A right hand exterior door is a type of door that is hinged on the right side when viewed from the outside looking in. This means that when standing outside a building and facing the door, the hinges will be on the right side of the door frame. Right hand exterior doors are one of the most common door configurations, along with left hand exterior doors that have hinges on the left side.
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Purpose and Function
Right hand exterior doors serve several key functions:
- Allow entry and exit to/from a building or room
- Provide security and privacy
- Keep out drafts, noise, and weather elements
- Enable flow control of people, goods, and vehicles
- Offer aesthetic appeal to a building’s exterior
The right hinge configuration is preferred by many homeowners and builders because it allows the door to open away from people entering or exiting the building. This avoids having the door swing into the path of traffic. It also enables easier access and maneuverability through the doorway, compared to a left handed door that would swing inward into the entry space.
Types of Right Hand Exterior Doors
There are several common types of right hand exterior doors:
Entry Doors
Entry doors are the main exterior doors used to access a home, apartment, office building, store, restaurant, etc. Typical residential entry doors are 36-42 inches wide to accommodate furniture and traffic. Popular styles include flush doors, paneled doors, doors with sidelights or transoms, and Dutch doors with an upper and lower half.
Storm Doors
Storm doors are installed in front of entry doors to provide supplemental weatherproofing, durability, and security. They have a solid or glass lower half with a screened upper half to allow air circulation. Right hand storm doors will have the hinges on the right side when viewed from outside.
Screen Doors
Screen doors maximize ventilation and light while keeping out insects. They are typically made of a aluminum or fiberglass frame holding screen mesh. Right hand screen doors will be hinged right when facing the door from the exterior side.
French Doors
French doors consist of paired doors with large glass panes extending most of their length. They are opened and shut by rotating the doors on their hinges. Right hand French doors will have hinges on the right stile (vertical side piece) of each door.
Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are made up of connected panels that fold up accordion style. Right hand bifolds will typically have the hinges on the right side of each panel.
Sliding Patio Doors
Sliding patio doors have two or more panels that slide horizontally on a track. To differentiate right vs left hand, stand outside and look at the side jamb the door overlaps when closed. If it overlaps on the right side, it is a right hand sliding patio door.
Door Components
While styles vary, most right hand exterior doors share common components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Hinges | Attached to right side jamb to swing door open right |
| Jamb | Vertical pieces forming door frame |
| Sill | Horizontal bottom piece of frame |
| Head | Horizontal top piece of frame |
| Stop | Wood strip on jambs and head |
| Casing | Trim around sides of jambs and head |
| panel | Center section holding glass, screen, etc. |
| Stile | Vertical outer pieces on sides of door |
| Rail | Horizontal pieces at top and bottom |
| Mullion | Vertical piece separating panels in French doors |
| Transom | Window above door |
These parts come together to create a functional, durable door unit when properly assembled as a right hand configuration.
How to Determine Handing
It is important to identify whether an exterior door is right handed or left handed to ensure proper installation and operation. Here are some tips:
- Stand outside the house or building and face the door
- Note which side the hinges are on
- If the hinges are on the right, it is a right hand door
- If the hinges are on the left, it is a left hand door
- The side with the hinges is the side the door will swing open towards
Another way is to stand in the doorway facing out. If the hinges are behind you on the right, it is a right hand door. This is the standard orientation for most front entry doors since it allows the door to open away from foot traffic entering the home.
Measuring for Right Hand Doors
When shopping for a replacement right hand exterior door, proper measurement of the existing door opening is crucial. Here are the key dimensions needed:
- Width – Measure across the front opening at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest width.
- Height – Measure from the bottom of the threshold to the top of the jamb/header.
- Thickness – Measure door thickness at edge. Standard is 1-3/8 inch.
- Jamb depth – Measure how far jamb protrudes from wall surface.
- Hinge locations – Note where hinges are located on existing right handed door.
Having these measurements will allow you to order a right hand prehung door that will fit correctly into the opening. Most home centers and door suppliers offer a variety of standard sizes. For non-standard openings, custom sized prehung doors can be special ordered.
Installing Right Hand Exterior Doors
A new right hand exterior door can be installed as either a prehung door unit, or as a slab door into the existing frame:
Prehung Doors
Prehung doors come as a complete ready-to-install assembly with the door slab already installed into a door jamb and hinges mounted. When installing a new right hand prehung exterior door:
- Check rough opening size against new unit to verify the prehung door will fit properly.
- Remove existing door and jamb/trim assembly and dispose.
- Set new right hand prehung unit into opening and center.
- Shim hinge side to make door unit plumb and level.
- Anchor through jamb and shims into framing with screws.
- Seal gaps with caulk and install exterior trim.
Slab Door Installation
For slab door installation into an existing frame:
- Remove old door slab only, keeping existing right side jamb in place.
- Confirm new right hand door slab width and height fit frame.
- Trim door bottom if needed to clear threshold/floor.
- Bore new holes for handleset and deadbolt if needed.
- Install hinges in existing right side jamb locations.
- Hang new right hand door slab in frame and test operation.
- Reinstall casing trim if removed.
The proper installation of a right hand exterior door is important for functionality, security, weatherproofing, and appearance. Careful measurement, fitting, anchoring, sealing, and trimming ensures optimal performance.
Costs
Right hand exterior doors are widely available and competitively priced at home improvement stores and specialty suppliers. Here are some typical price ranges:
| Door Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Entry door slab only | $100 – $500 |
| Prehung entry door | $250 – $1,500 |
| Storm door | $100 – $400 |
| Screen door | $50 – $300 |
| French door unit | $300 – $1,000 per door |
| Bifold door | $100 – $300 per panel |
| Sliding patio door | $400 – $2,000 per panel |
Prices vary based on materials, size, design, energy efficiency features, and accessories. Custom doors and professional installation add more cost. Shoppers can find quality right hand exterior doors at affordable prices through home improvement retailers.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps maximize the lifespan and performance of a right hand exterior door. Recommended upkeep includes:
- Inspecting door operation and hinge condition annually. Lubricate hinges as needed.
- Checking weatherstripping for wear. Replace if air/water leaks are present.
- Replacing loose or corroded hardware/lockset.
- Checking for door slab warping and re-hanging if necessary.
- Sanding down scratches and refinishing surface every 2-3 years.
- Cleaning glass panels and wiping down door slab.
- Sealing any cracks around door frame with caulk.
- Cleaning drain holes along door threshold.
Simple regular maintenance helps prevent problems and deterioration of the door. Periodic refinishing restores curb appeal and protects the finish.
Conclusion
In summary, a right hand exterior door is a door that swings open to the right when viewed from outside the building. This common configuration allows the door to open away from foot traffic. Right hand exterior doors serve as secure access points and enhance aesthetic appeal. They come in a variety of styles from basic entry doors to elegant French doors. Careful measurement and installation paired with regular maintenance keeps a right hand exterior door working smoothly for years of trouble-free use.