Can you change a exterior door from inswing to outswing?

Author: Cheyenne Lindgren  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Summary: Can Inswing Door Be Used for Outswing? It's possible to reverse an inswing door to outswing, and this comes with a ton of benefits, including more safety and convenience. This is not to mention the extra space that you'll create for further DIY designing and decoration.

How to change an exterior door from opening inwards to outwards?

You remove the molding around the door that prevents the door from swinging the other way remove the hardware from the door connect the hardware to the door on the correct side flip the molding around and refasten it to the new side and verify that you can still open it wide enough to make it work.

Can you turn an inswing door to outswing?

Converting a French Door from inswing to outswing is definitely possible!

Can you switch the swing of an exterior door?

Not every door can have its swing swapped. Before beginning the project, you should evaluate your door to make sure you can reverse its swing. First, check if your door is symmetrical from side to side and inside to outside. If it is, a swing reversal will require minimal modifications.

Is it OK to have an outswing exterior door?

Yes, you can have an outswing exterior door. Outswing doors open outward, which can be beneficial in certain situations, such as: Space-saving: They don't take up space inside the home, making them ideal for smaller entryways.

Outswing Door Threshold Choices

What are the disadvantages of outswing doors?

Below are some of the potential disadvantages of installing outswing doors in your home:
  • Space requirement. Outswing doors require more outdoor space than inswing doors to ensure they can be opened safely. ...
  • Safety concerns. Outswing doors have their hinges positioned on the outside.

Can I make my door open outwards?

In other words, if you're considering installing an outward-opening door, then you'll need to get in touch with your local authority and the highway authority. If you install your door or gate without letting them know about it, you'll get a written notice requiring you to alter it so that it opens inwards.

Are exterior doors allowed to swing out?

While it won't hurt to check with your local building authorities, it's likely outward-opening doors are allowed.

Why are outswing doors more expensive?

While prices vary widely based on materials and features, inswing doors are less expensive due to their greater availability. Outswing doors might have a higher price tag, especially if you need to custom order.

Does it matter if a door swings in or out?

So, what's the right answer: In or out? There's no rule that spells out which way the doors should swing in your home—that's ultimately up to the homeowners. There is a general consensus, however. Inside most homes, the doors swing inward into a room.

Can an outswing door be kicked in?

You might imagine that outswing doors are more secure against break-ins since it's harder to kick them in. However, the hinges for outswing doors are on the outside, which can be a potential security risk unless security pins or non-removable hinge pins are used.

What is better inswing or outswing?

While inswing doors save space and offer better weather resistance, outswing doors provide enhanced security and larger openings for easier movement of large items. When deciding between the two, it's essential to consider factors such as location, accessibility, size and space, security, and weather resistance.

Are outswing patio doors safe?

However, outswing doors thresholds are specially made with non-removable hinge pins on the exterior side of the door frame for added security. In addition, outswing doors are virtually impossible for an intruder to kick in.

Can I reverse an inswing door to outswing?

Summary: Can Inswing Door Be Used for Outswing? It's possible to reverse an inswing door to outswing, and this comes with a ton of benefits, including more safety and convenience. This is not to mention the extra space that you'll create for further DIY designing and decoration.

Do external doors have to open outwards?

Should exterior doors open in or out? Exterior doors tend to open inwards for security reasons. For the door to open outwards, the hinge mechanism would be located on the outside of the home. However, any hinges located outside pose a big risk to your home's security.

How do you lock an outward-swinging door from the inside?

Use a Security Bar or Door Barricade

Security bars are versatile tools that work by bracing the door from the inside, making it nearly impossible to open from the outside, even with substantial force. While commonly associated with inward-swinging doors, some models are specifically designed for outward-swinging doors.

Is it okay to have an outswing exterior door?

Is it OK to have an outswing exterior door? It's perfectly fine to choose an outswing exterior door.

Do exterior doors increase home value?

The National Association of Realtors finds that replacing or updating your front door can add significant value to the home. Breathtaking front doors is an impactful way to increase curb appeal and curb appeal alone can increase property value by 7%.

Do outswing doors leak?

Doors that are designed to swing out tend to have a better threshold design to shed the water that drains off the door (see photos below where an in-swing door had water leaking under the sweep).

Can I make an exterior door open outwards?

Yes! When deciding whether your exterior door should open inwards or outwards, there are several lifestyle factors to consider: Maximize Opening Width: If you need to maximize the opening width to move items in storage in and out of your home, an outward-swinging door may be a better choice.

Why do doors open outwards in Florida?

In each new construction, hurricane resistance dramatically improves. In fact, Florida's standard for building code safety is the highest in the nation. The state's regulations call for impact-resistant windows and doors. In South Florida, the building codes mandate that all exterior doors swing outward.

Are outswing doors more expensive?

You might pay a little extra for your outswing vs inswing French doors. Remember about additional costs for any sort of customization, such as height, sidelites, transom, glass design, door color, miniblinds, hardware, multipoint lock etc. Some additional costs might be applied for extra caulking and capping.

How do I change a door to open outwards?

Remove internal timber door stops, remove door (hardwood or softwood), Rehang door opposite side of door frame (lining) to suit. Patch in old hinge cut out on frame, remove lock or tubular latch reverse and refit. Cut in striking plate to suit. Handle or knob will be in the same place."

Should a porch door open inwards or outwards?

Protection from the elements. An outward-opening front door is exposed to the elements, such as wind, rain, and snow. It will experience more wear and tear over time. An inward-opening door is protected from the elements.

Where are the hinges on an outswing door?

Outswing doors, by contrast, are harder to force open because they push against the door frame. Although outswing doors have hinges on the outside, modern hinge designs offer extra security.

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