Determining whether a door is left hand or right hand is an important consideration when installing interior and exterior doors. The hand of the door refers to which side the hinges are on when viewing the door from the outside. Knowing how to identify left hand vs right hand doors ensures proper installation and functionality.
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What is a Left Hand Door?
A left hand door has hinges on the left side when facing the door from the outside. When you open a left hand door, the knob and latch are on the right side. Left hand doors open inward to the right. The left side of the door is attached to the door frame with hinges.
Left Hand Door Characteristics
- Hinges are on the left side of the door frame
- Door knob and latch are on the right side of the door
- Door swings inward to the right when opened
- Left side of door is attached to frame
What is a Right Hand Door?
A right hand door is the opposite of a left hand door. The hinges are on the right side when facing the door from the outside. When opened, a right hand door swings inward to the left. The door knob and latch are located on the left side of the door.
Right Hand Door Characteristics
- Hinges are on the right side of the door frame
- Door knob and latch are on the left side of the door
- Door swings inward to the left when opened
- Right side of door is attached to frame
How to Determine Door Hand
There are a few simple ways to determine if a door is left handed or right handed:
Look at Hinge Side
Stand on the outside of the door and look at the side where the hinges are attached. If the hinges are on the left, it is a left hand door. If the hinges are on the right, it is a right hand door.
Check Swing Direction
Open the door about 90 degrees. Note the direction the door swings. If it opens to the right, it is a left hand door. If it opens to the left, it is a right hand door.
Identify Knob Side
While facing the door from the outside, see what side of the door the knob is on. If the knob is on the right, it is a left hand door. If the knob is on the left, it is a right hand door.
Door Hand for Double Doors
For double doors, the right door is typically the active door that opens first. The right door of a double door pair is usually right handed. The left door is normally left handed.
Double Door Configuration
- The right door has hinges on the right and is right handed
- The left door has hinges on the left and is left handed
- The right door opens first into the room
Does Door Swing Matter?
Door swing direction is an important factor when selecting and installing doors:
- Avoid doors that swing into walkways or block furniture
- Check codes for swing requirements of exterior doors and doors on main egress paths
- Consider traffic flow and door clearance
- Allow doors to fully open without blocking access
Door Hand Symbols
Architectural drawings use symbols to indicate left or right hand doors. This allows builders and installers to quickly identify the correct door to use:
| Symbol | Door Type |
|---|---|
| L | Left hand door |
| R | Right hand door |
| LR | Double doors, left and right hand |
| RR | Double doors, both right hand |
| LL | Double doors, both left hand |
Tips for Measuring Door Hand Correctly
Follow these tips to accurately measure and order the correct door hand:
- Always view and measure the door from the exterior side
- Note hinge side, not just which side the knob is on
- Pay attention to swing direction and clearance
- Use the standard letter codes for door hand on drawings and orders
- Confirm measurements and hand with architect’s plans if available
- Check local codes for requirements on door swing direction
Common Door Hand Mistakes
Installing a door with the wrong hand is a common mistake. Avoid these errors:
- Assuming the knob side indicates hand – must check hinge side
- For double doors, assuming both doors are the same hand
- Not accounting for door clearance based on swing direction
- Ordering a right hand door when the opening is for a left hand door
- Ignoring local codes on allowable door swing directions
How to Change Door Hand
In some cases, it may be necessary to convert a right handed door to left handed, or vice versa. Here are the steps:
- Remove door from frame
- Remove hinge hardware from jamb and door
- Drill new hinge mortises on opposite side
- Install hinges in new mortises
- Rotate pin side of hinges to opposite side
- Reinstall door with hinges now on opposite side
- Move strike plate to line up with new latch/lock location
- Install new door knob and lockset on opposite side
- Test operation of converted door
Tips for Changing Door Hand
- Use sharp chisel to mortise new hinge locations
- Measure carefully to place hinges and mortise at proper heights
- Bore holes for knob and lockset before removing old hardware
- Adjust placement of strike plate incrementally to align latch correctly
- Consider replacing door rather than changing hand if issues arise
Door Hand Considerations
Here are some additional things to keep in mind regarding door hand selection and installation:
Safety
Make sure doors open to safe areas without obstructing other doors or walkways. Analyze traffic flow patterns.
Accessibility
Door swing direction must provide clearance for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Comply with ADA standards.
Security
Swing direction can impact security. Outward swinging doors typically offer better security.
Weatherproofing
Exterior doors often open inward to improve weather seals. exceptions are garage entry doors.
Aesthetics
Pay attention to door swing reveal and placement of hinges, knobs, and locks for best appearance.
Conclusion
Determining door hand and swing direction are critical steps when selecting and installing doors. Always view hinge side from the exterior. Account for clearances, safety, codes, and intended operation. Make sure architects’ plans, order forms, and installation match the needed door hand. Following proper methods for identifying and installing door hand will prevent problems and ensure doors function as intended.