Door Handing Explained - Left vs Right Hand

Door Handing is determined by the hinge position when viewed from the pull side of the door.

If the hinges are on the right, it is a right hand door. If the hinges are on the left, it is a left hand door.

Door handing tells the manufacturer which side the hinges go on and which way the door swings, so the leaf, frame and ironmongery are made the correct way round. Handing conventions differ between suppliers, so always confirm the method being used - DoorTechnik works to the pull side, the side you stand on to pull the door towards you.

Left hand, right hand and reverse

Left hand (LH): standing on the pull side, the hinges are on the left and the door opens towards you.
Right hand (RH): standing on the pull side, the hinges are on the right and the door opens towards you.
Reverse handed: a door that opens away from you, on the push side, is described as reverse - for example a left hand reverse door.

If you are unsure, send us a sketch showing the hinge side and the opening direction and we will confirm the handing for your doorset.

Frequently asked questions

What does door handing mean?

Door handing describes which side a door is hinged and which way it opens. It lets the doorset, frame and ironmongery be manufactured and fitted the correct way round.

How do I tell if a door is left or right handed?

Stand on the pull side of the door, where it opens towards you. If the hinges are on the left it is a left hand door; if they are on the right it is a right hand door. Always confirm which convention your supplier uses, as they can vary.

What is a reverse handed door?

A reverse handed door opens away from you, on the push side. For example, a left hand reverse door is hinged on the left and opens away from you.