Which way should these doors be hinged?

[ax222s]

Hi all,

Im building a very very extension, to include a small porch and WC. Ive mocked something up in Photoshop:

Elevations:

Floor plan:

This will be main entrance to the house. Should the french doors open outwards or inwards? Should the WC door open into the WC or outwards?

Any advice/guidance gratefull received.

Thanks

 

[blup]

French doors out, wc in, unless space is at a premium

 

[ax222s]

Thanks so much @blup. Can I ask your reasoning for french doors out? Is it becuase its convention for french doors to open out?

Can yuo clarify what you mean "wc in, unless space is at a premium"?

(Apologies for the questions, Im sure youre right, I just need to know 'why' youre right ;p )

 

[blup]

Thanks so much @blup. Can I ask your reasoning for french doors out? Is it becuase its convention for french doors to open out?

Can yuo clarify what you mean "wc in, unless space is at a premium"?

(Apologies for the questions, Im sure youre right, I just need to know 'why' youre right ;p )

A habitable room whether a kitchen or a lounge tends to be furnished so it makes sense to protect that space. The traditional approach is for external doors to open inward to protect hinges from attack, but that is less an issue with modern doors.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

French doors opening out will also help with resistance to the weather, that way your seals around the opening are at the back,

 

[Munroast]

A habitable room whether a kitchen or a lounge tends to be furnished so it makes sense to protect that space. The traditional approach is for external doors to open inward to protect hinges from attack, but that is less an issue with modern doors.

Ah aye, tae stop ye knockin yer guests back doon the step

 

[dave_104]

I'd vote for french doors opening outwards, and for summer held open with long cabin hooks. Then I'd put a side roller flyscreen on the inner reveals (flyscreens on outside get real mucky). Apart from considerations with sealing it's your house and your choice of the flow. Also in my mind a door normally opens with you as you walk in a room - and cupboards open towards you, which kind of negates my view of the french doors!

 

[JohnD]

Will it be a back door that you open seldom, or a main door that you open often?

Double doors are often individually too narrow to squeeze through carrying bags of shopping, unless you open both halves.

It looks like a porch or lobby rather than a sun room.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

@JohnD his OP says main entrance.

 

[ax222s]

Will it be a back door that you open seldom, or a main door that you open often?

Double doors are often individually too narrow to squeeze through carrying bags of shopping, unless you open both halves.

It looks like a porch or lobby rather than a sun room.

It will be a main door that I open often.

I know what you mean about double doors are often too narrow. I used to live in a house where you had to open both door to get in! With these new doors, each door leaf will be 70cm wide - which should be comfortably wide enough?

Yes, it is more of a porch' than a sun room'. Its a very small space. It is south facing. Im now vacillating as to whether these should be french doors or just a normal door.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I know what you mean about double doors are often too narrow. I used to live in a house where you had to open both door to get in! With these new doors, each door leaf will be 70cm wide - which should be comfortably wide enough?

If, just outside the french doors, is a step, it could make entering quite dangerous, if they open out. You grip the door handle open it, pull on the door, then trip down the step(s).

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

It begs the question why a double door is necessary?

 

[ax222s]

If, just outside the french doors, is a step, it could make entering quite dangerous, if they open out. You grip the door handle open it, pull on the door, then trip down the step(s).

Heres another angle where Ive photoshopped a visual:

 

[ax222s]

It begs the question why a double door is necessary?

Indeed. I dont know if Im just making life difficult for myself. Having said that, in the summer, it will be lovely to have both door open. But, its hardly a big space inside. Ugh, I dont know what to do!

 

[JohnD]

Looks like the steps need repositioning too.

Maybe you need a larger and more comprehensive building extension to make it worthwhile.

Was there formerly another house on your gable wall?