Back door

MouldyOldDough

Is there any reason why a back door cannot open outwards ?

We need a outwards opening door to open wide enough for wheelchair access

At the moment - our present door fouls on the washing machine and doesn't even open a full 90 degrees.

DE_612183

I would presume it's to do with the exterior door frame needing to be watertight, but then again it depends on the type of door and frame...

flo22

My mother in law has a porch door that opens outwards, it's odd as you go to open it that's all - the brain expects an external door to go in

FreeBear

flo22 said:

My mother in law has a porch door that opens outwards, it's odd as you go to open it that's all - the brain expects an external door to go in

Same here. Porch door opens outwards which is great when an incessant door knocker comes banging on it. Swiftly open it, and they get a bloodied nose for their effort

Veteransaver

No reason not to and makes a lot more sense usually. Our back door does.
It's normal for double french (patio) doors to open outwards too.

JosephK

Whatever is practical for you. We've had outward opening doors without a problem.

MouldyOldDough

DE_612183 said:

I would presume it's to do with the exterior door frame needing to be watertight, but then again it depends on the type of door and frame...

That's what concerns me
Apart from lashings of sealant, what seals frames against brickwork ?

DullGreyGuy

MouldyOldDough said:

Is there any reason why a back door cannot open outwards ?

We need a outwards opening door to open wide enough for wheelchair access

At the moment - our present door fouls on the washing machine and doesn't even open a full 90 degrees.

They can, same as front doors, it's just less common for them to. 

You could imagine there is a bit more to do on weather sealing etc but thats managed perfectly fine with French doors that often open outwards. 

The only thing, as mentioned by FreeBear if you don't realise someone is standing on the other side you can give them a fair wack as you go out, not an issue with typical French doors that are fully glazed so you can see who's on the other side. 

GrubbyGirl_2

MY back door opens outwards and thinking about it most of the houses I have owned the only door that opened inwards was the front door

MouldyOldDough

Thanks everybody for your comments 

gwynlas

It is common in some countries for doors to open outwards to push snow away.If that is a requirement of home being wheelchair accessible then there should not be an issue however I think you might need to check with building control regarding installation. Many porches might have doors that open outwards but they are not classed as main doors