doors

Left or right hand door? Which to choose? How do you distinguish between them?

blog | 26.05.2023

When we are faced with doors, whether in our homes, offices or elsewhere, we can often wonder whether they are designed as left-hand or right-hand doors. This question may seem trivial, but it matters, especially if we want to change hinges, handles or replace locks. In this article, we will discuss how to distinguish between left and right-handed doors and what relevance this has for our daily functioning.

How do you distinguish between left and right hand doors?

Determining the door side - from the exterior

The first step in distinguishing between left and right hand doors is to find out which side the hinges are on. To do this, the position from which we look at the door is crucial. Let's look at the door from the outside, standing in front of it - from the exterior. If the hinges are on the left side, we are dealing with a left-hand door. If, on the other hand, the hinges are on the right, we have a right-hand door.

Determining the door side - from the interior

Interior doors also have their own characteristic orientation. Standing inside the room and looking at the door, if the hinges are on the left side, we have a right-hand door. If the hinges are on the right, we have a left-hand door. In the case of doors opening outwards, the consequence of the opposite orientation is always maintained.

Opening direction

Another aspect that helps distinguish between left and right doors is the direction in which they open. To give an example for an outward opening door, a left-hand door will open to the left and a right-hand door will open to the right. This is because the hinges are on the opposite side. This can be easily remembered by thinking 'the left door opens to the left'.

Locks and handles

Another way to distinguish left-hand doors from right-hand doors is to analyse the locks and handles. For left-hand doors, the lock is on the right and the handle is on the left. For right-hand doors, the lock is on the left and the handle is on the right. This is a common configuration, but may vary depending on the country or manufacturer.

pvc doors
PVC entrance doors available from Aikon Distribution

Summary

Distinguishing between left and right-handed doors may seem a little confusing at first, but it is a skill worth acquiring, especially if you are involved in installing or repairing them. And also in case you simply want to make the correct purchase. It's worth noting the orientation of the hinges, the direction in which the door opens, the location of the locks and handles, to determine exactly whether you're dealing with a left or right-hand door. Remembering these tips will help us avoid mistakes and make it easier to work with doors in the future.

Deciding to buy a front door? Consult with our advisor and choose the best door for your home.

Contact

It may interest you:

Are aluminium door better than uPVC?

Timber door price

See all our blog posts

Increasing exports of Polish windows and doors to Canada

Increasing exports of Polish windows and doors...

blog | 25.09.2023

Polish manufacturers and distributors of windows and doors have been introducing their goods to foreign markets for years. Although Poland is one of the world's leading exporters of window...

See more
Triangular and trapezoidal windows

Triangular and trapezoidal windows

blog | 18.09.2023

Triangular and trapezoidal windows are a very striking feature of modern houses. The form of trapezoid and triangular windows makes it possible to use them on the entire gable wall of the...

See more
Guide to architectural styles - what window for loft interiors?

Guide to architectural styles - what window for...

blog | 14.08.2023

Loft interiors, with their distinctive industrial design features, are becoming increasingly popular these days. Raw, open spaces, large windows, a ceiling with visible beams - these are just...

See more
Let's be ECO. Choose energy-efficient windows

Let's be ECO. Choose energy-efficient windows

blog | 03.08.2023

Energy-efficient windows eliminate heat loss, generate savings and guarantee comfort on winter days . How do they work, what do they consist of and how do they differ from traditional windows?...

See more
An arched timber window or a uPVC window?

An arched timber window or a uPVC window?

blog | 01.08.2023

Arched windows are distinguished by their peculiar shape and undoubtedly have their own unique charm. They are more labour-intensive to make than traditional rectangular windows and quite...

See more