Hinges

There are dozens of different hinges to choose from, so it can be difficult to determine which is the best for your project. Not every hinge is suitable for use on all doors, so ensuring you’re aware of the different factors at play behind each style will enable you to pick out the best option for you. 

The most important to know about hinges is that there are several very distinct types to choose from. Whilst some are suitable for general use around the homes (doors, cupboards etc.) others see far more specialised applications.  

Butt Hinge 

Best for: A variety of cabinets, doors, cupboards and more 

Butt hinges are amongst the most common type of hinges and can be found in both commercial and residential applications. Butt hinges are made up of two leaves that are joined together by a metal pin, creating a pivot point so that the door can open and close smoothly. When the door is closed, the leaves remain flush together, which enables a clean, tidy finish.

Rising Butt Hinge 

Best for: A variety of cabinets, doors, cupboards and more

These hinges are similar in design to the standard butt hinges, though, with small variations on the design, instead allow the door to rise up as it opens. This makes the hinge type ideal for doors that hang over very thick carpet or uneven flooring.

Piano Hinge 

Best For: Fire doors, cabinets, cupboards, desks and more 

The piano hinge goes by several different names, with the most popular alternative being ‘continuous hinge’. This specialised hinge has been produced to balance the weight of your door more evenly, providing effective support and reducing the levels of stress on the hinge itself. Piano hinges are available in a variety of sizes, with some even spanning the entire length of the door for optimum strength.   

Ball Bearing Hinge 

Best For: Heavy doors 

The more heavy-duty ball bearing hinges incorporate the ball bearings that give them their name within the knuckle of the hinge. This is in place of the standard washers found in other hinge types. This design allows for smoother opening and closing as well as greater strength and reduced stress. All this makes for a more reliable and capable hinge with a greater lifespan.

Spring Hinge 

Best For: Doors with an outward swing 

Spring hinges incorporate specially made springs. They automatically pull the door closed once it has been opened, making them popular on cabinets, cupboards and doors that would benefit from a self-closing mechanism.

Concealed Hinge 

Best For: Lightweight doors 

If you want to create a neat finish for your door, then concealed hinges are the best approach. it should be noted, however, that they are only suitable for lightweight doors. Almost completely hidden when the door is closed, they are a fantastic choice for those looking to maximise the aesthetic appeal of their bedside table, cupboard, or cabinet.

Tee Hinge 

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

These hinge pieces are most commonly installed in exterior locations where a more heavy-duty hinge is required, making them a notable alternative to ball-bearing hinges. T-Hinges incorporate a long leaf which is attached to the door with a narrow hinge section that is secured to the jamb of your door.  

Loose Joint Hinge 

Best For: High Traffic Doors 

These hinges have been designed to allow quick and simple removal of your door when it is necessary to do so. This variety of hinges is ideal for high-traffic areas or even storage spaces where opening and closing a door may prove inconvenient.

With the different types of door hinge now established, lets look at the various factors that will need to be considered when choosing the best hinge for you.

Material 

It only takes a brief glance to see that there are many materials to choose from for your hinge, including steel, brass, iron, copper, aluminium, and more. The best material for your project, however, will always depend on the specific qualities you’re looking for. 

With external hinges, for example, exposed to weathering, harsher temperatures and general environmental conditions, it is much more important to get a strong, reliable, and durable hinge – stainless steel would prove a good fit for this situation. For lightweight interior doors where visual appearance and functionality may be higher priorities, a brass or copper hinge would be a fantastic choice.   

Style & Finish 

Styles and finishes are, more often than not, purely superficial with the appearance of a hinge adding to the overall character and charm of the door, cabinet or area it is complimenting. There are many different hinge styles to choose from, with both modern and traditional looks available for you to pick out. This means that whether you’re carrying out a renovation or creating a brand-new structure from scratch, you can find the perfect hinge for your project right here.