Door Knobs

A door knob is turned rather than pushed down, which gives a more traditional look than a lever and suits period properties, cottages and cupboard doors. The trade-off is grip: a knob is harder to operate with wet or full hands, and it is not the accessible choice under Approved Document M.

Knob or lever?

Knobs need enough clearance from the frame so knuckles clear the architrave, and on a latched door they usually require a heavier sprung latch than a lever does. Where accessibility matters, choose a lever from door handles or a handle on back plate instead.

Order matching escutcheons for keyed doors and a turn and release for bathrooms. Latches are listed in locks and latches, and complete sets in handle packs.

Knobs and where they work

A door knob turns, it does not lever, so it needs a firmer grip and a deliberate wrist movement. That makes it the wrong choice for a door someone might have to open with full hands or an elbow, and the right choice where the look matters most: period hallways, cottage interiors, wardrobe and cupboard fronts, and doors that are latched rather than used constantly. On a latched door, a knob mounted close to the door edge is harder to turn, so knobs are usually paired with a deeper backset latch than a lever would use.

Knob on rose or knob on backplate

A knob on a round rose is the cleaner, more contemporary version. A knob on a plate covers more of the leaf, which is useful on a refurbishment where old screw holes have to disappear; those are listed with handles on back plate. Where the door does not latch at all, such as a sliding or cupboard door, a pull handle or a flush pull is the correct part.

What else the doorway needs

Knobs are supplied without the latch and without the hinges. For one internal door you still need a tubular latch, three hinges from door hinges, and the room function: a bathroom turn and release from bathroom turn and release cylinders, or a key lock from bedroom lock sets. The cover plates over the keyhole or spindle are escutcheons. To buy the whole doorway as one line, use a handlepack.

Finishes and pairings

Brass and antique brass knobs suit oak internal doors and older houses; see cleaning and maintaining brass door handles. Matt black knobs work best against white primed and black leaves. Satin chrome and satin nickel are the low-maintenance middle ground. Full ranges are available from Carlisle Brass, Atlantic UK, Zoo Hardware and D2F Accessories.

Are door knobs suitable for accessible use?

Generally no. A lever handle from door handles is easier to operate and is the usual recommendation where accessibility matters.

Why does my knob spin without opening the door?

The spindle or grub screw has loosened, or the latch follower is worn. How to fix a loose door handle applies to knobs as well.