No matter if it is the front door or the door that separates one room of the house from another, installation is rightly considered a challenging and time-consuming endeavor. You have to seek professional assistance. If you wish to do things on your own, you have to buy special tools. There is however one thing that seems confusing.
In the absence of a pre-drilled hole, what should be the standard height of a door handle? For the answer, and a detailed discussion on this subject, please continue reading.
What Is the Height for Standard Door Handle?
As mentioned right in the beginning, a lot of people wonder about the height for door handle.
Regardless of the type of door you plan to install; you must be thoroughly acquainted with the general door handle height. A couple of models have holes drilled into them but that’s not always the case.
The standard door handle height is typically around 34-36 inches (86.36 cm – 91.44 cm) from the floor to the center of the handle. This height is generally considered to be the most comfortable and easy to use for the average person.
According to 2018 International Building Code (IBC), if your floor is around ¾ inches thick, door handles must be installed 34 inches from the floor. The same rule applies for latches, locks, and pulls.
A door handle should never be higher than 48 inches. Many contractors drill holes at the height of 36 inches above the ground.
However there is an exception for access doors or gates in barrier walls and fences that protect pools, spas, and hot tubs, the operable parts of the latch release on self-latching devices may be located at a maximum height of 54 inches (1370 mm) above the finished floor or ground.
This exception is only applicable if the self-latching devices do not have self-locking features that are activated by a key, electronic opener, or combination lock.
How high should door handles and knobs be? – Standard door handle height from floor
The standard door handle height is typically around 34 inches (86.36 cm) from the floor to the center of the handle. This height is generally considered to be the most comfortable and easy to use for the average person.
However, it is important to note that door handle height may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of a building or facility. For example, door handle heights may be adjusted to be more accessible for people with disabilities or to meet certain building codes and regulations.
What are the codes for door handle heights?
There are various codes and regulations that specify the requirements for door handle heights. These codes are typically established by local building codes, as well as national and international accessibility standards.
Here are a few examples of codes that relate to door handle heights:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies that door handles and other operable parts on doors, including latches and locks, must be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes requirements for the height and location of door handles, as well as the force required to operate them.
- The International Building Code (IBC) specifies that door handles must be installed so that the highest operable part of the handle is no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above the floor.
- The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) requires that door handles be installed so that the highest operable part of the handle is no more than 48 inches (1219.2 mm) above the floor, or no lower than 15 inches (381 mm) above the floor.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the codes that may apply to door handle heights. There may be additional codes and regulations that apply to specific types of buildings or facilities, such as hospitals, schools, or public buildings.
What must you do for a door that leads to a swimming pool?
The barrier walls and fences that protect pools, spas, and hot tubs, the operable parts of the latch release on self-latching devices may be located at a maximum height of 54 inches (1370 mm) above the finished floor or ground for protection of children.
The International Building Codes are not binding for the private properties, especially if there is a municipal code. The owners must contact the state or local offices to see whether or not they met the protocols.
Why are door handle heights standardized?
Children:
Door handle heights are standardized in order to ensure that doors are easy to open and close for people of all sizes and abilities. Standardized door handle heights make it easier for people to find and use the handles, which can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Standardized door handle heights are especially important for children, who may not be able to reach handles that are too high or low.
By setting a standard height for door handles, it becomes easier for children to open and close doors on their own, which can help them feel more independent and confident.
Standardized door handle heights can also help to prevent children from accidentally getting locked in or out of rooms, which can be a safety hazard.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA was enacted in 1990 and applies to all public and private places of accommodation, including buildings, facilities, and vehicles.
One of the main provisions of the ADA is the requirement for accessibility. The ADA sets out specific guidelines for the design and construction of buildings and facilities to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities.
These guidelines cover a wide range of features, including door handles, door widths, and wheelchair ramps.
The ADA requires that door handles and other operable parts on doors, including latches and locks, be accessible to people with disabilities.
This includes requirements for the height and location of door handles, as well as the force required to operate them. The specific requirements for door handles under the ADA depend on the type of door and the intended use of the space.
Where should door handles be placed?
The appropriate placement of door handles depends on the type of door and the intended use of the space. In general, door handles should be placed at a height that is easy for people of all sizes and abilities to reach and use.
Here are a few general guidelines for the placement of door handles:
- For standard interior doors, door handles should be placed at a height of around 34 inches (86.36 cm) from the floor to the center of the handle. This height is generally considered to be the most comfortable and easy to use for the average person.
- For exterior doors, door handles should be placed at a height that is easy to reach from both inside and outside the building. This may be slightly lower than the standard height for interior doors, to allow for the possibility of people wearing coats or gloves.
- For doors that are used by people with disabilities, door handles should be placed at a height that is easy for the user to reach and operate. This may be lower or higher than the standard height, depending on the specific needs of the user.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and the placement of door handles may vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of a building or facility.
How can you measure door handle height?
To measure the height of a door handle, you will need a tape measure or ruler. To get the most accurate measurement, it is best to measure from the finished floor or ground to the center of the door handle.
Here’s how to measure door handle height:
- Stand in front of the door and locate the center of the door handle.
- Hold one end of the tape measure or ruler against the floor or ground, directly beneath the center of the door handle.
- Extend the tape measure or ruler straight up until it touches the center of the door handle.
- Read the measurement at the top of the tape measure or ruler. This is the door handle height.
Should the knobs and handles match the overall interior décor of your house?
It is generally a good idea to choose door knobs and handles that match the overall interior décor of your house. Matching the hardware to the style of your home can help to create a cohesive and harmonious look throughout the space.
There are many different styles of door knobs and handles available, so you should have no trouble finding something that matches your home’s décor. You can choose from a wide range of finishes, such as brass, bronze, nickel, or chrome, to match your other hardware and fixtures.
It is important to note that the appearance of your door knobs and handles is not the only consideration. You should also consider the functionality and durability of the hardware, as well as any specific requirements or preferences you may have. For example, if you have small children or pets, you may want to choose door knobs or handles that are more difficult for them to open.
FAQ’s
How to measure door knob size?
To measure the size of a door knob, you will need a tape measure or ruler. There are a few different dimensions that you may need to consider when measuring a door knob, including the diameter of the knob, the distance between the knob and the door, and the thickness of the door itself.
Here’s how to measure a door knob:
- Locate the center of the door knob and hold one end of the tape measure or ruler against it.
- Measure the diameter of the knob by extending the tape measure or ruler across the widest part of the knob.
- Measure the distance between the center of the knob and the door by extending the tape measure or ruler from the center of the knob to the door.
- Measure the thickness of the door by holding the tape measure or ruler against the edge of the door and extending it to the opposite edge.
How to measure door hinge size?
o measure the size of a door hinge, you will need a tape measure or ruler. There are a few different dimensions that you may need to consider when measuring a door hinge, including the width and length of the hinge, as well as the thickness of the door.
Here’s how to measure a door hinge:
- Hold one end of the tape measure or ruler against one end of the door hinge.
- Measure the width of the hinge by extending the tape measure or ruler along the length of the hinge.
- Measure the length of the hinge by extending the tape measure or ruler along the width of the hinge.
- Measure the thickness of the door by holding the tape measure or ruler against the edge of the door and extending it to the opposite edge.
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Conclusion
I hope this information has been helpful in answering your questions about door handles and hinges. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.
