Exploring the Best Doorknob Options for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you're setting up a new home, planning a renovation, or just replacing a doorknob to enhance your home's security or appearance, selecting the right doorknob is essential. Not all doorknobs are the same, so it's wise to know the differences when shopping.

This article will cover the advantages and disadvantages of 10 different types of doorknobs to assist you in choosing the best option for your door.

1. Privacy Doorknob

Privacy doorknobs are commonly installed by homeowners on bedroom and bathroom doors. These knobs feature a basic locking mechanism, such as a button or turn lock, located on the doorknob or slightly above or below it. They are a simple and cost-effective choice, providing limited security suitable only for interior doors. Certain privacy doorknobs come with rose plates for mounting, eliminating visible screws for enhanced security. It is important to learn how to replace a doorknob without visible screws if you choose to use this type of knob in your home.

Pros

• Cost-effective

• Simple installation

• Ensures privacy for bathrooms and bedrooms

Cons

• Limited security

• Restricted to interior door use

Best For: Interior bedroom and bathroom doors

2. Passage Doorknob

As the name suggests, a passage doorknob separates one room from another, allowing easy passage. Like a dummy doorknob (more on that later), it lacks a locking mechanism, but it features a handle that turns to open, distinguishing it. The passage doorknob does not provide security, serving only to keep a non-private door closed. Some models may not stay firmly attached to the door, so be ready to fix loose doorknobs if you opt for a less-expensive model.

Pros

• Very affordable

• Easy to install

Cons

• No security or privacy

• Only suitable for interior doors

Best For: Closet or pantry doors

3. Keyed Doorknob

A keyed doorknob is straightforward—you require a key to unlock it. It provides privacy and enhances home security, making it suitable for both interior and exterior doors. This knob features a lock that can only be opened with a key, making it ideal for exterior entrances. While it doesn't offer the same level of security as a deadbolt, you can pair it with one for main exterior doors.

Pros

• Added security for interior or exterior doors

• Affordable

• Easy to install

Cons

• Not as secure as a dead bolt

• You can get locked out

Best For: Exterior doors, coupled with a dead bolt, or interior doors leading to a basement or garage for added security.

4. Dummy Doorknob

"All appearance, no function." This perfectly describes the dummy doorknob. It primarily serves as an ornamental piece to enhance the aesthetic of your home's interior doors, though it can function as a pull. Some homeowners install this knob on closets, using ball latches or spring latches to keep the door shut. Otherwise, the doorknob lacks any internal components, such as latches, to secure the door closed.

Pros

• Decorative

Cons

• No security

• Only for interior doors without a latch

Best For: Closets or pantry doors without latches

5. Storeroom Doorknob

Looking for peace of mind when you store your valuables? A storeroom doorknob is ideal. It opens from the outside using a key to retract the latch bolt. However, the main difference between a storeroom and a keyed doorknob is that a storeroom knob can't be unlocked or locked from the inside. This ensures the outdoor lock stays locked at all times, protecting whatever is behind the door. Once you’re inside the room, the door will remain unlocked for convenience and safety.

Pros

• Always stays locked for security

• Prevents anyone from getting locked inside a room

Cons

• More expensive than standard locking knobs

6. Interior Handle Doorknob

Outside of traditional hand-sized doorknobs, many homeowners decide to install elegant handles and other unique items in lieu of doorknobs on their interior doors. A handle-style doorknob comes in an interesting variety of materials, including:

• Old pipes

• Recessed ring

• Barn door knockers or handles

• Timber

• Shaped brass or gold

The possibilities are endless—and, let's be honest—so are the costs associated with installing a high-end interior doorknob in your home. Ultimately, how much you spend will depend on which style you prefer and your budget. Ask a door installer near you for input or a quote for installing a doorknob.

Pros

• Decorative

• Easy to open when your hands are full

• Can include locks for privacy

Cons

• Can be quite expensive

7. Handleset Lever Doorknob

A handleset lever doorknob is similar to an interior handle, but it’s rated for installation on the exterior of your home. This knob is usually more secure than an interior handle and often includes a lock that homeowners couple with a dead bolt for added security. This knob tends to be more decorative than a standard doorknob, so it adds to your home’s curb appeal.

This type of door handle can stand up to UV radiation from the sun, rain, snow, and heavy usage without getting damaged or fading. It’s  more expensive than an interior handle, though.

Pros

• More secure than interior handles

• Highly durable

• Easy to install

• Decorative

Cons

• Expensive

Best For: Adorning exterior doors

8. Handleset Thumb Latch Doorknob

A thumb latch doorknob features a regular doorknob on the interior side of your exterior door, while the exterior side has a large vertical handle that remains fixed. To open the door, you press down on a thumb latch. By itself, a thumb latch handle does not enhance security. Therefore, it should be paired with a deadbolt. Additionally, installation can be challenging because you need to drill through your door at the correct spot to attach the bottom of the handle.

Pros

• Decorative

• Great for primary exterior entrances

• Easy to open when your hands are full

Cons

• Require a companion deadbolt for security

• Can be expensive

• Difficult to install

Best For: Primary exterior entrances

9. Smart Doorknob 

A smart doorknob is a unique type of doorknob that incorporates technology to simplify access to your exterior door. It is available in various designs to suit your home’s style and your personal preferences, and it offers different levels of functionality for various needs.

Certain smart doorknobs will automatically unlock when you are near the door with your phone. Others unlock when you approach with a key fob, and some even use facial recognition to grant access to authorized users. They are versatile, offering features like a keypad for access via a code, which is beneficial for your main residence or a rental property. Smart doorknobs provide excellent security, often including a deadbolt, and make entry easy for you and your family. However, installing a smart doorknob can be challenging and typically requires professional installation.

Pros

• Extremely convenient

• Provide good security

• Come in a variety of styles

• Offer a range of features

Cons

• Require professional installation

• Expensive

Best For: Primary exterior entrances

10. Interior Mortise Knob 

An interior mortise doorknob is crafted to function with mortise locks. These locks offer a highly secure mechanism by combining a deadbolt with a latch, installed within a cut-out in the door, making them resistant to tampering. They require a physical key for access and are challenging to pick or duplicate. Mortise locks consist of two components—a latch that is permanently attached to the door frame and a lock body embedded within the door. When the door is closed and locked, these parts interlock securely. The deadbolt cylinder fits into a notch in the door jamb and only unlocks when the key is inserted and turned.

Due to these features, mortise knobs are favored in hotels, commercial spaces, and office buildings where security is a priority. They are also among the oldest types of locks, commonly found in historic buildings and older homes.

Pros

• Durable construction

• Enhanced security

• Classic styles with period-specific finishes

Cons

• Difficult to install

• Costlier due to complexity

• Requires more maintenance

• May not fit modern doors with pre-bored holes

Best For: Historic homes needing extra security

Considerations When Choosing Doorknobs and Locks 

When choosing a new doorknob and lock, ensure proper fit and function by considering door dimensions and these factors.

Door Thickness

Measure door thickness from one face to the other. Interior doors are usually 1 ⅜ inches thick, while exterior doors are about 1 ¾ inches. Older or custom doors may vary. Some locksets adjust, but specific doorknobs fit only certain thicknesses. A poor fit complicates installation and may weaken security.

Bore Hole Measurements

The bore hole is the circular cut for the knob or lock. Standard size is 2 ⅛ inches, but older doors may differ. Bore hole size dictates compatible doorknobs or locks. Measure before purchasing to avoid resizing or using adapters. Seek help if needed.

Backset Requirements

The backset is the distance from the door's edge to the bore hole center, typically 2 ⅜ or 2 ¾ inches. Ensure the doorknob matches your backset for proper alignment and function.

Bolt Type

Bolt types include latch bolts, deadbolts, and mortise bolts. Latch bolts are common in interior doors, deadbolts offer more security for exteriors, and mortise bolts combine both features. Choose based on security and functionality needs.

Cost to Install a Doorknob

The cost of a basic doorknob typically starts around $50, depending on the specific hardware you choose. For electric locks, the price can range from $300 to significantly more for high-end models or decorative exterior options. The labor cost for installing a basic door lock is typically $90. Keypad installation generally costs around $200. These prices can vary based on your location and the complexity of the installation. Please note that these estimates do not include any service call fees.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

If your doorknob requires a simple one-to-one replacement, it’s an easy DIY project needing just a screwdriver and hex wrench set. However, installing a knob where there wasn’t one before is more complex, requiring tools like a hole saw and chisel. If you lack experience and tools, hiring a local door repair pro is advisable.