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tiffany_otero43

knobs interior, levers exterior

24 days ago

We have a lot of doors that lead to an outdoor courtyard and our pool. I have two small kids. I am considering having levers for the exterior part of my door knob, and using knobs for the Interior. Has anyone done this? I feel like it will look nice and intentional but i am second guessing myself. Both sides will be in natural bronze.

Comments (13)

  • PRO
    24 days ago

    Why? You will pay more for the combo, but that said, you can't be in and out at the same time, right? : )

  • PRO
    24 days ago

    Why ? What do kids have to do with it? I prefer levers everyhwere but I am almost 80 so thinking arthritis maybe down the road . I aslo like them when hands are full they just work better

  • 24 days ago

    Pardon my assumption…Are you worried that the levers would be easier for the kids to open the doors than turning the knobs? You should have a fence around the pool for just that reason.
    The kids will eventually learn to open the doors no matter what you use.
    Since you want to use levers on the outside, use them on the inside as well.

  • 24 days ago

    I'm also assuming you're asking as a way to help keep the kids inside. Even though the levers make it much easier to open/close doors (we trained our dog how to use them on command), consider a longer term, layered plan because the kids will quickly figure out how to turn the knobs anyway.

    • A deadbolt above the lever buys some time because it's harder for smaller kids to reach and installing a style with a keypad on the exterior allows adults in when it is locked. There are different price points for different features but worth every penny even if you don't have a pool.
    • Every door should already have spring loaded hinges so they aren't accidently left open.
    • If you have a security system, you can set it to chime when an exterior door is opened. Or, you can apply small wireless, battery powered alarms that can be mounted high on the door and activated with remote control. We were required by code to add them to our second level exterior doors when we remodeled and the type we got are shockingly loud. Still, they're quieter than an ambulance.

    Pools are irresistible to children and they can manage to fall in even if an adult is standing next to them. Or maybe the nuisance is traffic. You can add a fence, set house rules they're never to go outside without an adult, mount cameras, etc. but mostly, you have to know where they are and check frequently.

  • PRO
    24 days ago

    Agree with the others. The combo will be more expensive. You will have to think long term on what you want your hardware to be.

  • 24 days ago

    I forgot to mention that the set is priced by the rosette. Doing a knob/liver combo is the same price. I also regret to mention that I prefer the look of a knob over a lever, but find liver is more functional when entering a house if you need to be hands-free.

  • 24 days ago

    And yes, we absolutely have a fence around the pool. It’s more so than getting outside without me knowing. We live in Arizona and it’s very hot outside.

  • 24 days ago

    I apologize for the typeos - siri failed me

  • 24 days ago
    last modified: 24 days ago

    Do you have an alarm system? If you do, set the Door Chime to ON, adjust the chime volume so you can hear it, and no one will sneak outside/inside without you knowing!

    I always have it set to ON, but it was great having that feature enabled when the kids were young and teenagers!

  • 21 days ago

    Do you have an alarm system? If you do, set the Door Chime to ON, adjust the chime volume so you can hear it, and no one will sneak outside/inside without you knowing! "

    People don't even need to have an alarm system - they can get a door sensor and attach it to just that door if they want. Cheap and effective - I installed a couple at work for interior doors (about $20 per)

  • 21 days ago

    I prefered the look of knobs over levers but still went with levers and glad I did. I can't tell you how many times I have used my elbow to open a door when my hands were full inside. Not sure what kids have to do with knob vs lever???

  • PRO
    20 days ago

    Just as it's easier for you to use a lever vs a knob, it's easier for kids to do the same. I think the Op wants to make it more difficult for children to exit the home, so a knob would be better because it takes more coordination to open a door with a knob than a lever.

    When my kids were little, I had key locks on all the doors to prevent them from being able to leave without my knowledge. I prefer knobs; key locks gave me both the look I wanted and peace of mind.