Isn’t it amazing how tedious some of the small details of a home can be? The standard door handle height is between 34” and 48” from the bottom of the door. But there are a few key exceptions to this height requirement and the key for any door handle height is to measure everything correctly first.
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How to Measure for Door Handle Height
Door handle height is always measured from the bottom of the door. Not from the floor. But from the bottom of the door slab itself. The other tricky part of measuring door handle height is to measure to the center of the bore. You need an excellent tape measure in order to measure this distance well. Milwaukee makes a great 16 foot tape measure you should check out.
This means that you measure to the center of the circle that the door handle would be inserted into. Measuring to the center of the bore can be a little tricky but you can generally “eyeball” it. If you want to be exact, you can measure to the top and bottom and then use math to find the center.
If your door has two bores, such as for a door handle and a deadbolt, you should measure where each bore is, again from the bottom of the door slab. You can also measure to the bottom bore, the one for the door handle, and then measure from the center of that bore to the center of the second bore. However it works easiest for you.
Standard Residential Door Handle Height
One thing needs to be very clear from the beginning. There is no “standard” in home improvement and the one time that you rely on “standard,” you will have a non-standard home. Now that this rant is over…
Typically, door handles are bored at about 36” from the bottom of the door slab. However, building code requires only that they are bored between 34” and 48” from the bottom of the slab.
This means that if a person was taller, they may have asked for the door handle height to be higher up the slab to make it easier to use the door.
Just in case you need your measurements in metric, door handle heights are typically 91 cm or 910 mm from the bottom of the door slab. Though remember, this measurement has some variation allowed.
Shower Door Handle Height
Very similar to a regular bedroom door, the shower door handle should be roughly 36” from the bottom of the door. Of course, a better way to put it is 36” from the finished floor. This is about where most people find it comfortable to use a door handle.
Regardless of door type, 36″ is an adequate door handle height
Residential Closet Door Handle Height
Closet door handle height is similar, again, to any other residential door handle height. Door handles are typically about 36” from the bottom of the door. But they can be anywhere between about 34” and 48” from the ground.
Residential Garage Door Handle Height
When it comes to garage door handle height, there is more variability than you find with other door handle hardware. Garage door handles should not be any higher than shoulder height because they will be hard to use. You will find that handle heights between 32” and about 48” will be adequate.
Exceptions to Standard Residential Door Handle Height
There are a few scenarios that will affect the door handle height you may choose for your hardware. These include putting your door hardware in a lower or higher position than normal. Remember however, that these are just guidelines though.
ADA Door Handle Height
Door handles for an ADA living environment will most likely be placed lower than most other door hardware. However, they still need to be between 36” and 48” of the bottom of the door. Of course, you need to make sure that the handle is still able to be used by the handicapped.
One of the unique requirements for ADA door handles is that the door handle cannot take more than five pounds of force to turn. This makes sure that the handle is easy to turn from any position. And of course, door handles are recommended over knobs just for ease of use.
8’ Door Handle Height
If you have a taller than standard door, usually these come in 8’ heights, you may think that the door handle height needs to be different. After all, the door may look strange otherwise, right?
That isn’t actually the case. Your door handle needs to be the same height, regardless of the height of the door.
Door Height for Children
You may consider changing the door handle height for the kids to use, or not, depending on if you want the kids to use that door. If you have a room that is specifically designed for the children, such as a playroom, you could lower the door handle so that they can use the door without help.
If you have a room that you specifically don’t want the children to be able to use, you may consider raising the door handle height so that they can’t get into the room as easily. You may do this for a pantry where you plan on keeping medications or cleaning supplies for example.
Commercial Door Handle Height
Commercial door handles have different requirements than residential handles. The door handle height is the same, with hardware between 32” and 48” from the ground. There are specific requirements for the locking mechanisms, the speed of close, and the ease of use. You can check out more from Great Valley Lockshop.
How to Drill for a Door Handle
Door knob holes, or bores, are drilled at specific distances and to specific sizes. To drill the hole for a door knob, you’re going to need some sort of door knob, a pencil, and the measurements that your door knob fits. Usually, a door knob will come with a paper template included.
Use a corded drill if you can find one because the torque necessary to drill large holes through a door will drain battery-operated drills quickly. The other trick is to make sure that your holes line up and are dead straight. Any wobble and your door handle won’t install correctly.
Are Door Knobs a Standard Size
Most door handles now use the same size holes just like there are similarities in door handle height. However, there is by no means a standard size for door knobs or handles. In general door handles use a 2” hole for the main body of the door knob and a 1” hole in the side of the door for the latch.
There is no standard for door knob size. Check the instructions with your knob.
Drill Door Knob Hole Template
To drill your door for a door handle, you could always use two hole saws to get the job done. But it is difficult to get the spacing right as well as keep the hole saws straight without a drill press. That’s why there are templates you can buy to help.
These templates will not only help you place the holes in the right spot but also help you to keep the drill and the hole saws straight. Templates will not fit every type of door knob so you need to make sure it will work for yours before buying one.
Should you Consider a Door Knob or a Door Lever
When you are replacing your door handle, you can choose between knobs and levers. Knobs are typically less expensive so if your budget is tight, they’re an excellent option. Knobs are also harder for children or pets to open on their own so your home and rooms are more secure.
However, if you are the type that brings in all of your many bags at once, a lever is a lifesaver because you can open the door with only your elbow. Levers are also easier for the older population that may have sore hands or a weak grip strength.
Both door knobs and door levers are just as commonly found at the hardware store and both are simple to install. Door levers typically come with directions on how to flip the lever so that it doesn’t matter which way your door swings.
Conclusion
If you are replacing your door, that’s the perfect time to change the door handle height to suit your needs. You can make your door handle higher to prevent kids from opening it or to make it easier to open for taller people. There is also the option to make it shorter if you have somebody in a wheelchair or if you want kids to be able to access an area easier.
Don’t forget that the door handle height must be between 36” and 48” from the bottom of the door slab. But anywhere within that range, you can choose where you want it. Feel free to customize your living space to suit you. After all, that’s what life is all about.