Should I get a right hand or left hand door?

When choosing an entry door for your home, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a right-handed or left-handed door. This refers to which side the door handle and lockset are on when you’re facing the door from the exterior. There are pros and cons to both options, so let’s take a look at the key factors to consider.

The Main Differences

On a right-handed door, the handle and lockset are on the right side when facing the door from outside. For a left-handed door, these features are on the left side. The side that the door swings open from will also be opposite:

  • Right hand door – Handle on right, door swings open from left
  • Left hand door – Handle on left, door swings open from right

Some other differences to note:

  • The hinges will be on the opposite side – hinges on the left for right handed doors.
  • Any sidelights or glass panels will typically be on the lockset side, so those would be on the right for a left handed door.
  • The lock and deadbolt orientation must match the handing to function properly.
  • If there is a mail slot, it is usually on the handle side so as not to interfere with the lockset.

Right Handed Doors

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a right handed exterior door:

  • Feels natural to most people – Right handed doors are much more common, so they tend to feel more natural when entering and exiting.
  • Convenient for accessibility – If you tend to carry items in your right hand, a right hand door lets you open the door easily without setting down what’s in your hands.
  • Lockset placement – With the lockset on the right, it may feel slightly more secure/convenient for some people.
  • Easier to monitor – When facing the door from inside, the lockset is easier to see on the right side.

Right Hand Door Considerations

Some downsides or factors to consider with a right handed door:

  • Obscured visibility – The door will swing open from the left, potentially obstructing visibility off the porch or walkway.
  • Difficult for lefties – The lockset and handle location may feel awkward for left-handed people.
  • Tight spaces – Right swing doors require more space on the left side to fully open.

Left Handed Doors

Here are some potential benefits of opting for a left handed exterior door instead:

  • Unobstructed visibility – With the door swinging open from the right, you have full visibility off the porch or walkway.
  • Easier access – The lockset and handle are perfectly placed for left-handed people.
  • Requires less space – Only minimal space is needed on the lockset side for the door to fully open.
  • Lighting – Sidelights on the left better illuminate the lockset at night.

Left Hand Door Considerations

Some downsides or factors to think about with left handed doors:

  • Feels less natural – Since most doors are right handed, left handed doors may feel unconventional to some people.
  • Inconvenient for righties – Accessing the lockset on the left can be more difficult for right-handed people.
  • Less visible lockset – When facing the door from inside, the lockset is on the less visible left side.
  • Tight space – Minimally, the width of the door will be required for it to fully open on the right side.

Security Factors

In terms of security, neither configuration is necessarily better or more secure than the other. With quality installation and hardware, both can provide the same level of security and performance. However, there are some slight factors that may influence perceptions of security:

  • Visbility – Some may feel the right side lockset provides slightly better visibility when monitoring the door locks from inside.
  • Dominant hand – Accessing locks with your dominant hand may provide marginal security benefit through convenience.
  • Swing obstruction – A left swing design gives unobstructed views of the entry space, improving monitoring.

Overall these are very minor factors that likely won’t make a significant real world security difference. Proper door selection for robustness, quality hardware, appropriate lighting, and monitoring will be far more important for security.

Interior and Traffic Flow

Consider the interior floor plan and flow when determining door hand orientation. Think about these factors:

  • Entryway layout – Is there a wall or space limitation that affects the swing direction?
  • Furniture placement – Make sure furniture does not block or restrict the door swing.
  • Access route – Pick the swing direction that best aligns with the main entry access path.
  • Traffic flow – Choose the swing that directs people toward or away from busy areas as desired.

Ideally entry door swing direction should complement the interior space and furniture layout while directing traffic in a logical way.

Exterior and Property Considerations

The exterior property layout and design should factor into door swing direction as well. Assess these exterior considerations:

  • Porch and stair layout – Ensure the swing and layout allow the door to fully open without obstruction.
  • Yard access – Pick the swing that points people toward the main yard access route if applicable.
  • Driveway approach – Consider whether a certain swing is safer or directs people logically.
  • Landscaping – Avoid choosing a swing that will damage or interfere with plants and yard features.
  • Weather factors – Assess wind and precipitation to determine if a certain swing is more sheltered.

The exterior door swing should work cohesively with the property layout to avoid obstructions while directing folks safely.

Handedness of Current or Other Doors

If replacing a current entry door or adding a new door, consider the handedness of any existing doors. A few pointers:

  • Match handedness – Keeping the new door the same handedness provides consistency and familiarity.
  • Consider other doors – If adding a new door, think about its handedness compared to other exterior doors.
  • Transition spacing – Allow enough space between doors of opposite handedness so the swings do not interfere.

Maintaining the same handedness as current doors generally provides the best experience. But also consider the handedness of other exterior doors to maximize convenience, accessibility, safety, and avoid conflicts between door swings.

Aesthetic Preferences

Beyond functionality, door swing direction also influences aesthetic perception. Think about these visual factors:

  • Face view – Do you prefer the hinges and handle on the right or left when approaching?
  • Adjacent elements – Considerappearance next to railings, lighting, overhangs, etc.
  • Companion doors – Handedness can provide uniformity for double doors.
  • Personal taste – Choose the swing direction and lockset location you simply like the look of.

While door swing direction mainly serves functional purposes, personal style preference will also influence which look you find most visually appealing.

Potential Problems to Avoid

To prevent issues down the road, watch out for these possible problems with door swing selection:

  • Obstructed opening – Make sure there’s adequate clearance so the door can open fully without hitting walls or objects.
  • Safety hazards – Avoid a swing that directs people toward hazards like stairs, busy areas, etc.
  • Traffic conflicts – Pick a swing that doesn’t direct people toward main walking paths and congestion.
  • Scope conflicts – Ensure the swing allows access to mailboxes, controls, meters, etc. on exterior walls.
  • Future changes – Consider any planned landscaping, additions, layout changes that could impact swing clearance.

Careful planning and measurement is key to choosing a swing direction that provides safety, convenience, and versatility both now and into the future.

Tips for Choosing the Best Swing Direction

Follow these tips to choose the optimal door swing direction for your home:

  • Map interior paths – Note the main traffic pattern through the entryway and adjacent areas.
  • Assess exteriors – Check porch layout, stairs, approach paths, lighting, etc. that may impact swing choice.
  • Account for handedness – Pick the swing that favors your dominant hand if that’s important to you.
  • Mind spacing – Ensure adequate room for the door to fully open without hitting objects or walls.
  • Prioritize safety – Avoid directing people toward hazards and unsafe areas.
  • Consider style – Pick the visual look you find most aesthetically appealing.
  • Think long-term – Account for any future changes to the home that could affect swing clearance.

Weighing all the functional and aesthetic factors will help you land on the perfect door swing direction tailored to your home.

Conclusion

Determining the ideal entry door swing direction requires careful consideration of both interior and exterior factors. Take into account traffic flow, safety, accessibility, aesthetics, and future plans. Although left and right hand doors both have their own sets of pros and cons, assessing your home’s layout and needs will guide you to the best choice. This decision makes a big functional and visual impact, so weigh all the options and measurements carefully.

With a methodical approach, you can select the perfect swing direction to match your space and preferences. This will result in an entry door that looks beautiful, functions flawlessly for years to come, and showcases your home design style.