topic Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door? in Home

Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:09:07 GMT

Hi all. We're replacing our hinged patio doors (they're like French doors but only one side opens) and I am debating a knob vs. a lever for the handles on either side. Currently it is a lever but I want to consider everything before I commit to this!

Thanks. If you have an opinion please advise!

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Kitlynn — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:22:57 GMT

I like a lever on them because then it really shows them as French doors.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sooner — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:24:51 GMT

Which ever is easier to use to take out the trash. . .

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

ThinkingOutLoud — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:27:20 GMT

I like the look of a lever but a knob may be more practical.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

millieshops — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:02:09 GMT

knobs make it easier place to put a hanger, etc. but I have read recommendations that levers are better for many as we age and arthritis and other issues attack our hands. Levers are also easier to maneuver if your hands are full.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:02:37 GMT

Every answer a good one! Yes, I like the lever to showcase the door. It does make it seem "elevated". Don't have to take the trash out these doors, but the lever would probably be easier, and yes, the knob is more practical because I think it is more durable but I've been assured this is "quality" hardware.@Kitlynn @Sooner @ThinkingOutLoud

So. I'm leaning lever. A little more updated than the levers we have now - just more streamlined and not quite so "rococco", if you will. Still going bright brass even though some turn their noses up. I like it and it fits the house.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:04:39 GMT

What an excellent point, @millieshops ! Thank you, oh wise one! I use these doors to go out with watering can and bird feeder refills so my hands are frequently full, and yes, I have arthritis.

Once again, leaning lever.

Thanks!

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

On It — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:48:59 GMT

I prefer the look and function of a lever, but animals can open a lever with ease. If you have a clever dog or forest critters outside, the knob is the way to go. Bear can easily open a lever as well as some types of car doors.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:02:26 GMT

Great point, @On It . The dog is pretty smart but he's discouraged from jumping up so he has never learned to operate the lever (he will be sternly admonished if he dares jump on the new ones!).

Bear in the area are moving out (sadly). There's lots of new housing going up. The worst they have done here is to steal my suet holders.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

nana59 — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:30:33 GMT

i have arthritis in my hands...levers are easier than turning a knob.....

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:09:30 GMT

Yes, @nana59 , I'm in agreement and I think it makes a compelling reason to go with the lever. Thank you.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

jlkz — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:16:58 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia

I happen to love the glow and warmth of brass. It will come back in Vogue....every thing is cyclical !!!

Ignore the turned up noses....their choice will be passé once the TV decor shows switch over, lol !

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

MildredM — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 21:40:59 GMT

@nana59 wrote:
i have arthritis in my hands...levers are easier than turning a knob.....

Same here. Arthritis always gets worse and we changed to levers years ago. Some bad days I don't even think I could turn a knob.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

stevieb — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 22:55:48 GMT

I believe these are called atrium doors. My parents had one installed in their family room to replace a sliding glass door. They went with a lever. It is pretty and we do hear how practical they are, but lately I'm finding I don't care for them. It seems everything tends to get caught on them and it's annoying, Personally, I'd opt for a pretty knob.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

sceniccoast — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 01:44:26 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia

We had our sliding doors replaced last Fall. The previous & the new doors both have lever handles, but the new door style is much nicer & has better locking features. I also think they look much nicer than the knob, but of course, it's your choice. Good luck.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

faeriemoon — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 10:50:57 GMT

I prefer levers to knobs.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

caroln242 — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:20:50 GMT

I also have french doors that lead out to my patio where one door is stationary and the other opens. I opted to have levers instead of knobs installed on both doors, even though only one opened. It just looked more symmetrical to me.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

Sweetbay magnolia — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:23:29 GMT

Thanks all for the input! I really appreciate it.

I've decided on a lever in an updated style in bright brass (@jlkz you warmed the cockles of my heart!). I think I could have enjoyed any number of options, since they're nice doors and lead to a glorious woodland, but since I had a choice I think I made the best one for me.

Side note: @stevieb , yes, those handles are a work around when it comes to window coverings. The shades I have currently, I have to tuck behind the lever, but I'm accustomed to it. Fair point, though.

Happy summer to everybody. Thanks for taking the time to help me decide.

Re: Knob or Lever on Patio Door?

stevieb — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:32:16 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia Lots of levers where I live and I find they seem to reach out and grab lots of things, not just window coverings, but they certainly have advantages and can be very pretty. I don't think you can go wrong with a decorative lever and am sure your door will be lovely.