Rear door opening outwards

[tumbledown]

Is the any reason why you shouldn't have your backdoor opening outwards? We need to replace the backdoor and frame, and would like it to open outwards to create more space in the kitchen. Does this contravene any building regulations or safety regulations? I've tried a few searches on the internet, but can't find anything suggesting you can't/shouldn't do it. The only thing I found was a recommendation that hinge bolts are fitted to stop someone removing hinge pins and taking the door off.

 

[middi]

I am not aware of any regulations governing this on private domestic buildings and if I wanted my backddoor opening outwards I wouldn't tell anybody, I would just fit one.

The advantage is that it is much better weather proof and ,as in your case, more useable space can be gained within the room.

The disadvantage being that it is more likely to be caught by the wind and snapped off the hingies if provision for this is not made. Also if it is a solid door with no glass you are more likely to knock someone off the door step.

 

[tumbledown]

The door will be half-glazed, and since its a backdoor too, I shouldn't whack too many ususpecting visitors. I hadn't really thought about the wind, but its a fairly sheltered spot, and the door would open so I could hook it open on the wall of the extension. I couldn't really see a reason why it wouldn't be allowed, but just thought there may be something I was unaware of.

My wife is Finnish, and all the doors, front and back seem to open outwards. It did seem a little strange opening the front door into peoples faces, but I guess since its the norm over there they are all used to it and remember to stand back a little!

 

[Penners]

I totally agree with Middi. Only one other small detail - make sure the interior of the door is painted with a good exterior grade paint (linseed oil paint, of course!), because it's going to get wet if you open the the door in the rain.

 

[Geoff Flegg]

Penners comment about painting the inside of the door in exterior grade paint / stain is a good one. We have 3 back doors (greedy, eh?) - 2 of which open outwards - and we regularly forget to close them when it starts raining, they get soaked!