How do you tell if exterior door is left or right?

Quick Answer

There are a few ways to determine if an exterior door is left-handed or right-handed:

• The hinges – If the hinges are on the left side of the door frame, it’s a left-handed door. If they’re on the right, it’s a right-handed door.
• The knob/handle – If the knob or handle is on the right side of the door from the outside, it’s a right-handed door. If it’s on the left, it’s a left-handed door.
• Swing direction – A left-handed door will swing inward from the left. A right-handed door will swing inward from the right.
• Lock side – If the lockset is on the right side of the door, it’s a right-handed door. If it’s on the left, it’s a left-handed door.

Knowing whether a door is left or right-handed is important for proper installation and functionality.

How Door Hinges Determine Handedness

One of the easiest ways to tell if a door is left or right-handed is to look at the hinges. The side of the door frame that the hinges are on determines the handedness:

• If the hinges are on the left side of the door frame, it is a left-handed door.
• If the hinges are on the right side of the door frame, it is a right-handed door.

This is because the side with the hinges is the side that remains fixed, while the other side of the door swings open.

For example:

Hinge Side	Swing Side	Door Handing
Left	Right	Left-handed
Right	Left	Right-handed

As you can see, the hinge side remains fixed, while the opposite side of the hinges swings inward when the door is opened.

So if you have an exterior door and you want to quickly tell if it’s left or right-handed, just check which side the hinges are on. This will immediately tell you the door’s handing.

Determining Door Handing by Knob/Handle Side

Another easy way to determine door handing is by looking at which side the doorknob or handle is on.

On exterior doors, the knob or handle is usually on the push side of the door. So:

• If the knob/handle is on the right side of the door from the exterior side, it’s a right-handed door.
• If the knob/handle is on the left side of the door from the exterior, it’s a left-handed door.

This is because when you grip the knob or handle to open a right-handed door from the outside, you will be pushing or swinging the door inward from the right.

And when opening a left-handed door from the exterior, you’ll be pushing or swinging the door inward from the left.

Knob/Handle Side Determines Handing:

Knob/Handle Side	Door Handing
Right	Right-handed
Left	Left-handed

So if you want a quick way to tell if an exterior door is left or right-handed, look at the location of the knob/handle. This will tell you which direction the door swings open from the outside.

Identifying Handing by Swing Direction

The direction that an exterior door swings when opened is another giveaway for whether it’s left or right-handed:

• Left-handed doors swing inward from the left side.
• Right-handed doors swing inward from the right side.

So if you open the door and see that it swings toward you from the left, it’s a left-handed door. And if it swings inward from the right, then it’s a right-handed door.

The swing direction essentially tells you which side is the fixed hinge side, and which side has the swing clearance.

Door Swing Direction Determines Handing:

Swing Direction	Door Handing
Left	Left-handed
Right	Right-handed

Paying attention to the direction that an exterior door swings when opened is an easy visual test to determine if it’s a left or right-handed door.

Identifying Door Handing by Lock Side

On most exterior doors, the lockset is installed on the side opposite the hinges. This means:

• If the lockset is on the right side of the door from the exterior, it will be a right-handed door.
• If the lockset is on the left side of the door from the outside, it’s a left-handed door.

This is because the lock side needs the clearance to swing inward when opened, while the hinge side remains fixed in place.

So if you want a quick visual indicator for whether an exterior door is left or right-handed, look at which side the lockset is installed on.

Lock Side Indicates Door Handing:

Lock Side	Door Handing
Right	Right-handed
Left	Left-handed

The lock side is a reliable method for determining door handedness since the lockset must be on the swing side for functionality.

Why Proper Door Handing Matters

Identifying whether an exterior door is left or right-handed is important for several reasons:

• Ensures proper installation – Hinges, locks, and handles must be on the correct sides for the door to function properly.
• Safety and security – Door hands affect which direction the door swings open, impacting exit routes.
• Accessibility – Handing determines which side has clearance for opening from wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• Asthetics – Door handing impacts door finish and hardware placement.

Using the wrong hand door can lead to problems such as:

• Doors that won’t latch or lock properly
• Scrapes and damage to floors or walls from improper swing clearance
• Difficulty opening doors for those with mobility limitations
• Unsightly gaps from misaligned hardware

By taking the time to properly identify whether an exterior door should be left or right-handed, you can avoid these issues and ensure optimal door installation and functionality.

How to Determine Door Handing Before Installation

When ordering a new exterior door, there are a few easy ways to figure out which handing you need before installation:

• Consider the swing direction – Think about which way you want the door to open and which side needs clearance.
• Look at existing hardware – If you have existing hinges or locks, check what side they are on.
• Account for traffic flow – Determine which swing allows the best entry/exit route.
• Review accessibility needs – Assess if a left or right-hand swing works better for wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• Consult floor plan – Look at whether left or right-handed doors are specified on architectural drawings.

Discussing handing requirements with your door provider before purchasing can help ensure you receive the properly handed exterior door for your needs.

How to Change the Handing on an Existing Door

For some existing exterior doors, it’s possible to change the handing if needed:

1. Remove door from frame and detach all hardware – hinges, knob/handle set, strike plate, etc.
2. Reposition hinges and fill old hinge screw holes.
3. Move lockset and strike plate to opposite side.
4. Re-hang door in frame with handing reversed.
5. Reinstall hardware and test for proper functionality.

However, altering the handing on some doors may not be recommended or practical. Issues like:

• Non-reversible hinges
• Holes that can’t be filled properly
• Doors not designed for handing change

…may prevent successfully switching the handing on some existing doors. Consulting a door expert is advisable.

Tips for Installing a Door for Proper Handing

When installing a new exterior door, keep these tips in mind:

• Check door handing before beginning!
• Review manufacturer’s installation instructions.
• Make sure door is hung plumb and square in frame.
• Confirm proper swing direction for intended handing.
• Pay close attention to hinge placement on correct side.
• Double check lockset and knob/handle are on the right sides.
• Carefully adjust for proper reveal and latch/strike alignment.
• Test door for smooth operation after completing install.

Taking the time to correctly install the door based on handing requirements will prevent problems down the road. Don’t forget to check that any exterior trim and molding also accommodates the door handing and swing clearance needed.

Conclusion

Determining whether an exterior door should be left or right-handed is an important factor for proper door selection, installation, and functionality.

By checking the hinge side, swing direction, lockset location, and knob/handle placement you can easily identify whether a door is left or right-handed.

Accounting for the door handing before purchasing and properly installing based on handing requirements will allow your exterior doors to function smoothly while providing safety, security, and aesthetic appeal.

With a few simple visual checks and an understanding of the basics of door handing, you’ll be able to confidently approach your next exterior door installation project. Careful attention to the door hand requirements from the start will ensure long-lasting performance you can enjoy.