UWG丨Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Doors: Guide for Builders

Q: What is the difference between RH and LH swing doors?

RH (right-hand) and LH (left-hand) refer to hinge side when you face the door from the side it opens away from. RH: hinges on the right and the door swings away to the right. LH: hinges on the left and the door swings away to the left.

Q: How do I determine if a door is right-hand or left-hand?

Stand with your back to the hinges. If the door opens away from you and the handle is on your right, it’s a right-hand door; if the handle is on your left, it’s a left-hand door. For outswing doors, apply the same logic but reverse the direction the door moves.

Q: What are the benefits of a left-hand swing door?

Left-hand swing doors are commonly used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets to improve traffic flow, protect privacy, avoid blocking hallways, and maximize usable space by opening toward a wall.

Q: How can you tell a door swing before it’s installed?

Imagine standing outside the room the door will open into, visualize hinge placement on the rough opening/frame, and determine where the handle will be when the door swings in. Handle on right = right-hand inswing; handle on left = left-hand inswing.

Q: How do exterior door swings differ from interior ones?

Exterior doors may be inswing or outswing depending on weather and security. Determine swing from the exterior side. Outswing can offer better wind resistance but may require security hinges; correct swing supports energy efficiency, security, and code compliance.

Q: Which side should the door handle be on?

The handle is opposite the hinge side. Hinges on left = handle on right (left-hand swing). Hinges on right = handle on left (right-hand swing).

Q: What is the standard left-hand door swing configuration?

Typically: hinges on the left when viewed from the side the door opens into, handle on the right, and the door swings inward and leftward—common in residential interior doors.

Q: How to tell a left-handed door from the outside?

Standing outside the room: hinges on the left and the door opens away from you means left-hand outswing; if the door opens toward you with hinges still on the left, it’s left-hand inswing.

Left-Hand vs Right-Hand Doors: How Do You Choose the Correct Door Swing?

To determine a door’s swing, stand with your back to the hinges. If the door opens away from you and the handle is on your right, it’s a right-hand door. If the handle is on your left, it’s a left-hand door. For outswing doors, the logic is the same—just reverse the direction the door moves. Understanding swing direction ensures correct ordering and installation.

Many builders and wholesalers face delays and returns due to ordering the wrong door swing. Misjudging left-hand vs right-hand doors can cost time, money, and reputation. Let’s break down how to choose the correct swing—quickly and confidently—for any type of door installation.

Now that you know the basics, let’s dive deeper into swing types, benefits, and common ordering mistakes—especially useful for builders and wholesalers managing multiple doors.

What is the difference between RH and LH swing doors?

RH (right-hand) and LH (left-hand) swings refer to the side the hinges are on when you’re facing the door from the side it opens away from.

Right-hand (RH): Hinges on the right; door swings away to the right.
Left-hand (LH): Hinges on the left; door swings away to the left.

Tip: Use the door swing direction chart provided by manufacturers for a visual reference.

What are the benefits of a left-hand swing door?

Left-hand swing doors are commonly used in:

Bedrooms: To open towards the wall and not block pathways.
Bathrooms: For privacy and to avoid obstructing adjacent hallways.
Closets: Where space-saving is a priority.

Choosing the correct left-hand door swing improves traffic flow and maximizes usable space.

How can you tell a door swing before it’s installed?

Before installation:

Imagine standing outside the room the door will open into.
Visualize the hinge placement on the rough opening or frame.
If the handle will be on your right, and the door swings in — it’s a right-hand inswing.
If on the left, it’s a left-hand inswing.

This method is ideal for pre-hung or custom doors and helps avoid costly reorderings.

How do exterior door swings differ from interior ones?

Exterior doors often have outswing or inswing options based on weather and security:

Left-hand vs right-hand swing exterior doors still follow the same hinge logic.
Always determine swing from the exterior side.
Outswing doors may offer better wind resistance but may require special security hinges.

Choosing the right swing for exterior use improves energy efficiency, security, and compliance with local building codes.

Which side should the door handle be on?

The handle should always be opposite the hinge side.

If hinges are on the left, the handle is on the right (for a left-hand swing).
If hinges are on the right, the handle is on the left (for a right-hand swing).

For universal design and accessibility, handle placement should also consider user convenience and ADA compliance.

What is the standard left-hand door swing configuration?

A standard left-hand door swing:

Hinges on the left when viewed from the side it opens into.
Handle on the right.
Door swings inward and leftward.

This configuration is common in residential builds, especially interior doors like bedroom or utility rooms.

How to tell a left-handed door from the outside?

When standing outside the room:

If the hinges are on the left, and the door opens away from you → Left-hand outswing.
If the door opens toward you, same hinge position → Left-hand inswing.

This method is important for front doors and patio doors, where swing direction affects furniture layout, security, and weatherproofing.

Summary

Choosing the correct door swing—left-hand or right-hand—requires a quick visual check and a basic understanding of hinge placement and swing direction. Whether you’re ordering in bulk or installing one door, getting it right saves time, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures a professional finish.