Understanding door handing is essential when selecting the right commercial door for your space. The direction a door swings and the way it is hinged can impact accessibility, safety, and usability. This guide will walk you through the basics so you can make an informed decision.
Single Door Handing
A single door is either a left-hand or right-hand door, and it can swing inwards or outwards. Outswing doors are also referred to as "reverse" doors. Here’s how to determine door handing:
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Left-Hand (LH): Hinges are on the left side as you approach the door from the outside, and the door swings inward.
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Right-Hand (RH): Hinges are on the right side as you approach the door from the outside, and the door swings inward.
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Left-Hand Reverse (LHR): Hinges are on the left side as you approach the door from the outside, and the door swings outward.
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Right-Hand Reverse (RHR): Hinges are on the right side as you approach the door from the outside, and the door swings outward.
Pro Tip: A quick way to remember handing is to stand outside the door and note which side the hinges are on and which way the door swings.
Double Door Handing
Double doors follow similar rules but add complexity because there are two door panels that work together. Proper handing ensures smooth operation and compliance with building requirements:
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Active and Inactive Panels: In a double door setup, one panel is “active” (opens regularly) while the other is “inactive” (remains fixed unless needed). The handing of the active panel determines the handing of the entire set.
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Left-Hand Active (LHA): Hinges are on the left for the active door as you approach it, and the door swings inward.
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Right-Hand Active (RHA): Hinges are on the right for the active door as you approach it, and the door swings inward.
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Left-Hand Active Reverse (LHAR): Hinges are on the left for the active door as you approach it, and the door swings outward.
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Right-Hand Active Reverse (RHAR): Hinges are on the right for the active door as you approach it, and the door swings outward.
Pro Tip: Always confirm handing for double doors before ordering to avoid costly mistakes during installation.
Why Door Handing Matters
Choosing the correct door handing ensures:
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Proper functionality and ease of use
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Compliance with safety and accessibility regulations
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Optimal traffic flow in high-use areas
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Avoidance of costly mistakes or delays
At CDF Distributors, we make ordering the right commercial door simple. Our team is here to guide you through selecting the perfect door handing configuration so your project stays on schedule and meets your needs.
Check out our full selection of commercial doors today, or speak to a door expert directly at (855) 769.9895
