Determining the handing of your door: here’s how to do it

Ordering a new interior door? Then it is important to know the correct handing of your door. A door can be left-hand or right-hand opening. You can determine which version you need with a simple check.

What does the handing of a door mean?

The handing indicates which way the door opens and where the hinges are located. With a left-hand opening door, the hinges are on the left when you stand on the side where the door opens towards you. With a right-hand opening door, the hinges are on the right.

How to determine whether your door is left- or right-hand opening

Stand on the side of the door where it opens towards you. Then look at the hinges. Are the hinges on the left side? Then you have a left-hand opening door. Are they on the right? Then the door is right-hand opening.

In doubt? Open the door slowly and look closely at which side the hinges are on. A photo of the existing situation can also help when comparing with a new door.

Why is the handing important for a new door?

The handing is especially important when ordering an interior door that is already prepared for a lock. The wrong version can mean the door does not fit the existing situation. The handing is separate from other measurements, such as the center-to-center distance and backset of the lock.

Check this before ordering a door

In addition to the handing, check the height, width, and thickness of the door. If in doubt, take one last look at the existing door before ordering.

Practical tip: when measuring, take a photo of the door with the hinges clearly visible. This way, you can easily double-check the handing later.