Door Handing Explained in Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

In construction, understanding door handing is an essential aspect of designing and installing doors that function properly within a building’s layout. The term “door handing” refers to the specific way a door opens, including the placement of its hinges and the direction it swings. This detail is crucial not only for functional use but also for ensuring that doors are installed according to safety standards, aesthetics, and building codes. Whether you are working on a residential or commercial construction project, mastering door handing is key to achieving proper door installation and a smooth construction workflow.

In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of door handing in construction, covering the terminology, types of doors, methods of determining door handing, and the impact it has on installation and overall design.

What is Door Handing in Construction?

Door handing refers to how a door is hung, focusing on the side of the door where the hinges are located and the direction in which the door swings. This concept is vital to understand for proper installation and is typically used to describe the orientation of interior doors in a building. By determining the handing of the door, contractors, architects, and builders ensure that doors open and close efficiently and match the intended design of the building.

When determining door handing, there are generally two types of door orientations:

• Right-Hand Door (RH): The hinges are on the right side of the door when it is opened. The door swings away from the person standing on the other side, which is typically the side of the room or hallway the door leads into.
• Left-Hand Door (LH): The hinges are on the left side of the door when opened. Like the right-hand door, it swings away from the person standing on the opposite side.

Why is Door Handing Important?

Understanding door handing is crucial for several reasons in construction, such as:

1. Correct Door Swing Direction: Knowing the handing of a door ensures that it swings in the correct direction and allows for adequate clearance in the space. This consideration is important for both safety and functionality.
2. Accessibility: In many buildings, especially commercial or public spaces, it is important to comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. Proper door handing can ensure that doors open easily and provide appropriate clearance for wheelchair users or other people with mobility challenges.
3. Space Optimization: The handing of a door affects how much space is needed for it to swing open. Choosing the right door handing ensures that door swings don’t interfere with furniture placement, traffic flow, or other essential features within a room.
4. Security and Privacy: Door handing also impacts the type of hardware (e.g., locks, deadbolts, handles) needed for proper security. The direction of the door swing may determine the most appropriate locksets and accessories required to ensure the door provides maximum security.

How to Determine Door Handing

Determining the correct door handing can be done by following a few simple steps. Knowing these steps helps ensure you are selecting the right type of door for the intended space. Here’s how to determine the handing of a door:

1. Stand on the Outside: To determine whether a door is right-hand or left-hand, always stand on the outside of the door—this is the side that opens to the hallway, room, or exterior.
2. Observe the Hinges: Check which side the hinges are located on. If the hinges are on the right side, it is a right-hand door; if on the left side, it is a left-hand door.
3. Consider the Swing Direction: Open the door and observe how it swings. A right-hand door swings inward with the hinges on the right, while a left-hand door swings inward with the hinges on the left.

This simple method of determining door handing ensures that all door hardware is installed properly, providing the right functionality and usability for a space.

Types of Door Handing

In construction, door handing can apply to different types of doors. Understanding these variations can help contractors make more informed decisions when selecting doors for a project. Here are some of the common types of doors and how their handing is determined:

Single Doors

A single door is the most common type of door used in homes and buildings. It typically swings open on hinges mounted on one side, with a handle and latch on the opposite side. For single doors, the handing is determined by whether the door is left-hand or right-hand as described above.

Double Doors

Double doors consist of two adjacent doors that swing open from the center. Determining the handing for double doors is a bit different because one door acts as the active door, while the other is the inactive door (also known as a meeting door).

For double doors, you would follow the same procedure for identifying the handing, but only for the active door. The inactive door, which doesn’t usually have a latch, may swing in the opposite direction depending on the layout.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors slide into the wall instead of swinging on hinges. Although they do not have a typical swinging action like other doors, their handing is still determined based on the direction they slide. This is especially important when installing pocket doors in spaces where clearance is limited.

French Doors

Similar to double doors, French doors typically have two doors that swing open from the center. The handing is determined in the same manner as with double doors. However, French doors often feature glass panels, making the handing crucial for proper functionality, aesthetics, and security.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Door Handing

Selecting the right door handing requires a thorough understanding of the space where the door will be installed. Here are some important factors to consider:

Traffic Flow

The direction in which a door swings can significantly affect the flow of foot traffic within a building. It is important to think about how people will use the space and how the door handing will impact their movement. A door that swings inward into a high-traffic area may obstruct the flow, whereas a door that swings outward may not be ideal in a hallway.

Building Codes and Regulations

In some buildings, especially public or commercial spaces, the door handing must comply with local building codes and regulations, including safety and accessibility standards. It’s crucial to ensure that the door handing meets these standards to avoid potential fines or rework.

Clearance and Space Constraints

When choosing the handing for a door, consider the amount of available space in the area. For instance, some rooms may have limited clearance on one side, making it difficult to install a door that swings in one direction. Pocket doors or bi-fold doors might be more suitable in such cases.

Conclusion

Door handing is a fundamental aspect of construction that directly impacts the functionality, safety, and aesthetics of a building. Understanding how to determine the handing of a door and how it influences the design process ensures that doors are installed properly and efficiently. Whether you are installing single doors, double doors, or more complex systems like French doors and pocket doors, knowing the correct door handing helps create spaces that are both practical and visually appealing.

By following the right procedure for determining door handing, construction professionals can ensure that all doors in a building are properly installed, meet building codes, and contribute to a seamless flow of space. In the end, door handing plays a crucial role in ensuring the comfort, safety, and accessibility of a building.

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