Outward- vs Inward-Opening Exterior Doors: How to Choose

Hestia Doors · Updated 2026-09-18

Two opening directions, one construction

Exterior doors open either outwards (away from the hallway) or inwards (into the hallway). Outward-opening entrance doors are the common choice in Nordic markets, while inward-opening doors remain familiar in many continental European buildings.

In the Hestia SMARTLINE range both directions share the same core construction: a 60 mm door leaf with 50 mm EPS insulation, aluminium-sheet and HDF surfaces, and U-values of 0,77 for blind doors and 1,0 for glazed doors. The choice of direction therefore changes the frame, threshold and hardware layout — not the thermal performance.

When an outward-opening door makes sense

SMARTLINE Standard and SMARTLINE PLUS are the outward-opening models. SMARTLINE uses a 1-step pine frame (44 x 105 mm) with an oak threshold (grey Accoya optional); SMARTLINE PLUS uses a deeper 1-step frame (56 x 115 mm), an aluminium threshold, a 3-point FIX2150 lock and three hinges.

• The hallway is compact — the leaf does not swing into the entrance space.
• Wind-driven rain is a concern — wind load presses an outward-opening leaf against its seals.
• A deep exterior reveal or canopy protects the leaf and visitor while opening.
• The project specifies the Scandinavian-standard configuration.

When an inward-opening door makes sense

SMARTLINE Inswing is the inward-opening model. It uses a 2-step pine frame (56 x 115 mm) with an aluminium threshold, lock-case 565 and two hinges — with the same 60 mm insulated leaf and glazing options as the rest of the range.

• An outward swing is impractical — for example a narrow porch, steps directly outside, or a tight recess.
• The replacement must match an existing inward-opening frame and wall detail.
• A sheltered entrance means wind load on the leaf is not a design driver.

Practical checklist before ordering

For project-specific dimensions or hardware configurations, contact Hestia Doors — custom manufacturing is available across the range.

• Measure the wall opening and confirm the required size — the SMARTLINE grid is 9x20/21; 9,5x20,5; 10x20/21, with other sizes on request.
• Decide the opening direction early — frame, threshold and hinge layouts differ.
• Choose glazing: blind doors reach U-value 0,77; glazed versions are rated 1,0 with 2K clear glass.
• Specify lock and threshold options for the project (e.g. 3-point locking on SMARTLINE PLUS).