How To Hand Hollow Metal Doors

Correctly determining door handing is one of the most important steps when ordering or replacinga commercial hollow metal door. Incorrect handing can cause installation delays,inspection issues, or doors that swing the wrong direction for egress and code compliance.

This guide explains how to determine hollow metal door handing for bothsingle doors and double door pairs.

For a complete overview of hollow metal door types, frames, wall conditions, and code considerations,visit ourHollow Metal Door Hub.

Is The Opening Single or Paired?

The first step in determining door handing is identifying whether the opening is asingle door or a double door (pair).Handing terminology and requirements differ between these configurations.

Single Hollow Metal Door Handing

Single hollow metal doors have four standard handing options:

• Left Hand (LH)
• Right Hand (RH)
• Left Hand Reverse (LHR)
• Right Hand Reverse (RHR)

Left Hand (LH)

When standing on the outside (secure side) of the opening:

• Hinges are on the left
• Lever or lock is on the right
• The door swings away from you to the left

Right Hand (RH)

When standing on the outside:

• Hinges are on the right
• Lever or lock is on the left
• The door swings away from you to the right

Left Hand Reverse (LHR)

When standing on the outside:

• Hinges are on the left
• Lever or lock is on the right
• The door swings toward you to the left

Right Hand Reverse (RHR)

When standing on the outside:

• Hinges are on the right
• Lever or lock is on the left
• The door swings toward you to the right

Double Hollow Metal Door (Pair) Handing

Hollow metal door pairs introduce the concept of an active leaf and ainactive leaf. The active leaf contains the primary locking hardwareand is the door used most frequently.

There are five common handing configurations for door pairs.

Left Hand Active

When standing on the outside:

• Active door is on the left
• Inactive door is on the right
• Active door swings away from you to the left

Right Hand Active

When standing on the outside:

• Active door is on the right
• Inactive door is on the left
• Active door swings away from you to the right

Left Hand Reverse Active

When standing on the outside:

• Active door is on the left
• Inactive door is on the right
• Active door swings toward you to the left

Right Hand Reverse Active

When standing on the outside:

• Active door is on the right
• Inactive door is on the left
• Active door swings toward you to the right

Both Doors Active

Both door panels are active and typically use panic hardware or vertical rod devices.Both panels swing in the same direction.

Why Correct Handing Matters

• Ensures proper egress direction and code compliance
• Prevents costly reorders and job delays
• Ensures hardware, closers, and panic devices function correctly
• Matches existing frames when replacing doors only

Ordering the Correct Door

When ordering a new hollow metal door, always confirm:

• Door handing
• Swing direction (in-swing or out-swing)
• Active vs inactive leaf (for pairs)
• Existing hinge and lock locations if reusing frames

If you are replacing an existing door and keeping the frame, proper handing and matching preplocations are critical.

Use ourHollow Metal Door Quote Builderto specify handing, size, wall type, fire rating, and hardware in one place.

Conclusion

Correctly handing a hollow metal door ensures safe operation, proper egress, and a smooth installation.Whether you are ordering a single door or a door pair, understanding handing terminologyprevents costly mistakes.

At Door Closers USA, we supplySteel-Lite Architectural Hollow Metal Doors built for real commercial use,including SDI standards, IBC compliance, ADA configurations, and UL-listed fire-rated assemblies.

Explore complete door packages here:Hollow Metal Door Packages

Need help confirming door handing?Call 866-232-5673 or text photos to 210-275-8966.