Door handing guide

LH, RH, LHR, RHR door swing specifications

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The Door Handing Guide helps architects, contractors, and door installers determine correct door handing specifications. Understand Left Hand (LH), Right Hand (RH), Left Hand Reverse (LHR), and Right Hand Reverse (RHR) door swing directions.

Correct door handing is essential for proper door operation, code compliance, and accessibility. The guide provides visual diagrams and clear explanations of each handing type, helping ensure doors are ordered and installed correctly.

View visual diagrams showing hinge position and swing direction for each handing type. The guide explains how to determine handing by standing outside the door and identifying which side has hinges and whether the door pushes or pulls open.

Features

Everything you need

Visual door handing diagrams
Four handing types (LH, RH, LHR, RHR)
Hinge position identification
Swing direction explanation
Installation guidance
Code compliance reference
Accessibility considerations

How it works

Simple workflow

1
View door handing types
2
See visual diagrams for each type
3
Understand hinge position
4
Identify swing direction
5
Apply to door specifications

Use cases

Built for real-world scenarios

Door specification

Determine correct door handing for construction documents and door orders.

Installation guidance

Verify door handing before installation to ensure proper operation.

Code compliance

Ensure door handing meets accessibility and egress code requirements.

Renovation planning

Identify existing door handing when replacing or modifying doors.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Stand outside the door (exterior side). If hinges are on left and door pushes away = Left Hand (LH). If hinges on right and pushes away = Right Hand (RH). If door pulls toward you, it's Reverse (LHR or RHR).

LH (Left Hand): Hinges on left, door pushes away. LHR (Left Hand Reverse): Hinges on left, door pulls toward you. Same hinge side, different swing direction.

Correct handing ensures: Proper door operation, hardware compatibility, code compliance (egress, accessibility), and correct door ordering. Wrong handing requires door replacement.

Some doors can be reversed by moving hinges and hardware. Pre-hung doors typically cannot be reversed. Check door specifications—many modern doors are handed-specific.

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