Door Knobs vs. Door Levers: Key Differences

Having the proper opening mechanism for your doors can be life-changing. Door knobs and door levers are two of the most common options for opening doors in modern homes. So, what are the key differences between the two, and which is the most suitable for you? We’ve broken down the pros, cons, cost, and characteristics of door knobs and door levers to help you make an informed decision.

Door Knobs vs. Door Levers: Key Differences

Door knobs rely on a turning mechanism to open the door whereas door levers use a pressure mechanism to open the door. Therefore, door levers make opening easier but can also be problematic for mischievous pets. In contrast, the turning motion required to operate a door knob can pose challenges to elders and those with mobility issues.

Door Knobs

Door knobs are often the default option for doors in any home. They rely on a turning mechanism to open the door. Core parts of a door knob including the knob, the cylinder, and the rotor which retracts the latch bolt when turned clockwise.

Pros of Door Knobs

Door knobs come in various designs and materials, allowing a wide range of design options. They are especially suitable for older homes with a vintage, more decorative look. Different types of door knobs are designed for various usages, such as privacy knobs and passage knobs.

Door knobs require minimum to zero maintenance and provide more security as long as they were correctly installed since a full turning motion must be completed to open the door.

Cons of Door Knobs

Improper installation could leave severe security concerns on door knobs, allowing it to open the door when turned either direction. That’s why many often hire a professional door contractor to install the knobs, leading to a higher cost between $140 to $350 per door.

Turning motion can also pose difficulties for elders or individuals with muscle or joint conditions, because their wrists may struggle with turning, or their hands may not have a strong enough grip.

Best for: Historic homes looking for an old-school aesthetic; households without seniors or those with mobility issues; front or back doors requiring higher security.

Door Levers

Door levers, as the name suggests, use a much simpler mechanism to open the door. When the handle is pressed, it retracts the latch bolt, allowing the door to be opened. Most door levers cost less than $100 and can be easily installed by yourself.

Pros of Door Levers

Door levers are easy to install, affordable, and convenient for many reasons. The simple mechanism means you can open the door even with your hands full by pressing the handle with your elbow. If you live with seniors or people with mobility issues, they can be convenient. A trained service animal can also open a door lever easily. Door levers are also less penetrative than door knobs, making them the perfect option for doors that can’t hold locks with deeper cases, such as glazed doors.

Cons of Door Levers

With convenience always comes unwanted accidents. For example, mischievous animals may quickly learn to open the door by jumping onto the lever. For the same reason, door levers are far less secure than door handles. The press and retract mechanism is also less durable and thus requires more maintenance. Finally, the handle design could get caught on clothes and other things.

Best for: interior doors requiring frequent opening and closing, such as bedroom doors; storm doors; glazed doors; doors used by elders, service animals, or individuals with mobility issues.

Door Knobs vs. Door Levers: Which is Better?

In most homes, you may see a mixture of door knobs and door levers. Choose the correct opening mechanism based on your goals, budget, and restrictions.

Appearance​: Door Knobs

Door knobs have more robust designs than door levers. Specifically, if you want a traditional, ornamental look and feel, you’re more likely to find the desired design of door knobs than door levers. That’s because door levers are a modern invention. Therefore, most of their designs are tailored to contemporary preferences.

Durability​​: Door Knobs

Door knobs typically last longer than door levers and require less maintenance. The most you might need to do is adding a bit of lubrication when you notice the knob is no longer turning smoothly. If you’d rather not worry about regular maintenance, then, door knobs miht be a better choice for you.

Price​: Door Levers

Depending on material, design, and structure, most door knobs and door levers are close in pricing. However, if you factor in the installation cost, door knobs could be more expensive. Certain types of door knobs also use more expensive materials or have a more intricate design, both adding to the initial material cost.

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Door Levers

Door levers are much easier to install by yourself. Door knobs require some careful measuring and removing a significant chunk of door. Improper installation also makes it possible to open the door by turning the knob in either direction, posing security risks. In comparison, door lever installation is straightforward and requires only basic tools.

Ease of Repair/DIYability​: Door Levers

Similarly, door levers are easier to repair or replace, although they may stop working sooner than a knob does. To replace a door knob, you might want to hire a professional, unless you use a universal door knob model or purchase the same make and brand as your existing one.

Maintenance​: Door Knobs

Door knobs require minimum maintenance other than surface cleaning. Unless you notice the knob is becoming hard to turn, there is no need to lubricate. Meanwhile, the pressing motion makes door levers more prone to breaking. As a result, you’d want to inspect and maintain door levers more regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and the fixtures aren’t loose.

Accessibility: Door Levers

Door levers can be opened by almost anyone, including a well-trained service animal. This ensures accessibility for seniors and people with mobility issues, such as muscle or joint conditions or wrist and hand injuries. However, the turning motion required to operate a door handle can be challenging for certain populations.

Security: Door Knobs

Door knobs are more secure than door levers, as long as they are correctly installed. However, remember that both door knobs and door levers can now be integrated with smart home security systems. If you’re willing to invest, door knobs and door levers can be equally secure.