Door Knobs

How to Choose a Door Knob

Before choosing a door knob, consider both the style and the way it needs to work. Check the backset, the type of knob, the existing holes and fixing method, and whether the door requires passage, privacy, dummy or entrance functionality.

If you're replacing existing handles, we recommend removing one first so you can see what is underneath. Our guide to replacing existing door handles explains what to check before ordering.

• Check the backset. For a new knob installation, we recommend approximately 60mm wherever possible.
• Check underneath the existing handle. Look for screw holes, marks and any large 54mm bore hole that needs to be covered.
• Check the fixing method. Make sure the new knob has secure fixing points.
• Choose the correct function. Decide whether each door needs passage, privacy, dummy or locking hardware.
• Check the latch or lock. If you're retaining existing hardware, make sure it is compatible with the new knob.

Traditional Mortice Door Knobs

We use the term mortice knob for a traditional door knob with a threaded spindle. The knob threads onto the spindle and is secured with a grub screw, while the round backplates are loose rather than permanently attached to the knob.

This construction makes a mortice knob particularly versatile. It can be installed on a standard door using both backplates and a tubular latch , or used with a traditional rim lock . When fitted to a rim lock, the loose backplate on the rim-lock side is simply not required.

Many traditional mortice knobs are made from sheet brass, closely reflecting the construction found in older Australian homes, although forged brass mortice knobs are also available.

If you're fitting a rim lock, browse our dedicated door knobs for rim locks .

Mortice, Forged Brass & Sheet Brass Door Knobs

Not every traditional-looking knob is constructed in the same way. Traditional mortice knobs use a threaded spindle and loose round backplates, allowing them to work with a tubular latch or compatible rim lock.

Some door knobs have the knob permanently attached to the backplate and use a flat spindle. These are commonly forged from brass and generally feel heavier and more solid.

We also stock sheet brass knobs on long backplates. These use a threaded spindle, but because they don't have the separate round backplates of a traditional mortice knob, we describe them as sheet brass door knobs rather than mortice knobs.

Long-plate sheet brass construction is found in a number of classic reproduction designs, including Bungalow, Edwardian and Art Deco styles.

Replacing Existing Door Knobs & 54mm Holes

If you're replacing a modern knob or lever set, particularly a Gainsborough-style installation, remove the existing handle and check whether there is a large 54mm bore hole through the face of the door.

If there is, the new knob needs to completely cover the hole while still providing secure fixing points.

Suitable options can include:

• a retrofit door knob specifically designed for an existing 54mm hole;
• a knob with a backplate larger than 54mm using through screws or tie bolts; or
• a long-plate knob wider than 54mm, provided its fixing positions clear the existing hole.

Our individual Product Details state when a handle is suitable for installation over a 54mm hole. See our replacing existing handles guide for more information.

Passage Door Knobs

Passage knobs are used on internal doors that need to latch closed but don't need to lock, such as living rooms, hallways and general internal doors. They are commonly used with a tubular latch .

Privacy Door Knobs

Privacy knobs are used on bathrooms, toilets and bedrooms. Some knob sets have privacy functionality built into the handle, although traditional knob designs are more commonly paired with a separate privacy turn and privacy bolt or lock.

Browse our privacy locks and bolts for suitable options.

Dummy Door Knobs

Dummy knobs are fixed, non-latching handles used on wardrobes, linen cupboards and other doors where a functioning latch isn't required.

They are also commonly used on the inactive leaf of French doors. See our dummy door knob guide for more information.

Entrance & Locking Door Knobs

Some door knob designs are available for entrance doors requiring keyed security. Depending on the handle, these may be paired with a mortice lock, Euro lock, deadbolt or another compatible locking system.

Browse our locks and latches to find compatible door hardware.

Door Knobs vs Lever Handles

Door knobs are particularly well suited to traditional and heritage homes. Reproduction sheet brass knobs closely reflect hardware used in many older Australian houses, making them a good choice where maintaining the character of the property is important.

Lever handles are easier to operate because they don't require the same gripping and twisting motion. We generally recommend a lever for someone with reduced hand strength or dexterity, and where a short backset doesn't provide enough hand clearance for a knob.

Our guide to choosing door handles explains the different functions and styles in more detail.

Door Knobs for Heritage & Period Homes

When restoring an older property, consider the age and architecture of the house rather than simply choosing the most ornate design. Many period homes originally used quite simple door furniture.

Victorian Door Knobs

Victorian homes can suit either highly decorative or very simple brass knobs. Polished brass is particularly traditional, while porcelain and decorative designs can also work well depending on the house.

Federation & Edwardian Door Knobs

For Federation and Edwardian homes, we generally favour simple designs in brass or chrome. Bungalow and Edwardian-style knobs are particularly good choices where you want hardware appropriate to the era without being overly ornate.

Art Deco Door Knobs

Art Deco homes suit geometric designs and distinctive long backplates. Chrome and antique copper are particularly good finish choices, with styles such as Elwood and Napier working especially well for this period.

Hamptons & Coastal Door Knobs

Door knobs can also work beautifully in newer Hamptons and coastal interiors. Antique brass, Signature Brass, satin or brushed brass and matte black are popular choices for this look.

Contemporary Homes

Simple, clean door knobs can work in contemporary interiors, but for a very modern home we will generally recommend a lever handle. The cleaner lines and easier operation of a lever tend to suit modern architecture particularly well.

Door Knobs for French Doors

Yes, but the width of the door stile is particularly important. French doors often require a shorter backset, which can place a knob too close to the edge of the door for comfortable hand clearance.

Where there is enough room, the active door can use a pair of functioning knobs with an appropriate latch or lock, while the inactive door is secured with top and bottom bolts and fitted with dummy knobs for symmetry.

If the stile only allows a short 44–46mm backset, we will usually recommend a lever handle instead.

Our French Door Handles & Hardware Guide explains active and inactive doors, backsets, rebated locks and latches, dummy handles and flush bolts in more detail.

Many functioning door knobs are supplied as a pair, with one knob for each side of the door, although this varies between products and dummy handles. Always check the individual Product Details to confirm exactly what is included.

It depends on the product. Some door knob sets include the required latch or locking mechanism, while many traditional knobs are supplied separately from the latch or lock.

Always check the individual Product Details to see what is included and what additional hardware is required. You can browse our locks and latches if you need compatible hardware.

Sometimes. The existing latch needs to have a compatible spindle size, backset and operating mechanism for the new knob.

If you're unsure about compatibility, replacing the latch at the same time can be the simpler option. Our tubular latches are available in different backsets to suit a range of installations.

Often, yes, but unusually thick doors can require a longer spindle, fixing screws or tie bolts than those supplied as standard.

If your door is around 50mm thick or more, check the individual Product Details or contact us before ordering so the knob and fixings can be checked for compatibility.