Door Hinges

With such a wide range of hinges available, it can be a little confusing as to which is the right type to pick. Not every hinge is suitable for every door, so understanding the basics of each style will help you choose the perfect fit.  

Firstly, let’s talk through some of the main types of hinge available.  

Butt Hinge 

Best for: Interior & Exterior Doors 

The most commonly installed hinge in both commercial and residential applications, the butt hinge features two leaves which are joined by a metal pin. This creates a pivot point so that the door can open and close smoothly. When the door is closed, the leaves sit flush together, creating a clean and tidy finish. 

Rising Butt Hinge 

Best for: Interior & Exterior Doors 

Although similar in design to the standard butt hinge, the rising variation instead allows the door to raise as it opens. This is practical for doors hanging over very thick carpet or uneven flooring. 

Piano Hinge 

Best For: Fire Doors & Thinner Metal Doors 

Also known as a continuous hinge, the piano hinge is designed to balance the weight of the door more evenly across the full length of the hinge structure. This not only provides enhanced support and stability for the door but also reduces the level of stress on the hinge. Piano hinges are available in a variation of sizes, with some even spanning the entire length of the door for optimum strength.  

Ball Bearing Hinge 

Best For: Heavy Internal & External Doors 

Ball bearing hinges incorporate ball bearings within the knuckle instead of washers (hence the name). This design allows for far smoother and quieter open/close functionally plus ensures your hinges last for longer with reduced stress and friction.  

Spring Hinge 

Best For: Outward Swing Doors & Side Hinged Garage Doors 

Springe hinges utilise specialist springs which automatically pull back the door closed after opening. They are commonly utilised in applications where a self-closing door is required.  

Concealed Hinge 

Best For: Lightweight Internal & External Doors 

Perfect for creating a neat finish for your door, concealed hinges are completely hidden when the door is closed. This is because each end is mortised into the side of the door and jamb, which completely conceals the hinge at a closed point. 

Tee Hinge 

Best For: Heavy Internal/External Doors, Gates, Shed Doors, Garage Doors 

Commonly installed in heavier duty exterior applications, the T hinge incorporates a long leaf which is attached to the door with a narrow hinge section fixed to the door jamb. There are a variety of different styles available ranging from minimal to ornate.  

Loose Joint Hinge 

Best For: High Traffic Doors 

Designed to allow fast and easy removal of the door when necessary, the loose joint hinge is ideal for high traffic areas where items may need to be consistently moved back and forth through the doorway.  

So now we are up to speed on some of the most common hinge types, let’s discuss the various factors you need to consider when picking out which hinge is best for your door. 

Material 

Across our extensive collection, we stock a range of different materials to accommodate every aesthetic and application. The most popular materials you will find include stainless steel, brass, cast iron, copper and more. So, which material is best? 

There’s not a definitive answer as to which material is ‘best’, its more dependant on what kind of qualities you are looking for. For example, external door hinges are exposed to weathering and harsher exterior conditions which means you’ll need to opt for a robust material with weather and corrosion resistant properties. Solid stainless steel fits the bill for this level of durability and also creates a very clean finish too. For lightweight interior doors where visual appearance and functionality may be higher priorities, a sleek brass or copper hinge could be a practical fit.  

Style & Finish 

There’s no point picking out a stunning door and then ruining it’s appearance with mismatched hinges. Although primarily utilised for functionality purposes, hinges can contribute beautifully to a door’s overall look with stylish use of design and finishes. 

With a wide range of hinges available onsite, you can find the perfect style to complement your door. Explore stunning finishes from sleek polished to rustic antique as well as a vast selection of elegant designs to suit both traditional and contemporary interiors. Keep things subtle and simplistic with one of our modern, minimalist hinge structures or inject a touch of timeless charm by installing an ornate hinge design with gorgeous classic detailing.  

Door Width & Thickness 

The size of hinge you choose should depend on the width and thickness of your door. 

The width of your door affects its overall weight, which indicates how big the hinge must be to provide enough load-bearing support. Below we’ve included a simple table to give a basic idea of how door thickness and width should affect the hinge height you choose. 

Door Height 

By measuring the door height you can determine how many hinges will be required for installation. Typically, standard 60” height doors require three standard hinges. Take a look at the chart below for a basic estimate on how many hinges would be required based on door height.