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The vast majority of hinges are symmetrical, and either side of the hinge can go on the door or the frame. Occasionally, you'll find a hinge specifically made for right or left-handed doors with different attachment hardware or larger plates on one side. In most cases, the large side of the hinge goes on the frame.

It is possible to install hinges backward, so be careful when placing them. Position the hinge so that the hinge pin faces the direction the door will swing. For example, if you're standing on the side the door will open into, the pin should be visible. Be extra careful when installing exterior doors, as placing the hinges on the outside for an outward-facing door makes your home much easier to break into.

Fire doors are more expensive than your run-of-the-mill residential composite door because of additional materials and expanding sealants that help the door slow down or even prevent the spread of temperatures over 1,000 degrees. If you have homeowners insurance, talk to your company and see if installing fire doors can lower your premiums, especially if you can install steel doors.

The most common size for an interior door is 80 inches tall and 28 to 32 inches wide. However, a standard interior door can measure anywhere from 24 to 36 inches wide, depending on its intended use and the available space. According to most building codes in the U.S., a door must be at least 80 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

Yes, it’s possible a burglar can get through a deadbolt. Some types of deadbolts are harder for an intruder to get through, though. For example, a single-cylinder lock only requires breaking a window nearby and simply turning it. While other locks, such as a double-cylinder lock, may offer greater protection and make it harder for an intruder, no deadbolt is 100 percent effective.