I'm planning to cut 3 inches off the bottom of my six-panel doors, reducing them from 80 inches to 77 inches. Traditionally, doorknobs are placed between the bottom and middle panels, and I'm considering a height of 36 inches from the floor. However, I'm a bit concerned that this might look odd since it will be lower compared to other doors in my home. Plus, I'm thinking about how this will affect usability. Should I focus on making it look right or prioritize ergonomics? What do you think is the best approach?
3 Answers
If you want to maintain door stability, consider taking off 1.5 inches from both the top and bottom. Keep the knob around 36 inches high, but ensure it fits nicely within the visual space between the panels. However, remember that cutting off too much from the bottom could risk warping. As a former engineer in the hardwood door industry, trust me on this.
Normally, a doorknob should be around 36 inches from the floor. Since you're chopping off 3 inches from the bottom, you probably want to stick with that standard height to maintain some uniformity with the other doors in your place.
It's a good idea to line the doorknob up with the catch on the frame, or you'll end up with two holes in the door. Just keep in mind how it will look and feel when you do. You might want to think about ergonomics and aesthetics together when making this decision.