Hi Greg, thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for choosing our Oaklands Stable Door - we’re so glad you love the look and style of it.
Regarding the functionality, the rebate between the two door sections is standard for all stable/Dutch doors. These doors are designed so that the top opens independently while the bottom stays closed (to keep pets in, allow airflow, and maintain security). It’s not typical or required for the bottom section to operate independently of the top.
And thank you for the feedback on hardware - we really appreciate it. We’re pleased to share that we now offer our own stable-door hardware range, making it much easier for customers to purchase both the door and the correct hardware from one place.
Thanks again for your review and for supporting our small business!