The short answer
On a barrier-free path, the Ontario Building Code requires door hardware that works with a closed fist, mounted 900 mm to 1 100 mm above the floor. A lever passes; a round knob doesn’t. Use levers in accessible and universal design suites, and consider them throughout so every suite matches.
What the Code asks for
For doors on a barrier-free path, the Ontario Building Code (Sentence 3.8.3.3.(3) in the 2012 text) says a door opening device that is the only way to operate the door must:
- work with a closed fist, and
- be mounted between 900 mm and 1 100 mm above the finished floor.
Houses, semis, townhouses and buildings with up to three units are generally exempt from the barrier-free section, so this mostly applies to apartment buildings, their common areas and their accessible suites. The 2024 Code renumbered and updated parts of this section, so confirm the current wording with your designer. See interior door sizes in Ontario for the clear width those doors also need.
Lever or knob
| Lever | Knob | |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-fist use | Yes: push down with a fist, elbow or full hand | No: needs a grip and a twist |
| Barrier-free paths | Suitable | Not suitable |
| Carrying things | Opens with an elbow | Needs a free hand |
| Snagging | Can catch sleeves and bags | Doesn’t stick out |
| Look | Modern to traditional | Mostly traditional |
What we’d specify
- Accessible and universal design suites: levers on every door, and a 36″ door on the path through the suite. These are the suites that earn MLI Select accessibility points. See doors for MLI Select builds.
- Bathrooms: an auto-release privacy lever, which unlocks when the inside lever is turned.
- Everything else: levers throughout keeps one hardware line for the building. Knobs suit closets and traditional interiors where nothing requires a lever.
- Pocket doors: recessed pulls need fingers, so check pocket hardware on barrier-free paths. See pocket doors.
We carry heavy-duty, auto-release, tubular and cylindrical levers and a range of knobs, all in the same finishes. See the hardware page.
Sources
- Ontario Building Code Article 3.8.3.3 (2012 text), BuildingCode.online
- 2024 Ontario Building Code accessibility changes, City of Brampton report
Code requirements change and local rules vary. Confirm sizes and clearances with your designer and building department before ordering. We supply doors, trim and hardware; we’re not a code consultant.
