right-hand outswing or left-hand outswing?


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Old 11-22-11, 08:14 AM
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right-hand outswing or left-hand outswing?

Hi everyone - I am in the process of purchasing a french patio door, which swings out (onto the patio). I do not know whether I want right-hand or left-hand. The hinges are on the outside edges of the two doors, which meet in the middle (obviously ) and the handle is on the inside edge (where the two doors meet) of one of the two doors. I want to open the door to the right as I go from inside to outside. It may be a stupid question, but do I want right-hand outswing? Do they look at it from the inside? Thanks for your help and for not laughing at me (at least so I can know! haha!).
 
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Old 11-22-11, 08:33 AM
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You look at exterior doors from the outside. So...when talking to a salesperson...what you want to say is " double door, outswing, left door primary (or active)". Different brands use different terms. Andersen for example labels theirs as PALR or APLR (passive, active, left, right and active, passive, left, right...respectively).

Active or primary refers to the door that HAS to be opened first.

You don't really use left hand or right hand when talking about double doors.
 
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Old 11-22-11, 08:35 AM
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Take a look at the second page here...that will help visualize it..
http://www.andersenwindows.com/servl...&ssbinary=true
 
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Old 11-22-11, 08:37 AM
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Thanks gunguy - I am going by what the Home Depot website says "left-hand outswing" and "right-hand outswing". so now I am really confused.
 
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Old 11-22-11, 08:47 AM
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Ahhh...I see. Well, thats where I learned my stuff...so if you put a link so I can see the brand I'll help.

Most likely it will be a left hand.

Word of warning...cheaper French doors are a PITA.
 
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Old 11-22-11, 09:03 AM
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72 in. x 79-3/4 in. Aluminum White Prehung Left-Hand Outswing French Patio Door-SWPD6068LHCLRW at The Home Depot

is that a link? doesn't look like it but i copied the stuff in the address line. anyway, it is product number 483581 . we are getting cheap aluminum because we are re-doing a house in the bahamas and thought aluminum would be best there.
 
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Old 11-22-11, 11:07 AM
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Well, not familiar with that brand...probably equivalent to Masonite..though maybe a step up. Personally, I like fiberglass or vinyl clad better around any water. Aluminum won't rust, but it can still corrode. I'd assume this will be protected from direct rain by a patio or porch roof?

I doubt the picture really represents the actual product...so as I said..LH should be correct. I'd think it would be a good idea to make sure when you order at the store.
 
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Old 11-22-11, 11:10 AM
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Thanks for your help! Yes, it will be protected - the door will lead from the house out into a covered screen room. I will make sure to ask when ordering, but wanted to know myself, since sometimes the clerk taking the order doesn't know any more than the customer!
 
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Old 11-22-11, 11:19 AM
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So...since I was so much help (not!) could I stay at your place when my wife lets us save some money for a trip? lol
 
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Old 11-22-11, 11:21 AM
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If we ever get it finished.......
 
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Old 11-22-11, 01:00 PM
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A quick and easy method of determining what you have or what you need.
Put your back to the hinges and your arms are the potential doors. If your right arm swings away from your body you have or want a right swing.

Have fun with this one - I can see everybody running to their doors to try it!

Jim
 
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Old 11-22-11, 01:25 PM
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Swing

Look closely at the door unit in the photo. The latch hardware is on the opposite door from what you say you want.
 
 

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