skip to main content

Replacing Door Hardware in the entire house

7 years ago

We have had many phases of renovations and we'd like to incorporate a unified look and replace all the door hardware. My builder has high quality egg knobs that I like in Oil rubbed bronze that I like, but I also like levers. I'm wondering if I can mix those two types? I want levers on the french doors because I think they look good on french doors and the egg knobs everywhere else. He said he doesn't usually mix them, but I'm thinking why not? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Featured Answer

worthy

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Not in bear country! (Where our ursine friends find levers exactly to their liking and Goldielocks ripe for a snacking good time.)

In Canada's answer to California, Vancouver, B.C., doorknobs are banned in new home construction in the name of universal access. Ontario only effectively bans doorknobs in non-residential.

Whenever I've had levers, I always managed to catch them in sweat pants pockets and loose shirt sleeves, ripping the clothes and stopping me short. I guess I'll turn up the heat and go au naturel.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

bossyvossy
7 years ago
I mixed, though I have mostly levers. The unifying element is finish, in my case, brass.
User
7 years ago
Sounds ok to me. French doors often have lever handles instead of knobs. Our current(Retire/Expire) house has traditional knob type handles. The difference is in how those knobs work, some(double door closets) are fixed, single door(closet/bedroom/bath) are open/close/lock, and the house to garage is a lever.

To me, appearance takes a back door to functionality.
Related Discussions
Old style doors and hardware--mixing styles throughout the house?
Q
Comments (6)
I have a 20s storybook/ English cottage style home with mahagony stained doors with brass key hole plates surrounded by orginal paint grade casings. Painted wood work with solid dark doors was very common in Victorian, storybook and Spanish style homes built in the twenties. I found a nice replica door via rings end when doing my addition. I used a key plate and knob sourced through a local salvage supply store. Part of the glass knob appeal is the skeleton keys so if you could find real plates and knobs with skeleton keys via salvage yards that would be ideal. Row of small linen closet doors in hallway. The hallway is painted in a dark color so it reads darker with or without the stained doors. Bathroom addition door from rings end with salvaged knob and plate
...See More
Replacing doors in an old house
Q
Comments (14)
heat gun, outside with a type of mask should be ok. the issue with stripping is this. the stripping only works on EACH layer at a time. so those doors could have 8 layers of paint on them. that's 8 applications of stripper. Heat gun is looking mighty fine right now huh? I like to use SoyGel. (get the gallon jug- Amazon) It's the least toxic because they use soy beans. the best part is no fumes and it cleans up with water. the others you have to use a chemical wash to remove the stripper. you have to let the stripper sit for 30-50 mins in order to do it's thing. scrape off the gunk w/a good tool. repeat the process until you hit raw wood. that one door looks like it has a lot of holes. you would have to patch those w/bondo or wood filler, sand, prime and repaint that one. as for the handles, you can soak them in a crockpot (find an old one at a thrift store) to remove any old paint. stripper works on that too.
...See More
Would replacing all interior doors increase sales price of the house
Q
Comments (45)
I do look at doors, but more as to what it says about the quality of the house, if that makes sense? The house we live in now was outdated - classic "grandma special" - but has solid wood doors throughout. We looked at another home in the neighborhood with a similar layout that had been "updated", including with cheap big box doors and you can just tell the difference. To me, it spoke to the quality of the build/improvements/home in general, etc. That being said, OP: I would say don't bother with the doors, unless, as stated, there are obvious issues with your current doors. The investment won't be worth it in return on price, but you might get a return by way of a quick sale - so it may depend on your situation. Many people don't care much one way or the other or notice these things - many are more concerned with aesthetics, which is why "Menards flips" persist. (And, no, Bry911, I know you do good work, not talking about your flips :)
...See More
Hardware finish for entire home remodel?!
Q
Comments (2)
We work best with photos, floor plans (even if rough) and measurements. Have you cruised around the area to see what typical homes there are like. You might want to go in a direction that fits in with the vibe of the Chesapeake. When I lived in DC we often went to the Bay for company parties at the home of one of our employees. Love that area!
...See More
Kim Taff
Original Author
7 years ago
Good point. Thanks!
0
User
7 years ago
Levers everywhere. It is more universal design friendly.
0
Kim Taff
Original Author
7 years ago
You're funny! Never thought about bears. We have levers in our mountain cabin.
0
User
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I don't think bears have resorted to picking locks yet? Although they are probably smart enough to replicate key code on a punch in access if they watch enough times.
User
7 years ago
I also favor levers. However, levers can cause dangerous as well as pesky situations.

We have a new pup with separation anxiety. The one lever handled door is the one from the house to the garage. That is the one she opens(by jumping on it), allowing all three dogs access to the garage----and freedom when the garage drive in door is open as we return. I had to reverse the levers so I can lock her in.

Plus, toddlers can operate levers long before they can twist regular knobs. Just imagine a toddler opening the door to the basement/outside with no supervision.
0
Fori
7 years ago
Do both. It'll look fine, and as you are aware, should you need easier ones to open as you or someone else ages (or starts carrying mugs in both hands), they aren't hard to replace.

Pets DO learn to open the levers if they are tall enough to reach them. They rarely close them after they pass through.
0
cpartist
7 years ago
They rarely close them after they pass through.

Those pesky pets. Kids and pets never seem to close doors behind them.
0

Related Stories

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

FURNITURE Old Furniture: Clean, Reupholster or Replace It?

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

A veteran upholstery cleaner weighs in on the options for found, inherited and thrift store furniture

GREAT HOME PROJECTS New Hardware Gives Doors a Turn for the Better

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

New project for a new year: Get a handle on how to find the knobs, levers or pulls that will make your doors memorable

REMODELING GUIDES Watch an Entire Kitchen Remodel in 3½ Minutes

By Mitchell Parker

Zip through from the gutting phase to the gorgeous result, thanks to the magic of time-lapse video

WINDOWS How to Replace Window Trim

For finishing new windows or freshening the old, window trim gives a polished look with less effort than you may think

Replace Your Windows and Save Money — a How-to Guide

Reduce drafts to lower heating bills by swapping out old panes for new, in this DIY project for handy homeowners

DIY PROJECTS How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Swap out an old faucet to give your kitchen a new look — it's a DIY project even a beginner can do

MOST POPULAR How to Reface Your Old Kitchen Cabinets

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Find out what’s involved in updating your cabinets by refinishing or replacing doors and drawers

DESIGN DETAILS The Secret to Pocket Doors' Success

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Pocket doors can be genius solutions for all kinds of rooms — but it’s the hardware that makes all the difference. See why

DOORS Know Your House: Interior Door Parts and Styles

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Learn all the possibilities for your doors, and you may never default to the standard six-panel again

Sponsored

More Discussions

Our 1963 Red Brick Ranch - BEFORE/AFTER

13

Kitchen floor tile advice

17

was farmhouse sink installed properly

11

Powder room remodel

6

Bathroom Tile Size Question

5