colly0410 1,181 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 We're having a new back door with a fitted cat-flap, but we cant make up our minds whether to have it inward or outward opening. The present one opens inwards.. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Inward Easier to keep unwanted "visitors " out. More difficult to chain an outward opening door. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swe62 334 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 inward they dont catch the wind 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Have got an 'inny' and 'outty'- getting a split stable type door to the yard- had one here since time.The price?..in Upvc timber effect with good locks etc..don't ask!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LizzieM 9,497 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 I've never known a house door open outwards. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Depends to on the frame,choice and room etc..Lizzie.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 All our doors open inwards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Doors are like bellybuttons. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Engineer 612 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Traditionally, external doors opened inwards for various reasons including: (1) If the door were unglazed (as most were), a caller wouldn't get clobbered when you open it. (2) Outward opening would have hinges on the outside - these could be cut hence were less secure. (3) If it were raining, the door would get wet while open, probably inside as well as outside. (4) It would be a bit dangerous if there were steps outside (having to reach up to the handle/lock). Then along came French Windows and patio doors. Plenty of glass, usually at rear of property and not the primary exit - opening outwards became acceptable and even desirable (less intrusion into the room, doors can be propped open). Today the issues of outward opening are pretty much diminished (glazing, concealed hinges, etc.) so it comes down to personal choice. Each to his own as they say. Quite Interesting aside: In days gone by (particularly Victorian/Edwardian), modesty dictated that internal doors 'cloaked' the room. This meant they were hung such that on initial opening, only a small part of the room could be seen (i.e. the door knob/latch was close to the corner of the room). Nowadays we'd see this as awkward and wasting space so we'd hang the door from the other jamb so that it opens flat against the side wall. If you have an old house, look for the tell-tale signs where doors have been re-hung the modern way round! 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
catfan 14,793 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 I seem to remember reading somewhere that fire regulations say you can't have an outward opening door except a second porch door. I thought an outward door wood be harder to "kick in". Then again building regs change all the time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 Unless some bozo puts something in front of it .........................Simples Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bri 24 Posted March 29, 2016 Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 I would have an inward opening door, simply because, an outward opening one could get ripped from your hand in rough winds and storms, and the cost of repairs might be expensive. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
colly0410 1,181 Posted March 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2016 As you have to go up 2 steps to our back door we've decided on an inward opener for safety reasons, as sooner or later someone would step back to open the door & fall down the steps, especially my daft Brother-in-law when he's had a pint or 6. Thanks for all your views & comments.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FLY2 10,108 Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 The house door, be it front or back should always open inwards, so when welcoming visitors, you make an inward gesture to invite them in. A porch door on the other hand can be either, although an inward door in a small porch restricts your space somewhat. I've had both on porches, but only ever inward house wise. However, and outward opening door can give an unwelcome in law a bloody nose with some luck. I'll have to give that idea some consideration. LOL 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Ton 10,435 Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 Why not have the best of both worlds and fit a revolving door ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FLY2 10,108 Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 Yes, but once the in laws are in it, then speed it up and shoot them out back into the driveway. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
colly0410 1,181 Posted March 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 My sister has got a sliding patio type back door, but we don't have enough room to do that.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,326 Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 An interesting piece of gen from The Engineer (#9) re internal doors opening in such a way as to show little of the room until the person actually walked into the room. I live in a house that was built in 1874 and all the internal doors open that way - now I know why! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blondie 1,392 Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I'd love bi folding doors but im indoors does not agree........He's always had short arms and long pockets when it comes to spending money.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Blondie 1,392 Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Why not have the best of both worlds and fit a revolving door ? Just leave the door open, or give the cat a key...... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
colly0410 1,181 Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 I'm just hoping the brainless cat uses his catflap when it's all done & dusted, I'll wring his daft neck if he doesn't... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted April 1, 2016 Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Cat Flap? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
colly0410 1,181 Posted April 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2016 Hmm that's a good idea, I could get next doors dog to do that; oh hang on, she's as soft as sh*te & our cat'd beat her up.. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
siddha 822 Posted April 2, 2016 Report Share Posted April 2, 2016 Hows about hinging the new door from the top so it becomes an "All-user" flap? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted April 2, 2016 Report Share Posted April 2, 2016 Like an upside down draw bridge ? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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