We hope this Door Hinges Guide will help you choose the right hinges for the job! The Type of hinges you may need will often be determined by the style of door.
There are many types of door hinges, particularly for special applications. Our door hinges guide focuses on three main categories:
- Butt Hinges
- Strap Hinges
- Projection or Parliament Hinges
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most common type of door hinge. When buying these hinges, door height, weight & thickness are important factors. Along with whether it is an internal or external door, fire rated or not.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Hinges are always sold in PAIRS, unless otherwise stated.
- Maximum weight loads are usually based on 3 hinges per door. Maximum width 1000mm and maximum height 2100mm.
- If fitting only 2 hinges, reduce the maximum weight load by one third.
- For doors wider than 1000mm or 2100mm tall we recommend 4 or more hinges.
- Stainless Steel and Solid Brass hinges are suitable for both Internal and External use.
- Steel and Cast Iron are suitable for Internal use only.
- For Fire Rated doors you must have hinges that comply with relevant fire tests.
Most doors today are usually fitted with Ball Bearing hinges. These give a smooth operation, but can in some situations cause discolouration to the woodwork. Concealed Bearing and Self Lubricating hinges offer the same smoothness but without any mess.
Double Phosphor Bronze Washered hinges are also used and offer a slimmer, neater knuckle.
Strap Hinges
Strap Hinges, sometimes called ‘T Hinges’, are often used on Ledged and Braced doors. Hook and Band hinges are often used on very wide doors, such as garage and barn doors. The size of hinge will depend on the width and weight of your door. Here are some general rules:
- Lighter weight doors (softwood) – one third to half the width of the door
- Heavier weight doors (Oak) – one half to two thirds of the width of the door
Generally speaking only 2 hinges will be needed per door, if you have selected the correct width. But if you have particularly heavy, extra wide or very tall doors you may want to fit more.
Projection or Parliament Hinges
Projections hinges and Parliament hinges are used when a door needs to open up to 180°. The hinges are designed to give adequate clearance for architraves, window boards and downpipes etc.
Projection hinges have a full size knuckle and so are suitable for heavier doors or glazed doors.
Parliament hinges have a smaller knuckle. The reduced knuckle means the hinge cannot take the same weight as a Projection hinge. So choose these only for light weight doors or shutters.
As always you need to measure carefully to ensure you have a door thick enough to accommodate the size of the hinge. With Parliament and Projection hinges you need to carefully calculate the clearance needed to achieve a full 180° opening.
Browse our full range of locks, hinges and bolts.
We hope you have found our Door Hinges Guide useful, but if you need any further information, just get in touch with us or give us a call on 01630 647748.