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Hinges are the hardware used to attach a door to its frame, serving as the pivot point for opening and closing the door. Whether you are replacing an old door or hanging a new one, hinges are an important part of the structure. Although similar in appearance, there are many types of hinges for various applications. Choosing the appropriate hinge is just as important as selecting your door's knob and lockset, and this handy door hinge guide will provide the information that you need to make the right selection.
The most common type of hinge found in both residential and commercial applications is the mortise hinge. It contains two leaves joined by a removable metal pin, operating as the pivot point. When the door is closed, the leaves "butt" together for a neat look.
Works best with
Lightweight interior and exterior doors.
A variance of the standard mortise hinge, the rising mortise hinge will cause the door to raise itself as it opens. This feature allows the door to clear thick or uneven flooring, such as carpet.
Interior and exterior doors.
This type of hinge contains permanently lubricated bearings, allowing for smooth and quiet operation. Due to minimal stress and friction, this is a long-lasting, durable option.
Heavy doors, wide doors, exterior doors.
This style features springs that automatically pull the door back to its closed position after opening. Spring tension can sometimes be adjusted. Use spring hinges in any application where a self-closing door is required.
Screen doors, garage entry doors, outward swinging doors.
A variation of the spring hinge, this type allows the door to swing open in both directions, then it automatically pulls back to its closed position.
Kitchen & dining room doors, two-way swinging doors.
A piano hinge distributes weight evenly across the length of the hinge, reducing stress and providing more support. Available in long, narrow lengths—often the full length of the door.
Shed & barn doors, fire doors, thin metal doors.
This style allows the door to be quickly and easily lifted off the hinges and removed without the use of tools. Removing allows for more space around the door when needed.
Doors with periodic high traffic, doors where large items are frequently moved through.
A concealed hinge is completely invisible while the door is closed. Each end of this style is mortised into the edge of the door and jamb, allowing the hinge to only be visible while the door is open.
Consisting of a long, narrow leaf that attaches the door, strap hinges pivot on either a pintle or second leaf attached to the door surround. These can be found in both ornate and simple styles.
Heavy doors, wooden gate entrances, barn & shed doors, garage doors.
Otherwise known as a café door hinge or a butler hinge, this style allows the door to open both ways. Rather than abruptly returning the door to its closed position, the hinge allows the door to gently swing back and forth to a close.
Small café-style doors.
Hinge Material – Door hinges come in a variety of materials, with the most common being stainless steel, brass, copper, bronze, cast iron, and pewter. Where the door is located may dictate the material that you need.
For example, on an exterior door, you may opt for stainless for its corrosion-resistant qualities. Strap hinges are common in bronze or cast iron, as both materials are very rigid and suitable for large, heavy doors.
Hinge Finish & Design – While functionality takes priority, color and design also matter. Hinges are available in a broad range of finishes such as polished and antique brass, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, pewter, black, and rust.
Equally, hinges are also available in many different shapes and sizes, with some even featuring ornate patterns carved in. With such a variety of finishes and designs available, you are sure to find hinges in a style that complements your space.
Door Width & Thickness – The size, thickness, and weight of the door will determine the size of hinge that should be used. Use the chart below as a guide to select the appropriate size for your door.
Height of the Door – The number of hinges needed will depend on the height of your door. Standard 60" doors typically require three hinges, but anything taller than that may require more. The chart below will provide you with the number of hinges that are needed, based on the height of your door.
Installation Tips
The placement of the door's hinges is critical to ensure smooth operation. There should be a 5" distance between the top of the door and the highest hinge, and 10" from the bottom of the door to the lowest hinge. All hinges in between should be equally spaced from one another.
Leave a small gap between the door's frame and the edge of the hinge's leaf. The gap should be anywhere between 5/16" to 3/8", depending on door thickness and width of the hinge. Measure and mark appropriately before fastening the hinge to the frame. Too small of a gap will prevent the door from fully closing.
Trace around the hinge on the edge of the door and the door jamb once a location is determined. This will give you a perfect template to make mortising, or chiseling, the wood much easier.
Separate the hinge before installing. Install the jamb's leaf and the door's leaf individually, then hang the door by joining the hinges back together and reinserting the hinge pins. This is much easier than attempting to fasten the hinge to the door while holding the door up to the jamb.