French Doors – Inside or Outside Swing?
I am preparing to install a sun porch over my deck and wish at the same time to replace the metal sliders with french doors. I am ambivalent as to whether to install inside swingers or outside swingers. The sun porch will be a pre-fab aluminum/glass structure and so will be sealed from the weather. Any thoughts pro or con?
Thanks,
CGBanjo77
Replies
I would prefer to have them swing out into the patio area myself. This way they aren't blocking traffic inside the main house when opened and can also be left open all the way in the summer. I guess it all comes down to personal preference and the layout of your house.
First, do you anticipate the doors being in the open position a great deal of the time or will they be used primarily to enter or leave the adjoining spaces. If they are to be left open, then try to determine which space will be less effected by the doors in the open position. eg, furniture placement, traffic patterns and anticipated activities. In the open position, will they be in a 90 or 180 degree position. In the 180 degree position, will they obstruct light switchs etc. Just some thoughts. Good luck.
mine swing in and I like that better because of the screen. Course, I guess you could put the screen on the inside.
My DH wears the pants in the family. But I control the zipper!
I prefer sliding French doors. You don't loose any space and you can still have a screened door.
If outside swing, the hinge pins will exposed to the elements. Make sure they are up to the task.
What is your climate? Rain and wind are factors Snow?
Do you want screen doors?
How much roof overhang do you have?
Is it guttered?
Which way do you have more room for swing?
How much is the threshold elevation above the deck?
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You don't say where you are located (de rigeure hint for filling in Profile)
In-swing often better where you need screen doors for insect control or pet/child access limitations.
If the room is crowded, out-swing can help you. There's a "pinch" effect if furniture is near where the doorswing "is" even when you don't stand there. You also want to avoid having the doors sit "on" anything (especially within their width), as 'bending' them is about universally bad. That's not to say that they have to lay flat against a wall, just that it's better (having children chase the dog, and the lab sideswipes the door into the heirloom buffet jsut not good for door, heirloom or anyone near by).
Now, personally, I have a bias towards center-hinged french doors, mostly as I find them a hair more secure--but, that's definitely swimming upstream (and not to spawn).
Most of the time the inswing is best, but there are times when outswing works better for some climates and layouts.
Hard to advise without answers to questions that impact the decision though
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!