When replacing a commercial door or ordering new hardware, it helps to know which way the door is handed and how it swings. These details affect the door, frame, hinges, lock, closer, and other hardware. If the handing is unclear, a quick description may not be enough to specify the correct configuration.
Before placing an order or planning an installation, record the door’s hinge side and swing direction, then confirm the naming convention used for the project and hardware. The commercial door quote preparation guide explains other details and photos that can help when discussing a project.
What “Handing” and “Swing” Mean
Handing describes the door’s orientation, including the side where the hinges are located. Swing describes whether the door opens toward or away from you, based on the side from which you are viewing it.
Commercial door and hardware schedules often use abbreviations such as LH, RH, LHR, and RHR. These identify the hinge side and whether the door opens toward or away from the person determining the hand. Since terminology can vary by manufacturer or project, follow the applicable plans and product instructions when specifying a door or hardware.
A Practical Way to Identify a Single Door
For hardware handing, Allegion recommends starting from the secure or outside side of the opening. From that side, look at the hinges—not the lock or handle. If the hinges are on your left, the door is left hand; if they are on your right, it is right hand. Then note whether the door opens toward you or away from you. A door that opens toward you is designated as a reverse-hand door in this method. Review Allegion’s door-handing guide for diagrams and definitions.
When recording the information, include the side from which you determined the hand. “Hinges on the left” can be confusing if the person receiving the note is standing on the opposite side of the opening.
What to Check on Paired Doors
Paired doors need a little more detail. Identify the swing of each leaf and which leaf is the primary or active leaf, if the project uses one. Also note any existing hardware at the meeting edges, such as an astragal or coordinator. These details can affect how the doors work together and which hardware is needed. See Seven Oaks’ guide to commercial double-door hardware for more information.
Record More Than the Handing
Handing is only one part of a replacement or installation request. Record the opening’s location, approximate door size, door and frame material, existing hardware, and any labels or markings you can see. Take clear photos from both sides of the opening, including the hinges, frame, door edge, and hardware. For fire-rated openings, include photos of any labels and avoid removing or altering them.
If you see frame damage or movement around the hinge locations, mention it when requesting an evaluation. Seven Oaks’ article on commercial door frame repair or replacement explains why the frame and hardware should be considered together. You can also review signs of commercial door hinge problems.
Confirm Before Ordering
Correct handing helps the door and its hardware fit and operate as intended. Before ordering, compare your notes with the project drawings, manufacturer instructions, and hardware schedule. If the opening is unusual or the handing remains uncertain, ask a qualified door professional to verify it. Contact Seven Oaks Doors & Hardware to discuss a commercial door replacement, retrofit, or installation project.
