Right Hand vs. Left Hand Doors: How to Choose the Right One

You may not think about your doors often. However, they can become extremely frustrating when they don’t work right. Doors should not need much thought. However, when they cause problems or annoy you, it helps to know how to fix them.

What Is Door Handing?

Right Hand vs. Left Hand Doors Explained

There are right hand doors and left hand doors – terms used to describe the direction in which a door swings. A right hand swing door has its hinges on the right side and swings away from you, while a left hand swing door has its hinges on the left. These are often referred to as RH doors (right-hand) and LH doors (left-hand).

Why Door Handing Matters

It may not seem important, but knowing your door’s handing is key. This knowledge helps when buying new hardware, fixing a door, or replacing it. Choosing the wrong hand can cause bad installation and wasted money. This is especially true if someone makes your prehung door, which is a complete door unit with a frame, incorrectly.

How to Determine Door Swing Direction

Step-by-Step Method for Identifying Door Handing

To determine the swing of a door, stand with your back against the hinges:

• If the door opens to your left and inward, it’s a left hand swing door (LH door).
• If the door opens to your right and outward, it’s a right hand swing door (RH door).

This is the most accurate way to tell the swing of a door.

Understanding Inward vs. Outward Swing

Doors are also described as inswing (opening into the room) or outswing (opening out of the room). A right hand inswing door swings in and hinges are on the right. A left hand outswing door swings out and hinges are on the left.

Exterior vs. Interior Door Handing

Exterior Doors: Why Most Swing Inward

Most exterior doors are left hand inswing doors. This protects them from weather exposure and tampering. Right hand doors or outswing doors could void the warranty — especially with wood doors that can warp due to moisture.

Garage Entry Doors and Safety Considerations

Garage entry doors may swing into the garage (outswing), functioning as a safety mechanism in the event of a fire or explosion. Knowing whether your garage entry is a right hand or left hand door is important for selecting the proper hardware.

Interior Door Handing and Traffic Flow

Inside the home, doors are typically installed to swing into rooms and avoid interfering with high-traffic areas. In awkward layouts, double door swing scenarios (two doors meeting in the middle) may require special planning.

Special Scenarios and Exceptions

Small Spaces and Bathroom Safety

For seniors or in bathrooms where safety is a concern, outward swinging doors can be crucial. If someone falls inside and blocks the door, an outswing setup allows easier access to help. These situations often call for an RH outswing or LH outswing solution.

When to Use Pocket Doors

In tight spaces where a swinging door is impractical, a pocket door is an excellent solution. Pocket doors slide into the wall and eliminate swing entirely, meaning you won’t need to determine handing at all.

Plan Ahead with the Right Door Handing

Avoiding Costly Mistakes with Hardware or Replacements

Knowing whether your door is an RH door or LH door helps avoid costly reorders for mismatched hardware or wrong-swing prehung doors. Always double check door handing before placing an order.

Choosing the Best Swing Direction for Your Home

From safety and space optimization to aesthetics and traffic flow, it’s smart to carefully plan your door’s swing. Knowing what is a right hand door or how to determine the swing of a door ensures your project goes smoothly.

Choose Feldco for Custom and Exterior Doors

Feldco is the best home improvement company in the Midwest for quality exterior doors, custom doors, siding, and windows. Whether you're replacing a right hand swing door or upgrading to a new style, Feldco has you covered.

From the initial free quote to final installation, Feldco provides energy-efficient, competitively priced products installed by professionals. Get a free quote online now and enjoy peace of mind with the right door handing for your home.