Is a left hand inswing door the same as a right hand outswing?

This is a great question that many homeowners, architects, and contractors wonder about when looking at door installation and replacement. At first glance, it may seem that a left hand inswing door and a right hand outswing door are essentially the same thing just mirrored. However, there are some key differences between these two types of doors that are important to understand.

Defining Inswing and Outswing Doors

First, let’s define what makes a door either an inswing or outswing style:

• Inswing door – The door opens inward, into the room or space
• Outswing door – The door opens outward, away from the room or space

An inswing door typically opens into a room or enclosed space, while an outswing door will open outwards onto a porch, deck, or exterior space. The swing refers to the direction that the door opens.

Left Hand vs Right Hand

Now, what makes a door specifically left handed or right handed? This refers to the side that the door is hinged on when looking at it from the outside:

• Left hand door – Hinged on the left side
• Right hand door – Hinged on the right side

So a left hand inswing means the door is hinged on the left and swings inward. A right hand outswing means it’s hinged on the right and swings outward.

Comparing Left Inswing and Right Outswing

At a basic level, a left hand inswing and right hand outswing door may seem to be essentially the same. But there are some key factors that make them different:

Swing Direction

The primary difference is the swing direction. Even though they are mirror images in terms of hinge side, an inswing and outswing door open in opposite directions:

• Left inswing – Opens inward to the left
• Right outswing – Opens outward to the right

This affects clearance required around the door and which direction the knob is on. It also impacts accessibility and fire codes.

Clearances

Due to the swing direction, the clear floor space required around the door differs:

• Left inswing – Clear space needed on push side (exterior) for latch clearance
• Right outswing – Clear space needed on pull side (interior) for door swing

This means left inswing and right outswing doors may not be interchangeable in all applications depending on space limitations.

Accessibility

Accessibility requirements also differ. For wheelchair access:

• Left inswing – Handle should be on right with clear floor space to pull open
• Right outswing – Handle should be on left with clear exterior space to push open

So the two door types are not automatically ADA compliant mirrors of each other.

Fire Codes

Whether a space requires an inswing or outswing door is dictated by fire and life safety codes in many commercial buildings and public spaces. The door swing required depends on the occupancy type and egress path. So one cannot always substitute a left inswing for right outswing or vice versa.

Functionality

Inswing and outswing doors also serve different functions. Inswing doors are better suited for privacy, soundproofing, and keeping weather out. Outswing doors have benefits for security monitoring and can open wider without interior space limitations. The two types cannot be used interchangeably in all cases.

In Conclusion

While left hand inswing and right hand outswing doors may appear as mirror images, they have distinct differences in terms of swing direction, clearances, accessibility, fire codes, and functionality. Some key takeaways:

• Inswing and outswing doors open in opposite directions
• Clearance and accessibility standards differ
• Fire codes dictate whether inswing or outswing doors must be used
• The two types serve different purposes regarding space usage

So in most cases, a left hand inswing door is not the same as a right hand outswing door. The direction it swings, accessibility, building codes, and functionality create distinct specifications that mean these two types of doors cannot be used interchangeably in many situations. Careful consideration is required when choosing a left or right handed inswing or outswing door for a particular application.

Here is a summary table comparing some of the key specifications:

Specification	Left Hand Inswing	Right Hand Outswing
Swing direction	Inward to the left	Outward to the right
Clear floor space	Required on exterior side for latch	Required on interior side for swing
Accessibility	Handle on right side	Handle on left side
Fire codes	Required for certain occupancies	Required for certain occupancies
Functions best for	Privacy, soundproofing, weather resistance	Security, wide openings

As we have seen, while left hand inswing and right hand outswing doors share some similar characteristics, their distinct swing directions, clearance and accessibility requirements, regulations, and functionality mean they cannot necessarily be used interchangeably. Careful specification is required to ensure the correct door type is used for each application.

Now that we’ve compared the two types in depth and looked at key factors surrounding each one, it’s clear there are significant differences between left hand inswing and right hand outswing doors. By understanding these unique specifications, architects, contractors, and homeowners can make sure they choose the right door for the right application during any building or remodeling project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my left hand inswing door to a right hand outswing?

In some cases it may be possible to change the handing and swing of a door, but this would involve reversing the hinges as well as potentially modifying the surrounding door frame and trimming. Clearances would need to be maintained. Any required fire ratings and hardware prep would need to be preserved as well. Often it is easier to replace the entire door.

If I buy a left hand inswing door, can I install it as a right hand outswing?

Generally no, you cannot swap a factory built left hand inswing door to be used as a right hand outswing door. The hinge preps and hardware borings are done specifically for that handing and swing direction by the manufacturer. At best you may be able to field modify it, but performance and warranties could be affected.

Do left and right handed doors have different locking mechanisms?

Locksets on most modern inswing and outswing doors can accommodate left or right handing. However, the latchbolt and strike plate locations are dependent on the swing direction. So while the locks may be interchangeable, the keepers are not. Mortise locks can often be switched from left to right hand though.

Can I use the same jamb for left and right swing doors?

Door jambs are typically handed for either left or right side hinging. While it may be possible to flip or rotate the jamb, mounting holes and mortises will not align properly. New jambs constructed for the specific door hand are recommended.

How do I determine the hand of an existing door?

Standing on the outside of the door looking at it closed, note which side the hinges are on. If the hinges are on the left, it is a left handed door. If they are on the right, it is a right handed door. The side it opens towards (in or out) indicates the swing.

What direction do double doors swing?

Double doors typically include an active and inactive leaf. Looking from the outside, the active leaf (with the lockset) is the right hand door on inswing openings and left hand on outswing openings. The second inactive leaf mirrors this. Doors should swing outward for egress routes.

Conclusion

Understanding door handing and swing direction is important for proper installation and code compliance. After reviewing the differences, it is clear that a left hand inswing door is not functionally the same as a right hand outswing door in most cases. Factors ranging from clearance and accessibility to fire ratings and intended use make these two door types distinct from each other. By learning the specifics of each, contractors and homeowners can be sure to pick the optimal door design for their building or remodeling project.