Determining door handing

Customer asks:

I still don’t understand how to determine door handing. Is it really that important?

Aru Grupp answers:

Many customers contact us asking how to determine door handing. This question usually comes up when ordering a door. At first glance, door handing may seem obvious, but in practice, mistakes are often made.

Door handing is one of the most important technical specifications when ordering a door. The wrong opening direction affects the usability of the room, so it is crucial that the door’s handing is clear before ordering.

What is door handing?

Door handing shows which side the hinges are on and the direction the door opens. Correctly determined door handing ensures the door opens logically, does not obstruct movement, and fits the room layout. In public buildings, staircases, and commercial spaces, the door’s opening direction is also often connected to fire safety and building regulations.

How to determine door handing

To determine door handing, stand in front of the door on the side towards which the door opens. This means the door opens toward you, and the hinges are visible.

• If the hinges are on the left and it is more convenient to open the door with your left hand, it is a left-handed door.

• If the hinges are on the right and it is more convenient to pull the door toward you with your right hand, it is a right-handed door.

Always determine door handing from the side the door opens toward.

Common mistakes in determining door handing

The most common mistake is looking at the door from the wrong side, which leads to incorrect results. If the door opens away from you, move to the other side and determine the handing from there.

Why door handing matters

A door with the wrong handing can interfere with room usability, block furniture placement, and may not comply with regulations. Our experience shows that door handing should always be checked before ordering.

A correctly determined left- or right-handed door is part of the room’s complete solution, ensuring smooth operation, safety, and long-term comfort.

Aru Grupp recommendation

If you have any doubt about door handing, consult a specialist before ordering. Door handing is a detail that affects the usability and functionality of the entire room. The best results are achieved when door handing is correctly determined.

If you need help choosing a door or determining handing, feel free to contact us – we will help you find the best solution for your space.

📧 aken@arugrupp.ee
📞 +372 329 5650
🌐 www.arugrupp.ee