Door hinges are vital components of your door system, playing a key role in both security and functionality. They anchor the door to the door frame, or jamb, allowing it to pivot smoothly when opened or closed. This ensures that the door not only operates effectively, but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

In this blog, we will explore five distinct types of door hinges, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. We will also offer valuable tips for selecting the right hinge for your specific requirements, as advice on how to install them properly. By understanding these details, you can ensure that your doors function reliably and complement the style of your home or office for years to come.

Why is the door hinge type important?

Choosing the right door hinge is important for several reasons, including the following:

  • They have to be the right size and style to bear the weight of the door.
  • The size has to match the depth of the door’s thickness.
  • Some people want the door hinge colour and finish to match their door handles.
  • Different types of doors, such as interior doors, exterior doors, cabinet and cupboard doors, etc., have very specific types of hinges and are not interchangeable.
  • Exterior hinges can work on interior doors, but interior hinges can’t be used on exterior doors.
  • Door hinges determine how wide a door can open for room or closet access.

Types of Door Hinges

Here are the five most common types of door hinges used on interior doors:

1. Butt hinges

Butt hinges come in interior and exterior options, and are the most common type for door installation. They have two plates, one affixing to the door and the other affixing to the door jamb. You typically have two possible plate styles, with either rounded corners for a radius butt hinge, or square corners for a square butt hinge.

To make things a bit more confusing, there are a few different types of butt hinges, including:

  • Concealed butt hinge: This is the choice for customized or designer doors where you don’t want the hinge to take away from the door’s appearance. It is installed in the recessed part of the door, so it is invisible when it is closed. They also allow for a wider opening, and can thus be used for those applications as well.
  • Ball-bearing butt hinge: This substantial hinge has ball bearings between the “knuckles,” making them highly durable and functional. They are used for heavier, wider doors to help maintain balance while preventing the hinge from pulling away from the door jamb. Heavier doors also cause more friction on the hinge, so the lubricated ball bearings reduce that friction for smoother operation.
  • Security hinges: These are used for exterior doors, as they are designed to reduce the risks of tampering to gain entry. They usually include longer screws to make them more sturdy.

2. Offset hinges

The offset hinge is also known as a swing clear hinge, since it allows you to open the door past the frame. They work well in areas where you need a wider opening, such as the furnace room or laundry room, where you want enough swing space to move large appliances. They are installed like a butt hinge, but instead of the two flat plates, they feature two angled plates that allow the door to open up to two inches wider.

3. Double-action hinges

Also known as spring hinges, these hinges are more common in retro-style homes. They allow the door to swing in or out and automatically return to a closed position. They’re perfect for the kitchen as they offer hands-free, self-closing operation, so you can easily bring dinner to the table and clear away dishes by simply pushing through the door.

Furthermore, they also feature “barrels”, as opposed to the knuckles of a butt hinge, to house the internal springs. In some designs, the spring action is adjustable so you can manage the “give” of the door’s operation.

4. Loose pin hinges

Loose pin hinges are an alternative to offset and spring back hinges for openings where you might have occasion to require a wider opening. In this case, the hinge allows you to remove the door quickly by pulling out a pin running through the knuckles without having to remove the hinges entirely.

5. Butterfly hinges

Butterfly door hinges have an insert in the metal strap, providing a wider door opening than a standard door hinge. They are great for closet doors where you need better access, or for doors that open outwards.

How to Select the Right Door Hinge

There are a few things to consider when selecting a door hinge, including:

  • Size: When replacing hinges, measure the hinge or take it to the hardware store to find a match. For new doors, you need to measure the door’s thickness, which is typically 1⅜ inches. You’ll likely be fine with a 3-inch door hinge unless your door is unusually wide or heavy. In this case, you can either opt for longer hinges, or install a third hinge in the centre of the door.
  • Entry Function: The direction in which a door opens will determine the most suitable type of hinge. For instance, if the door connects the kitchen to the dining room, a double-action spring hinge may offer added convenience. Conversely, an exterior door needs a secure hinge for safety. For a closet where frequent access is important, a butterfly hinge would be beneficial, while a furnace room might require a loose pin hinge for easy removal.
  • Radius vs. square: This boils down to taste when installing a new door and ease of installation when replacing hinges. For simplicity’s sake, it’s always easier to choose the style of the existing hinge, as the mortises are already there!
  • Door hinge finish: Today’s door hinges come in assorted colours, including edgy modern black, brass, and steel/chrome. Choosing hinges to match your door hardware tends to work best.

Door Hinge Installation Tips

Here are a few tips in order to avoid issues when installing door hinges:

  • Positioning: The typical door should have a hinge that’s 7 inches from the top of the door, and 11 inches from the bottom for proper balance. Heavier doors can include an additional hinge centred between the two.
  • Don’t forget the mortise: The mortise is a chiselled-out area on the door and jamb that provides an inset for the hinge plates. Although this step seems intimidating, it’s important to a) align the two plates, and b) allow the door to swing properly.
  • Choose a solid core door: Although more expensive, a solid core door makes it easier to prepare the mortise and create a sturdier fit. A hollow core door is easier to damage in this process, which will cost you more money in the long run!

Contact the Door Hinge Professionals

Knowing about these five types of hinges will make it easier to choose the right door hinge for your project in order to enjoy smooth operation and aesthetic appeal for years to come!

If you’re not sure what hinge is right for you, Cosmaroma’s experts are ready to help! We offer a huge selection of premium quality door hinges, available in different styles and finishes. To get in touch with our team, you can call us at (855) 457-1039 or stop by at the location nearest you.