Q I recently ordered a new front door, but when it came, the hinges were on the wrong side. Is there any simple way to remember the difference between left-handed and right-handed doors?
Shelly Kramer, Minneapolis, MN
A Ouch! Ordering the wrong door is an expensive mistake. The terms that describe the hinge position on a door are confusing: left-handed and righthanded. However, they make sense if you follow the guidelines shown in the photos. Stand with your back to the jamb that has the hinges. If the door is on your right, it’s righthanded. If the door is on your left, it’s left-handed.
However, the clerk taking the order may still get confused, especially if you’re ordering over the phone. It’s best to order your doors in person. Then you can draw a picture, as if looking from above, and sketch in the door hinge and swing direction. This avoids the terminology confusion and unpleasant confrontations if the order goes in wrong.
