What Is The Standard Door Handle Height?
Door handles are more than just a way to enter another room; they are a matter of safety. It is a safety hazard to use a door with a handle that is too high or too low to the ground in many circumstances. So, what is the standard door handle height?
The standard door handle height is 34”-48” from the floor according to building codes. Areas that lead to swimming pools have a higher door handle height range of 48”-54” to prevent drowning. Door handle height is standardized by the International Building Code to comply with ADA accessibility.
Height standards for doorknobs exist for safety purposes and easy access. Professionals generally install door handles 36” from the ground because it is a neutral height. Follow along as we explore the factors that determine the standard door handle height.
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Standard Door Handle Height
The standard door handle height is 34”-48”, and professionals generally install them 36” from the ground. Internal Building Code enforces this door handle height range because it is accessible to children and adults alike. Codes require that you install door handles 48”-54” from the ground if the door leads to a pool area.
This rule exists to protect children and reduce the risk that they could enter a pool area unattended. A door is not considered ADA-compliant if the doorknob isn’t 34”-48” from the ground. However, exceptions such as doors that lead to pools or doors for children in schools don’t always need to follow that rule.
Are All Doorknobs the Same Height?
Not all doorknobs are the same height despite the International Building Code rules. The 34”-48” standard door handle height is the most common, but exceptions exist and it’s important to understand them. The International Building Code uses scientific data to establish a height range that supports most people.
It is best to stay within the accepted door handle height range to avoid penalties and make the door accessible. Let’s take a look at some of the examples for exceptions to standard door handle height.
Shorter Handles In Schools
It is acceptable to install shorter door handles in schools so that children can easily access them. This ensures that children can access the door in case there is a fire or emergency. There is no standard door handle height for schools with small children.
Pools
Pools and hot tubs aren’t necessarily adults-only areas, but there are safety measures to ensure children don’t wander into them. That is why the standard door handle height for pool areas is 48”-54”. Door handles in areas that lead to swimming pools are much higher so that they are difficult to reach for the average child.
The standard door handle height for pools applies to indoor pools as well as exterior doors near a pool. Install high door handles even for gates in your yard if you have a swimming pool or hot tub on the property.
ADA Door Handle Height
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) endorses the standard 34”-48” door handle height. It is illegal to fail to comply with ADA law, and you won’t be able to pass an inspection. The standard door handle height is considered accessible to many people with mobility issues. Door handles that are too high can limit access to people that are wheelchair-bound.
Other Countries
In the United Kingdom and Australia, doorknobs are meant to be 35.5 to 41.5 inches above the floor. This means that international travelers might notice a marked difference indoor height across the pond. However, this still coincides with the IBC standard.
Guidelines For Horizontal Door Handle Placement
It would be pretty weird to see a door that has a knob in the middle of the door. With that said, there is no international standard as to where the door is.
If you do have guidelines, the guidelines in question will be state-specific, or even city-specific. Most doorknobs (or handles) are placed on the right-hand side when you’re facing the way they open.
Generally speaking, it’s best to place your doorknob at least three inches away from the edge of your door. If you have an unusual door handle or a “push handle,” then you may need to readjust it accordingly.
Where Can You Find Regulations For Doorknob Heights?
If you’re getting your doorknobs installed by a professional company, then the professionals will generally know what to do.
However, it’s still best to check your building codes by asking your local municipal office, HOA, or HUD center. Most government entities will be able to tell you what guidelines you need to be aware of.
One important thing to note is that pool doors have extremely different guidelines than regular doors. People who are making doors for indoor pools or commercial settings should mention that to officials so they can make sure they get the right information.
Door Handle Placement
Aside from the International Building Code, the exact position of your door handles and knobs are up to your discretion.
So, to a point, you have to choose where to place your knob. These tips below can help you choose the best possible placements:
The Size Of The Door Matters
80-inch doors look more even at a 40-inch doorknob height. You can make almost any door look more symmetrical by placing your doorknob at the vertical center. This works particularly well with barn doors, French doors, and taller doors.
Match Your Door Heights
Try to match the door heights throughout your home whenever possible. To get the best results here, match them within 1/2 inch of the height.
It may seem extreme, but it’s not. It’s an easy, peasy way to make sure that you get a more harmonious vibe throughout your home.
Keep The Reason In Mind
A door that’s leading to a school janitorial closet is not going to need to be the same height as a door leading to a classroom.
If you are building a room that needs to be highly secured, such as a recording studio, you may want to position the doorknob higher up alongside a higher-placed lock. (Higher locks make doors harder to kick in.)
No Placement Requirements For Locks
If you want to put your locks higher or lower than your knob, that’s up to you. Deadbolts are usually slightly above the knob, while hook latches and sliding latches are often placed even higher up, near the top of the door. Unusual types of locks may need different settings.
Sliding Handles Should Be Waist To Hip Height
If you are going to be using sliding handles for your barn doors, keep them at the hip to waist height. This is the easiest way to ensure that your doors will work with ease. It’s an ergonomics thing.
How to Measure Door Handle Height
If you have a doorknob, then it’s pretty easy to figure things out. However, if your handle is a long bar, it gets a little dicier.
The best way to measure your handle height is to assume that you’re measuring out at the center of the handle’s length. So if your handle is 10 inches long, your height will be five inches from the bottom of the handle.
Choosing The Right Door Handle For Your Door’s Height
Another major consideration is the door handle’s length in proportion to your door’s height. A doorknob is always going to be a safe bet.
However, if you have a larger door, it’s important to choose a handle that has a length proportionate to it. Generally speaking, you can “feel this out.”
Where Should You Place Your Deadbolt?
The jury is out on this. Many deadbolts are placed two inches above the doorknob, while more sophisticated electronic locks (like smart locks) are placed below the door handle.
The rule of thumb for this is to place your deadbolt at the 44-inch level, but it’s generally alright to place this anywhere from 42 to 46 inches off the floor.
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Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.
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