Changing the direction a door opens involves several key steps, primarily focused on reversing its position within the existing frame and relocating the hardware.
Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating the essential steps for flipping the swing of your door:
Steps to Reverse Door Swing
Reversing a door's swing typically requires working with both the door slab itself and the door jamb (frame).
Step 1: Prepare the Door
Begin by removing the existing door from its hinges. This often involves tapping out the hinge pins. Lay the door flat or support it securely for easier access during the process.
Step 2: Address the Door Jamb
This is a crucial phase involving multiple actions on the frame:
- Transfer the Hinge Locations to the Opposite Side of the Door Jam: Carefully mark the exact positions where the hinges were located on the original side of the jamb. Use a level and measuring tape to transfer these precise locations to the opposite vertical piece of the door frame where the door will now swing.
- Fill the Old Holes in the Door Jamb: The screw holes for the hinges on the original side of the jamb, as well as any holes for the strike plate (latch receiver) and deadbolt strike, will need to be filled. Use wood filler, let it dry, and sand it smooth.
Step 3: Hang the Door
Once the new hinge locations are marked and potentially mortised (cut in) on the opposite side of the jamb, reattach the hinges to the door slab. Then, lift the door into position and screw the hinges into the new locations on the jamb. This is often a two-person job to align the door correctly.
Step 4: Flip the Door Hardware
Remove the existing latch, deadbolt, and handle from the door slab. These pieces will need to be installed on the opposite face and edge of the door to accommodate the new swing direction.
Step 5: Drill New Holes for Latch and Deadbolt
With the hardware components ready, you'll need to:
- Drill out new holes for the latch and the deadbolt: On the edge of the door slab, drill a new hole for the latch mechanism on the side that will now meet the strike plate. On the face of the door, drill the necessary holes for the handle spindle and lock cylinder, aligning them with the new latch hole.
Step 6: Install Strike Plates
On the newly prepared side of the door jamb, you'll need to install the strike plate for the latch and the strike plate for the deadbolt. Measure carefully to ensure they align perfectly with the latch and deadbolt mechanisms when the door is closed.
Step 7: Paint
After all structural changes, filling, and hardware adjustments are complete, the door and jamb will likely need painting or finishing. This covers the filled holes and ensures a consistent look.
Summary Table of Steps
| Step No. | Action | Location(s) Affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Door | Door Slab | Remove from hinges |
| 2 | Address the Door Jamb | Door Jamb | Transfer hinge spots, fill old holes |
| 3 | Hang the Door | Door Slab & Jamb | Attach hinges to new jamb locations |
| 4 | Flip the Door Hardware | Door Hardware | Relocate handle, latch, deadbolt components |
| 5 | Drill New Hardware Holes | Door Slab | Create openings for latch & deadbolt |
| 6 | Install Strike Plates | Door Jamb | Position latch & deadbolt receivers |
| 7 | Paint | Door & Jamb | Refinish affected areas |
Following these steps allows you to successfully change which side a door swings from within its frame. This project requires careful measurement and execution to ensure the door operates smoothly and latches correctly in its new orientation.
