Get expert advice and helpful tips on where hinges need to be installed for internal and external doors. Learn the best measurements, materials, tools, and techniques for a successful door hinge installation!
When it comes to fitting that new door or replacing an old one, many of us may overlook the importance of choosing and fitting the correct door hinge. From internal doors to external ones, deciding where to fit them can affect how well your door looks and its functionality.
Whether that’s for the aesthetic value of a sleek look in your home or ensuring it opens and closes properly, this blog post takes an in-depth look at where you should position hinges on both internal and external doors, including information about different types of hinges available and some tips and tricks to make sure everything goes smoothly.
So if you want to accessorise your interior design with picturesquely placed door hinges or get a better overall result – keep reading!
Understanding Door Hinges
Door hinges represent an often overlooked but essential device. They are integral to the function of doors – without them, they would be flat planes that don’t do anything. A thorough understanding of door hinges is essential for those who design and build doors regularly since it allows them to position the hinge to adequately support the weight and movement of a door over multiple open/close cycles.
Door hinges also play a role in determining which types of doors are best suited for specific situations, from gravity-operated pressure relief doors to fire-rated doors. Understanding door hinges is an invaluable skill that can improve the services provided by any builders or architects specialising in construction projects requiring movable walls or doors.
What are the Types of Door Hinges
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are among the most popular door hinges—they’re also one of the simplest. These traditional hinges consist of two rectangular plates connected by a pin, allowing them to swing open easily and smoothly. Most commonly used on external doors due to their strength and durability, butt hinges can be found on almost any type of door, from residential homes to public buildings.
Pivot Hinges
Pivot hinges are made up of two parts that attach at either side of the door frame—a hinge pin is then inserted into the centre, allowing for smooth 360-degree rotation around the pin. Pivot hinges are typically used on wider doors, such as those in commercial buildings or industrial warehouses where more space is needed for movement. The added support provided by pivot hinges ensures that heavier doors stay firmly in place when opened and closed without compromising security or stability.
Spring Hinges
Unlike other types that use pins or screws to hold them in place, spring hinges use tension springs instead. As its name suggests, these door hinges rely on tension from internal springs to keep the door closed when not in use—when pressure is applied. However, the springs will release and allow for easy opening and closing. Spring hinges can be used on almost any interior door where additional security isn’t required; they’re often found in residential homes and commercial settings like offices and restaurants.
Where to Fit Hinges on Internal Doors
Internal doors come in all shapes and sizes, from sliding pocket doors to bi-folding doors. But when it comes to fitting hinges, the process is much the same regardless of the type or style.
Most internal doors will require at least two hinges for proper support—we recommend three if possible as this helps to spread out the weight more evenly.
When installing your hinges, it’s important to measure the distance from the top and bottom of the doorframe to ensure that the hinge is placed in exactly the same spot on both sides for a seamless look. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to place hinges 10 inches from the bottom of the door and 5 inches from the top. If you’re using three hinges, the third hinge should be installed in the middle between the other two.