exterior door problem (install, outside, wood, patio)

[dwing852]

I have a single french door I want hubby to install on our enclosed patio. It doesn't match due to old one coming out was right hand - this one is left hand. My question - can't you just flip it around - does it really matter which side is facing "in" the patio and which side is facing "outside." Both sides look identical to me. Huge debate over this.....can anyone answer this question for me. Thanks

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by dwing852

I have a single french door I want hubby to install on our enclosed patio. It doesn't match due to old one coming out was right hand - this one is left hand. My question - can't you just flip it around - does it really matter which side is facing "in" the patio and which side is facing "outside." Both sides look identical to me. Huge debate over this.....can anyone answer this question for me. Thanks

Depends.
Is this a metal entry door, or a wood door? Answer that; and I'll explain the rest.

[johnrex62]

The hinges are mortised on one side of the door or the other. Flipping the door so that the "outside" is "inside" will also put the hinges on the other side. It will swing the opposite direction.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by johnrex62

The hinges are mortised on one side of the door or the other. Flipping the door so that the "outside" is "inside" will also put the hinges on the other side. It will swing the opposite direction.

Hinges can be remortised- not really an issue. Which is usually the case anyway; rarely are hinges mortised in exactly the same place.
Need the answer to my previous post- then you'll know the relevance.

[Billy_J]

There can be security problems with doors which open out. But also there are solutions to those problems.