Choosing Between Right- and Left-Handed Door Options

Among several choices you might be making when it comes to any kind of new entry door or exterior door on your property, the decision between a right-handed and left-handed door is often key. This actually has little to do with whether common users of the door are right-handed or left-handed, and more to do with important factors like door positioning, property layout, and a nice dose of personal preference.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to serve as your one-stop shop for all things entry doors, exterior doors, garage doors, Pella windows and more around both Utah and Idaho. We maintain locations in Salt Lake City, St. George and Boise, and we’re here to help with everything from entry door installation and repair to exterior door selection and more. Here are some basics on what the difference is between right- and left-handed doors, plus some elements to consider while choosing the ideal option for a given door need on your property.

Defining Right- and Left-Handed Doors

When we talk about right- and left-handed doors, we’re discussing the way in which the door swings open. On a right-handed door, the hinge is on the right side when you’re standing outside of it looking in – so if you were to pull this door open from the outside, you’d do so with your left hand while pushing with your left. This same concept applies to left-handed doors as well: You would use your right hand to pull and push.

It’s worth noting that some people may refer to these types of doors as “right-swung” or “left-swung” instead. These terms generally mean the same thing, but they are not quite as commonly used as “right-hand” and “left-hand” doors.

Important Considerations

As we noted above, the decision between right- and left-handed doors has far more to do with factors like property layout than any sort of hand dominance or preference. Some specifics here to consider while making this decision on one of our high-quality entry doors:

• Layout: The layout of your home or business can play a significant role in whether you choose a right- or left-handed door. For instance, if there’s restricted space near the door, it might be best to go with an option that requires less open space for movement when opening and closing.
• Door Width: Another factor that goes along with layout is the width of the door itself. Some doors may be too narrow to accommodate a right- or left-handed orientation, making this decision for you.
• Property Flow: Think about how people will move throughout your property and if this might impact the decision. You want to choose an option that makes sense with common foot traffic patterns and doesn’t interfere with general flow.
• Possible Obstructions: If there are any obstructions near the door, such as nearby furniture or other elements, you’ll want to consider these while making your decision. You don’t want to end up with a door that constantly hits something every time it’s opened.
• Personal Preference: While we’ve made it clear that this choice is more about practicality than preference, it’s still worth considering personal preference to some degree. After all, you’re the one who will be using the door regularly and should feel comfortable with how it operates.

How Much Does Individual Handedness Matter

While we noted above that whether individuals in the home are right- or left-handed isn’t usually the primary factor in this decision, it can still play a minor role. For instance, if someone is left-handed and will be using the door regularly, they may feel more comfortable with a left-handed option – but again, this should not be the primary factor in your decision. But if all else is equal and you have a strong preference for one over the other, then by all means go with your personal opinion.

Making the Right Choice

When it comes to choosing between right- and left-handed doors, remember that there is no right or wrong answer – it’s all about what works best for your specific property and its layout. If you’re unsure about which option to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Price’s Guaranteed Doors for expert advice and assistance. We’ll help you find the perfect solution for your entry door and exterior door needs, whether you’re anywhere in Utah or Idaho. Contact us today!