A specification guide to commercial door pull types, ADA accessibility standards, materials, and mounting configurations.
This guide answers: How Do You Select Commercial Door Pulls That Meet ADA Requirements?
Commercial Door Pulls in Architectural Hardware Specification
Commercial door pulls are decorative and functional hardware components that provide a gripping surface for pulling a door open. Unlike lever handles or knob sets, pulls do not engage a latch mechanism — they are mounted to the door surface and used in conjunction with a separate latch or lock, or on doors that do not require latching (such as entrance doors held closed by a door closer).
Door pulls are specified in CSI Division 8 as part of the finish hardware schedule and are commonly used on entrance doors, vestibule doors, storefront systems, and interior doors where a pull-side grip is needed. The selection of door pulls involves aesthetic considerations (profile, finish, material), functional requirements (ADA compliance, traffic volume, durability), and mounting constraints (door material, thickness, reinforcement).
In commercial projects, door pulls are typically specified by the architect or hardware consultant and included in the door hardware schedule along with hinges, closers, locks, and other components. The pull specification must account for ADA accessibility requirements, which govern grip shape, projection from the door face, and operable force.
Types of Commercial Door Pulls
Commercial door pulls are categorized by their mounting configuration, profile shape, and functional purpose. The primary categories address different installation conditions and aesthetic preferences.
Back-to-Back Pulls
Back-to-back pulls are mounted through the door with a pull on each face, connected by through-bolts. This is the standard configuration for entrance doors and vestibule doors where a pull is needed on both sides. Back-to-back mounting provides structural rigidity because the two pulls reinforce each other through the door panel.
Back-to-back pulls are available in straight, offset, and curved profiles. The through-bolt connection must be coordinated with the door thickness, and the bolt length must accommodate the door panel, any applied surface materials (such as cladding or protective plates), and the pull standoff distance.
Single-Sided Pulls
Single-sided pulls are mounted to one face of the door only, using surface screws, through-bolts with back plates, or concealed fasteners. This configuration is used when a pull is needed on the pull side of the door but the push side has a push plate, push bar, or no hardware.
Single-sided mounting requires consideration of the fastening method's pull-out strength, particularly on hollow metal doors where the door skin may not provide sufficient anchorage for surface screws alone. Through-bolt mounting with a back plate distributes the load and is the preferred method for high-traffic applications.
Offset Pulls
Offset pulls have an angled or cranked profile that provides clearance between the gripping portion and the door face. This offset is important for two reasons: it provides adequate knuckle clearance for comfortable gripping, and it creates the minimum projection distance required by ADA standards.
The offset dimension typically ranges from 1-1/2 inches to 2-1/2 inches, measured from the door face to the centerline of the grip. Offset pulls are standard on entrance doors and are available in round, flat, and square grip profiles.
Straight Pulls
Straight pulls mount parallel to the door face with standoff posts at each end. The grip-to-door clearance is determined by the standoff post height. Straight pulls are available in lengths from 6 inches to 72 inches (full door height) and are commonly used on glass storefront doors, aluminum-framed entrance systems, and architectural interior doors.
On glass doors, straight pulls require through-glass mounting with specific washer, bushing, and spacer components to distribute the clamping force without cracking the glass. The glass manufacturer's minimum edge distance and hole size requirements must be followed.
ADA Accessibility Requirements for Door Pulls
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 404.2.7, establish the requirements for door hardware on accessible openings. While this section applies to all operable hardware, the principles directly affect door pull specification.
ADA requires that door hardware be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Door pulls inherently satisfy this requirement because they provide a gripping surface that can be operated by hooking the hand, arm, or wrist around the pull without any rotational motion.
Additional ADA considerations for door pulls include the mounting height (the operable portion of the hardware must be between 34 and 48 inches above the finished floor), the clearance between the pull and the door face (sufficient for the user's hand to grip the pull comfortably, typically 1-1/2 inches minimum), and the pull's projection into the required maneuvering clearance on the push side of the door.
Grip Shape and Operability
ADA does not prescribe a specific grip profile for door pulls, but the general requirement for operation without tight grasping effectively rules out pulls with very small diameters (less than 3/4 inch) or sharp-edged profiles that require a pinching grip. Round or oval grip profiles with diameters between 1 inch and 2 inches are standard for ADA-compliant commercial applications.
Flat bar pulls (rectangular cross-section) comply with ADA when the bar width provides a comfortable gripping surface and the edges are eased or rounded. Square bar profiles with sharp 90-degree edges may present compliance concerns in some interpretations, though this is an area where local AHJ review is advisable.
Materials and Finishes for Commercial Door Pulls
The material and finish selection for commercial door pulls is driven by durability requirements, aesthetic goals, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial considerations. The most commonly specified materials for commercial applications are stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, and brass.
- Stainless steel (Type 304 and Type 316): The standard material for high-traffic commercial applications. Type 304 is suitable for interior and protected exterior environments. Type 316 provides superior corrosion resistance for coastal, industrial, and chemical exposure conditions.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, commonly specified for storefront and curtain wall entrance systems. Available in anodized, painted, and powder-coated finishes. Not as durable as stainless steel under heavy use.
- Brass and bronze: Specified for architectural and decorative applications. Brass pulls are available in polished, satin, and antique finishes. Bronze provides a warm aesthetic and develops a natural patina over time. Both materials have inherent antimicrobial properties.
- Antimicrobial coatings: Copper-infused and silver-ion antimicrobial coatings are available on stainless steel and aluminum pulls for healthcare, food service, and institutional applications where infection control is a priority.
Mounting Considerations
The mounting method for commercial door pulls must account for the door material, the expected pull force, the aesthetic requirements, and any fire-rating constraints.
On hollow metal doors, through-bolt mounting is standard. The through-bolt passes through both door skins and the pull's mounting posts, with a back plate or washer on the opposite face. If the pull is mounted in a single-sided configuration on a hollow metal door, reinforcement channels or backing plates inside the door may be required to prevent the door skin from pulling away under repeated force.
On wood doors, through-bolt or sex-bolt mounting is preferred for high-traffic applications. Surface screw mounting is acceptable for light-traffic interior applications where the screw length provides sufficient embedment in solid wood or composite material.
On glass doors, pulls require through-glass mounting with specific hardware that distributes the clamping load. The glass fabricator must provide holes at the specified locations, and the mounting hardware must include soft washers or bushings to prevent glass-to-metal contact.
On fire-rated doors, any through-bolt penetration must not compromise the fire rating. Pulls on fire-rated doors must be part of or consistent with the tested assembly configuration. The mounting hardware must not create a path for flame or hot gas transmission through the door panel. Additionally, fire rated doors need to be self-closing and self-latching. Consult with your architect, project manager, or with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to make sure the desired hardware is in compliance.
Specifying Commercial Door Pulls Through CDF Distributors
CDF Distributors supplies Rockwood commercial door pulls through the FlashShip inventory program. Rockwood offers a comprehensive range of pull profiles, materials, finishes, and sizes covering back-to-back, single-sided, offset, and straight configurations for all commercial door types.
CDF's ProBuilder configuration tool includes door pulls in the hardware assembly specification. During configuration, ProBuilder coordinates the pull selection with the door type, thickness, material, and any fire-rating requirements to ensure the mounting method and pull model are compatible with the overall assembly.
For projects requiring custom pull lengths, non-standard finishes, or specialty materials, CDF's sales team can coordinate with Rockwood for custom manufacturing. Standard Rockwood pulls are stocked in FlashShip inventory for rapid availability.
When specifying pulls for ADA-compliant openings, ProBuilder flags accessibility requirements and ensures the selected pull meets the grip, clearance, and mounting height requirements of the 2010 ADA Standards.
Configure Your Door Assembly
CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. During configuration, you can select the specific components discussed in this guide and receive an instant quote.
For assistance or to order a complete door assembly, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available to help you specify the right components for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ADA requirements apply to commercial door pulls?
Door pulls must be operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The operable portion must be mounted between 34 and 48 inches above the finished floor, with at least 1-1/2 inches of clearance between the pull and the door face.
What is the difference between back-to-back and single-sided door pulls?
Back-to-back pulls are mounted through the door with a pull on each face, connected by through-bolts. Single-sided pulls mount to one face only using surface screws, through-bolts with back plates, or concealed fasteners.
What grip diameter is recommended for ADA-compliant door pulls?
Round or oval grip profiles with diameters between 1 inch and 2 inches are standard for ADA compliance. Grips smaller than 3/4 inch may require tight grasping and may not comply.
Can door pulls be installed on fire-rated doors?
Yes, but the through-bolt penetrations must not compromise the fire rating. Pulls on fire-rated doors must be consistent with the tested assembly configuration. The mounting hardware must not create a path for flame or hot gas transmission. Additionally, fire rated doors need to be self-closing and self-latching. Consult with your architect, project manager, or with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to make sure the desired hardware is in compliance.
What materials are available for commercial door pulls?
Common materials include stainless steel (Type 304 and 316), aluminum, brass, and bronze. Antimicrobial coatings are available for healthcare and institutional applications.
How are door pulls mounted on glass doors?
Glass door pulls require through-glass mounting with washers or bushings to prevent glass-to-metal contact. The glass fabricator must provide pre-drilled holes at specified locations, following the glass manufacturer's minimum edge distance requirements.
What door pull brands does CDF supply?
CDF supplies Rockwood commercial door pulls through the FlashShip inventory program. Rockwood offers back-to-back, single-sided, offset, and straight pulls in multiple materials and finishes. Custom lengths and finishes are available through coordination with CDF's sales team.
About This Guide
This guide reflects CDF Distributors' standard specifications and field-tested recommendations used by commercial contractors nationwide. The information is provided for specification and selection purposes. Always verify requirements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for your project location.
For questions or to order a complete door assembly, contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com. Configure your assembly online at ProBuilder: cdfdistributors.com.
