Help! Wanted For A Two Way Door

You can get double hinges that are commonly used in restaurants on the door between the kitchen and the dinning area. They allow the door to swing both directions. That might work for you.

-- Michael R. Harvey - Brewster, NY - RusticElementArt.com - SpaceAware.org - AnConn.com

In order for the door to swing both ways you would need the two-way hinge and all of the door stop would have to come off.

You would use a dummy door knob because the latch only works one way, that is tapered on the face and flat on the back.

The lock would have to be something other than the one on the door knob. If you used the lock they would end up pushing the door in to bust in because it is very difficult to pull a door open with the door knob.

Have you thought about going to a pocket door? You would have to tear out the wall to put it in, but it may provide the function that you are looking for. I know that a lot of people have negative thoughts on pocket doors because they never seemed reliable, and in the past that has been true. There is some very nice pocket door hardware on the market today. I feel confident installing these units and have never had a callback issue. The quality of the door itself makes a difference too.

I understand that our needs in the home change as we get older. Doing remodels I am very aware of aging people’s needs.

I almost never sell a shower or bath anymore without including lots of backing in the walls or sheeting the whole wall with plywood for handy-bars. I even put them in my own shower.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://americancraftsmanworkshop.com

Mike & Todd both have excellent ideas Grumpy.
I used to be an Emergency Medical Technician and you wouldn’t believe how many times we were called to a situation exactly as you described.
We had a heck of a time getting people out at times.
If you can take any photos during your progress I bet a lot of LJ’s would sure appreciate it.
Good luck, I bet it’ll come out swell.

-- Eric

Grumpy

is this a wooden stud wall partision grumpy if so the pocket door or sliding door solution may work if you dont mind losing some insulation

-- cut it saw it scrap it SKPE: ANDREW.CARTER69

now this is a HOT TOPIC ... I suggest explosive hinges

-- keeping myself entertained

You could install non-flammable curtains

-- keeping myself entertained

I’d like to suggest an emergency pin removal on the outside that facilitates the bathroom floor and the deceased fall a few feet so the door will open. :)

-- "The way to make a small fortune in woodworking- start with a large one"

boomber hinges ,spring loaded swing both ways can adjust tension both sides independently
insert flap seals around door if liked for privacy if needed
inactive door knobs both sides .

maybe you will show us the grand exposedition ?

-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle

The two way hinges are about your only easy choice

-- GO DAWGS!

How about a sliding door that goes into a false wall or an accordian style or bi-paneled folding door? OR, a trap door, like Sweeney Todd’s.

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

You could add a back door

-- keeping myself entertained

How about a small, emergency door that swings out inside of the larger door that swings in.
Mike

-- mike, www.schoolofwood.com

Thanks Jocks. I had a few of those ideas in mind. Michael, Todd, Pommy, Patron, Noknot, MMh & Ekim there are some good options there. Bifolds could be an answer. A new frame is out of the question as I have just completed renovating the main bathroom. Likewise a sliding door is not an option.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Woodwrecker, I will try to remember your request. As you say it is a common problem.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Did you think of an elevator or maybe a spiral staircase ? What color is your bathroom ? Does it have a balcony ?

-- keeping myself entertained