FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Reversing an exterior door

knarf | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 22, 2002 03:35am

My front door (exterior), which I really like, is hinged on the wrong side. Is it worth the effort to re-mortice the locks, fill the old mortices, fill the hinge mortices etc and rehang the old door or am I better off buying a new door?  A new door here (UK) will cost about 300 pounds (US 450)

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. exlrrp | Aug 22, 2002 03:58pm | #1

    It depends on how much you like the existing setup----are the rim and jambs easy to take off and replace? Is the frame plumb and square? Take a large square to the frame and door and stringline it corner to corner to check for warp and square.

    I find its usually easier and cleaner to pull the whole door and frame out and rehang it with new jambs, especially if the frame is out of square. Its difficult to patch those holes so they don't show and theres a lot of patching./sanding .repainting

    I am a remodeling contractor, I hang doors all the time

    1. knarf | Aug 23, 2002 10:30pm | #4

      Thanks for your fast reply. The door is hung directly on the framing of the surrounding window wall - 3 feet above and either side. Think I'll try Tommy B's solution of turning the door 180 on the vertical axis - frame is square & plumb.

      Frank

  2. Gabe | Aug 22, 2002 04:24pm | #2

    Well Frank, you've pretty well answered your own question. You like the door and you know the proceedure.

    Take the door off and remove all hardware. Fill in with similar wood blocks and glue. Make the fit of the blocks as close as possible.

    Now that you've got the door and frame to square one.

    Hang the door to swing the opposite way.

    The door will likely have a bevel but in most cases will not cause too much concern.

    Gabe

    1. knarf | Aug 23, 2002 10:32pm | #5

      Thanks Gabe - going to try Tommy B's way. The frame is square and the door will work with either side out.

      Love this site - you always get a choice of solutions.

      Frank

      1. Gabe | Aug 26, 2002 03:19am | #9

        Hope your door hasn't window or you may not be able to reverse it without modifying the window.

        Gabe

        1. knarf | Aug 26, 2002 10:13am | #10

          Gabe

          The door has two sealed, double-glazed panels rebated into the rails & stiles and fixed from the old exterior with nailed-in battens. I removed the battens, cleaned up the space, replaced them and they are now on the inside. Looks OK.  The door will be painted so the paint just catches the edge of the glass all around.

          wish me luck

          Frank 

          1. Gabe | Aug 26, 2002 03:33pm | #11

            Frank,

            I sure you already know but I'll mention it for the benefit of others with the same problem.

            Windows, including those in doors have drainage to the outside or are set into frames to seal to the outside. In rain driven conditions, water will leak inwards if reversed.

            Gabe

            Once went to do a repair on a cottage that the owner was complaining about leaks. The entire end wall was glass, looking onto a lake. The owner had installed the windows himself and was looking to the window manufacturer for repairs under warranty.

            The entire wall was installed backwards. We had to send a crew to remove and reverse the wall, at the owners costs.

          2. knarf | Aug 26, 2002 10:53pm | #12

            Gabe,  Re: windows - inside & outside

            I didn't know and now you've got me worried. The two window panes are sealed, double-glazed units. With the door in its original orientation they had been installed from the outside into the framing of the door which was rabitted (or as they say in England, rebated) to accept the glazing. The glass units were embedded in some form of mastic. They were then fixed in place by nailing small battens - about 1/2" square against the glass and into the sides of the rebate. The seal on the inside looks better to me than the rebate which was on the outside.   The outside is, as you know, now on the inside.

            Should I just wait till the next rainstorm (never far away here) or should I inject some silicone along the glass/woodframe junction. or will the paint covering the glass/wood juction do the job?  I'm retired and have little better to do than fiddle with this. Appreciate your views.

            Frank

          3. Gabe | Aug 26, 2002 11:02pm | #13

            Frank,

            Just use your garden hose and spray the window in order to test the seal. You'll know kinda quick if you have to reseal the window.

            Gabe

          4. knarf | Aug 26, 2002 11:53pm | #14

            Thanks Gabe

            Will let you know in a few weeks after the place is painted. The crew arrives Wednesday.

            Frank

          5. TommyB12 | Aug 28, 2002 05:15am | #15

            Not sure about your condition, but a standard steel glazed door sold by the millions in the US does not have a directional window.  At least not the type I am talking about.  They are double pane units with a plastic trim/mounting ring on both sides.  There are no weep holes.

            Anyhow, I'm glad you liked my solution. 

            On my way to being a master boogerer...Tom

  3. TommyB12 | Aug 22, 2002 04:33pm | #3

    If the door is reversible, ie the interior side can be on the exterior, It can be a pretty simple task.  Otherwise you may have a hole on the wrong side of the door, depending on how you do things in the UK.

    I have changed out steel doors with lites that are common here in the US by flipping rotating them 180 degrees, flipping the hinges and knob and mortising them into the other side of the jamb.  Then I make the old hinge mortises deeper, square them off and epoxy in dutchmen or filler pieces.  Same for the strike mortise.  Sand it all flush, repaint and you can't pick out the repair.  Certainly cost effective in some circumstances over doing a full tear out and buying a new door. 

    We remodel alot of old houses and we find this type of repair all of the time.  There are many variations that may work in your scenario.

    Tom

    1. knarf | Aug 23, 2002 10:35pm | #6

      Thanks Tommy

      The door is in my shop being filled and sanded to make the outside presentable on the inside.  Your solution saved my having to move a key lock, morticed dead bolt and surface dead bolt.  The frame is square and plumb so I don't anticipate a problem.

      Frank

      1. PhillGiles | Aug 24, 2002 05:45pm | #7

        Remember to drill out and plug the original screw-holes for the hinges before you flip them.

        Phill Giles

        The Unionville Woodwright

        Unionville, Ontario

        1. knarf | Aug 24, 2002 07:27pm | #8

          Thanks Phil  Did that - but almost forgot.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Townhouse Transformation

A sleek, modern redesign maximizes space and light while preserving the building's historical charm.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data