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The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

Start by checking the top or side edge of the door. Look for a certification label or metal tag stamped with details like the fire rating and information on the manufacturer. Even if it’s painted over, the tag should still be visible. Next, look along the edges for slim intumescent strips. They’re designed to swell up and seal gaps when exposed to heat. Finally, check if the door closes itself. Most fire doors have a self-closing mechanism, like an overhead closer or spring hinges. If none of these are obvious, contact a fire safety professional to help verify your door. 

Interior and exterior door openings are typically 80 inches high, with openings 29¼ inches wide for interior doors and 35 inches wide for exterior doors. If your couch is smaller than these measurements, it should fit through the door frame.

The width of your door jamb should match your wall thickness exactly, so it depends on your wall. For standard door openings, the width is equal to the width of a 2-by-4-inch  stud, plus the width of the drywall on both sides—about 1/2 inch each—which comes out to 4 9/16 inches. Block walls and framed walls that use 2-by-6-inch framing require a door jamb that’s 6 9/16 inches. You should always measure your finished wall thickness to get an accurate width for your door jamb material.