enter through the front door. And that statistic doesn’t even include home invasions, which are typically more aggressive and dangerous. In both cases, criminals are counting on one thing: a weak entry point that gives way with minimal resistance.

Unfortunately, they’re usually right.

Take a recent case in Flushing, New York. According to an NBC7 news report, two men kicked in the front door and violently attacked a 70-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man. The intruders stole $750 in cash before fleeing the scene. But the real cost was far greater than money—it was the trauma and vulnerability left behind.

Situations like this are not as rare as we’d like to think. As a security professional, I’ve provided my expertise on hundreds of door kick-ins, and most have one thing in common: the front door failed when it mattered most.

Many homeowners rely on a single deadbolt, assuming that’s enough. But even high-quality deadbolts can fail under force—especially when installed in weak or hollow door frames. Criminals know this. In fact, many carry simple tools designed to exploit these weaknesses in seconds.

This is exactly why I recommend reinforcing your front door with a high-strength door brace for security. It’s not just about stopping a break-in—it’s about making your home a less appealing target in the first place.

What Exactly Is a Door Brace and How Does It Work?

From a home security perspective, a door brace is a device designed to reinforce your door against forced entry. Unlike traditional locks and deadbolts that rely primarily on the strength of your doorframe and locking mechanism, a door brace adds an additional layer of physical security by anchoring your door to a sturdy base—usually the floor beneath it.

There are two main types of door braces for security:

Portable Door Braces: Portable door braces or bars are versatile, easy-to-use devices that don't require permanent installation or drilling. They typically extend from the doorknob to the floor, creating a barrier that prevents the door from being opened from the outside. This type of brace is ideal for renters, travelers, or anyone seeking an easily removable solution.

The problem with portable door braces is they are typically telescopic with a hollow center. While they may look sturdy in appearance, the reality is just the opposite. Under extreme force, the height adjustment pin can snap. The rubber foot that rests on the floor also tends to slip and slide. Ultimately, the brace falls to the floor. 

Permanent Door Braces: Permanent door braces are securely mounted to the floor and designed for maximum strength and reliability. Usually made from steel or heavy-duty reinforced materials, they provide substantial resistance to forced entry attempts by transferring the energy of a kick or strike directly into the floor.

Permanent door braces offer a high level of ongoing protection and are ideal for homeowners seeking a robust, long-term security upgrade. By adding a permanent door brace, you're not just securing your door; you're buying precious time—time that can deter criminals or allow you to respond by calling for help or alerting authorities.

Why a Security Door Brace Is Superior to Door Locks

Most people assume a good deadbolt is all they need. But a deadbolt is only as strong as the frame it’s anchored into. Most residential door frames are made from soft wood or composite material. A few strong kicks can split the frame and render the lock useless.

A permanent security door brace changes the equation. It doesn’t rely on the frame. Instead, it transfers the force of an attack directly into the floor. So when someone tries to kick in the door, they’re not just dealing with a lock anymore. They’re up against a physical barrier that was designed to stop them cold.

Whether it’s made from reinforced polymer like the OnGARD security door brace or another high-strength material, a properly installed door brace makes it dramatically harder for an intruder to break through a door. And that extra resistance? It might be just enough to make them give up altogether.

To see just how a permanent door brace for security works, check out this video: OnGARD demonstration video.

The Power of Deterrence: What a Door Brace Tells an Intruder

One of the most overlooked benefits of a door brace isn’t just how it performs—it’s the message it sends when someone tries to force their way in.
Most intruders expect a door to give way after one or two hard kicks. That’s because, in many cases, it does. Weak frames. Hollow doors. Cheap hardware. They’ve seen it work dozens of times before.

But when they meet a properly braced door that doesn't budge, that resistance sends a very clear message: This homeowner is prepared. This isn’t going to be easy.

In those crucial few seconds, doubt sets in. The longer it takes to get in, the more risk they face—being seen, being heard, or worse, being caught. That’s often enough to send them running.

While a security door brace is absolutely a physical barrier, it’s also a psychological one. It disrupts the plan. It shakes their confidence. And more often than not, that’s exactly what makes them walk away.

How to Choose the Right Door Brace for Security Purposes

When it comes to selecting a door brace for security purposes, it’s important to consider the following factors:

1. Door Type and Swing Direction: Make sure your brace is compatible with your door. Most door braces for security are made for inward-swinging doors, but options exist for outward-swinging models.
2. Material Quality: Many security door braces are made of steel, which might seem strong—but steel can bend under pressure and is prone to rust if not properly coated. For superior durability, consider high-strength polymer models. For example, the OnGARD Security Door Brace is constructed from a proprietary polymer that withstands over 3,100 pounds of force. It doesn’t corrode, and absorbs energy more  effectively than steel, and maintains structural integrity even under repeated impact. 
   
3. Installation Method: Consider your comfort level with installation and whether you prefer a permanent or portable solution. Portable braces are tool-free and great for renters and travelers. Permanent braces require drilling into your floor, providing unmatched strength and long-term protection. They’re best suited for residents committed to a lasting and more reliable security solution.
   
4. Floor Compatibility: Ensure the brace you choose is compatible with your flooring type. Most high-quality braces can be installed on various types of flooring. The OnGARD brace works with nearly any subfloor—plywood, tile, even concrete. In lab testing, it withstood 3,100 pounds of force on standard plywood. That’s serious strength.
   
5. Emergency Egress and Accessibility: Quick-release designs are essential for safety. The OnGARD, for example, can be disengaged without bending down—you can even use your foot. The floor plate is also wheelchair accessible.
   
6. Cost and Warranty: Door braces for security typically range from $40 to $150. Look for models with strong warranties. OnGARD, for example, comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Maintaining Your Door Brace for Maximum Security

After investing in a high-quality door brace, proper maintenance is important to ensure lasting protection. Luckily, security door braces typically require minimal upkeep. Here are a few tips:

• Inspect it twice a year for wear, loosened hardware, or damage.
  
• Keep it clean and dry. Wipe it down occasionally to prevent dust or debris buildup.
• Polymer security door braces are ideal because they won’t rust.
  
• Test its resistance with gentle pressure to make sure it stays secure.

Integrating Your Door Brace with a Broader Security Strategy

A door brace works best as part of a layered security strategy, with each layer slowing down or deterring an intruder before they get inside. Here’s what I recommend:

• Reinforced Doorframes: Start by upgrading the weak spots. Reinforced strike plates, long screws (2½–3 inches), and heavy-duty hinges go a long way in strengthening your doorframe. You can even install a full metal doorframe reinforcement kit for maximum durability.
  
• Security Cameras and Alarms: Visible systems not only help deter break-ins but also alert you—and sometimes the authorities—the moment someone approaches or breaches a vulnerable entry point.
  
• Proper Exterior Lighting: Bright, motion-activated lighting near entry points makes it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed and gives them fewer places to hide. It can also act as a deterrent.
  
• Window Security Film: Windows are common weak points. A security film like BurglarGARD by ShatterGARD holds shattered glass together during impact. This delays entry, protects against flying shards, and increases overall safety. It's especially important for ground-floor windows, glass-front doors, sliding glass doors, and sidelights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Door Braces for Security

Q: Is a permanent door brace hard to install?
A: Not at all. Most models require basic tools and about 15-30 minutes. You’ll drill holes into the floor just inside the door, anchor the base plate, and attach the brace. Many include templates and step-by-step instructions.

Q: Can I install a door brace if I’m renting?
A: Portable braces are ideal for renters—they’re tool-free and leave no damage. Permanent braces usually require landlord approval since they involve drilling into the floor.

Q: Can emergency responders get in if a brace is engaged?
A: Yes. Paramedics and firefighters carry specialized tools not available to the public, allowing them to bypass reinforced entry points when necessary.

Q: Will a door brace for security interfere with daily use of my door?
A: No. Security door braces are used only when you’re home. Permanent models disengage easily and don’t interfere with opening or closing the door.

Q: Should I still use a deadbolt?
A: Absolutely. A door brace complements—not replaces—your existing locks. Think of it as one more layer in a multi-layered defense strategy.

Q: Are there options for outward-swinging doors?
A: Yes. While most security door braces are for inward-swinging doors, there are solutions available for outward-opening doors. Always confirm compatibility.

Q: Can it lower my home insurance premium?
A: Possibly. Some insurers offer discounts for added security. While a door brace alone might not qualify, it can contribute to overall savings when paired with alarms and cameras.

Real Protection Starts at the Door

When it comes to protecting your home and loved ones, small upgrades can make a big difference. And a door brace for security is one of the most effective, affordable enhancements you can make. While locks, alarms, and cameras all play a vital role, the door brace provides something uniquely powerful: physical resistance. It’s a silent guardian that adds precious seconds or minutes during a break-in attempt—time that can mean everything in an emergency.

A door brace is not just a piece of hardware—it’s peace of mind. Whether you're a homeowner or renter, tech-savvy or hands-off, adding a door brace to your security setup is a proven way to deter intruders and protect what matters most.
Stay safe, stay alert—and always stay a step ahead.