The Outswing Double Door: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
An outswing double door opens toward the exterior and has two door leaves. It can free up the interior swing area, but the exterior landing and approach must accommodate the open doors. Choose the configuration around the project’s layout and the selected system’s documented requirements.
“Prehung” generally means the door is supplied with its frame and hinges, but assembly, hardware preparation and included components vary. Confirm what arrives and what the installer must complete.
Compare Inswing and Outswing for Your Entrance
An inswing door moves into the building; an outswing door moves outward. Draw both leaves in their open positions before choosing. Check the exterior approach, railings, steps, porch furniture, lighting, adjacent doors and room for someone to stand while operating the door.
Consider site exposure and possible obstructions such as snow accumulation. Have the project team confirm any applicable landing, accessibility and exit requirements. Swing direction alone does not establish project suitability, weather performance or security.
Measure the Opening Without a Generic Allowance
Separate the advertised size, leaf dimensions, outside frame dimensions, required rough opening and usable clear passage. A double-door size does not tell you the exact width of each leaf or the passage available with only one open.
Do not automatically add two inches, or any other universal allowance, to the listed door size. Use the required opening and installation clearances on the documentation for the exact unit.
- Label the opening and record the date, units and surfaces measured.
- Record widths at the top, middle and bottom, heights at multiple points and both diagonals.
- Document wall depth, interior and exterior finishes, floor build-up and landing conditions.
- Have the installer assess the opening geometry and compare every reading with the selected assembly drawing.
Keep all measurements for review rather than treating one reading as the final order size. See the steel-door sizes guide and jamb-depth guide.
Specify Handing and Both Leaves
Use a marked drawing to identify the viewing side, hinge positions, outward swing and active leaf. Handing terminology can differ between suppliers; do not transfer an inswing shortcut to an outswing order without confirmation.
The active leaf is generally used for everyday entry. Confirm how the inactive leaf is secured and released, the center meeting detail, any astragal or mullion, and the required closing sequence. Ask for clear-opening dimensions with one and both leaves open.
Review the handing guide and double-door hardware guide before approving the drawing.
Check Hinges, Locks and Performance
Ask which hinges and hinge-security features are actually supplied, whether they suit the intended exposure, and what maintenance they require. Do not assume every outswing door includes non-removable pins or is impossible to tamper with.
Confirm lock and handle compatibility, preparation, strike locations and inactive-leaf hardware. A multi-point lock or smart lock is not automatically included or compatible. Supply exact hardware templates before fabrication; see the hardware preparation guide.
Request the applicable weather, thermal, security or other performance documentation for the selected door, frame, glass and hardware configuration. Outward swing does not guarantee storm protection, energy savings or a particular rating. Do not assume every steel door has a foam core or the same thermal construction. Start with Steel Door Technical Resources for product-specific questions.
Coordinate the Sill and Installation
Confirm the exact threshold, sweep, seals, support, flashing and drainage details before installation. Coordinate interior floor height and the exterior landing so later finish work does not obstruct operation or drainage. Use the threshold and sill guide for planning.
Have an installer experienced with the selected assembly follow its instructions for support, anchors, shims, alignment and sealing. Check operation of both leaves, latch engagement, meeting seals and the specified drainage paths after installation.
Do not reverse an inswing unit to create an outswing installation without explicit manufacturer confirmation for that configuration. The sill, seals, hinges and hardware must be appropriate for the intended installation.
Compare the Complete Quote
Request a written component list covering leaves, frame, glazing, hinges, threshold, seals, handles, locks, inactive-leaf hardware and installation supplies. Confirm whether the unit is delivered assembled and what work remains on site.
Compare the same glass, finish, dimensions, hardware and delivery scope across quotes. Account for installation, opening modifications and finish repairs separately where applicable. Confirm availability, estimated dispatch and delivery timing, site access, unloading arrangements, inspection instructions and storage.
Review the applicable warranty and return terms before ordering. Follow the supplied finish and hardware care instructions; request approved repair methods for coating damage or operating problems.
Request an Outswing Configuration Review
Browse USABD steel doors and contact our team to confirm which models support your proposed outswing configuration. Not every listed door is available in every swing.
- Send the preferred model, size and quantity.
- Include opening measurements, wall and floor details, photographs and an exterior landing sketch.
- Show the viewing side, outward swing, active leaf and required clear passage.
- Identify glass, finish, hardware and any project-specific performance requirements.
- Provide the project ZIP code, timeline and delivery access details.
Resolve dimensions and configuration on the current drawing before ordering. For new builds, use our ordering checklist. Showroom visits are by appointment only. Call or email through our contact page to arrange a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are outswing doors always more secure or weather-resistant?
No blanket comparison applies. Review the complete assembly, hardware, installation and relevant performance documentation.
How much larger should the rough opening be?
Use the exact unit’s specified opening and clearances. There is no universal allowance for every prehung double door.
Does prehung mean all hardware is included?
No. Request a component list and confirm preparation for separately purchased hardware.
Can both leaves open?
Confirm the selected arrangement, inactive-leaf release, center components and usable passage on the drawing.
