A Straightforward Guide for Holly Springs Homeowners
If you’re planning to replace a door in your home, you will run into terms like “left-hand inswing” or “right-hand outswing.” These aren’t just technical details. They determine how your door opens, how it fits in the space, and whether it operates the way you expect once installed.
When we install new doors, we take care of these specifications. But if you’ve ever been curious about how we determine handing and swing, and why it matters, here’s what you need to know.
Why Door Swing Direction Matters
Getting the swing wrong might not seem like a big deal at first. That is, until your brand-new door arrives and it doesn’t fit the way you thought it would. Suddenly, the space feels cramped. The door opens into furniture. Maybe it even swings into another door.
It happens more often than you’d think. And the worst part is that doors can’t typically be returned once ordered.
You shouldn’t have to live with that kind of mistake. And you don’t have to. Whether you’re building a new home or updating your entryway, understanding swing direction ensures everything fits and functions the way it should.
Inswing vs. Outswing: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things we determine is whether a door is inswing or outswing.
- Inswing doors open into your home or room. This is the most common configuration for front, back, and interior doors.
- Outswing doors open toward the outside. These are used when indoor space is limited, or when additional weather resistance is needed.
To identify the swing direction, imagine standing on the side where you are entering from.
- If the door swings away from you and into the home, it’s an inswing.
- If the door swings toward you and outward, it’s an outswing.
What Is Door Handing?
Handing refers to whether a door is left-handed or right-handed. It’s determined by where the hinges are located when you’re standing on what’s considered the “outside” of the door.
- For exterior doors, the “outside” is the keyed side, typically the view from the street or porch.
From there:
- If the knobs are on the left, it’s a left-hand door.
- If the knobs are on the right, it’s a right-hand door
Can the Door Knob Help You Identify Handing?
Yes. In many cases, the position of the door knob can be a helpful indicator. Here’s a simplified way to understand it:
- If you’re standing in front of the door and it swings inward, look at where the door knob is.
- If the knob is on the right, it’s a right-hand inswing
- If the knob is on the left, it’s a left-hand inswing
For outswing doors, stand on the exterior side and apply the same idea:
- Knob on the right with an outward swing? That’s a right-hand outswing
- Knob on the left with an outward swing? That’s a left-hand outswing
This method is often used in quick assessments and is especially useful when hinges aren’t immediately visible.
You may also check out our video to understand this better!
Common Door Configurations
Here’s how handing and swing are typically labeled in the industry:
| Hinges On | Door Opens | Terminology |
| Left | Inward | Left-Hand (LHI) |
| Right | Inward | Right-Hand (RHI) |
| Left | Outward | Left-Hand Outswing (LHO) |
| Right | Outward | Right-Hand Outswing (RHO) |
So for example, if you’re standing outside your front door:
- The hinges are on the right
- The door opens inward into your home
That would be called a Right-Hand (RH) door.
If the door opened outward instead, that would be a Right-Hand Outswing (RHO) door.
Schedule Your Free Phone or In-Home Consultation
At Window Works, we use this standard method when measuring, ordering, and installing your new doors. You don’t need to worry about getting it right. We’ll take care of that. But having a general understanding of the terminology can help you feel more confident during the planning process.
Every project we work on in Holly Springs includes a site visit where we confirm the correct handing and swing for your space. We consider layout, traffic flow, and hardware placement to ensure a smooth installation.
Window Works proudly serves Holly Springs, NC and surrounding areas with expert door and window installation services.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your doors, reach out to schedule a consultation. We’ll handle the details, from hinge placement to hardware, so everything fits just the way it should. Contact us to schedule your free phone or in-home consultation today! You may also check our financing options