Hinges (like most hardware) show up in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to serve different purposes.
Installing or replacing hinges on a door or cabinet may seem like a simple task but when confronted with the variety of options it can seem like a monumental decision.
Many questions may arise such as how many hinges are appropriate for this application and what is the difference between one hinge and another? This simple guide is meant to assist in the decision making process because hinges are such an important part of home hardware and choosing the wrong style can have troubling results.
What are the different types? There are several styles available that range from basic to ornate.
Depending on what the hinge is holding (a door versus a cabinet) and the weight, different styles may be more appropriate than others for specific applications.
Surface and Butt - this is a style of hinge that is mortised directly into the jamb of the door and door itself.
This type of hinge allows the door to open and close completely.
This is the most popular style used for standard doors.
Butterfly - Similar to the butt and surface hinge this style consists of two sides of the hinge that join together in the middle and resemble butterfly wings.
This is a more decorative style of hinge that was (and is) used on high quality furniture.
Strap - A longer style of surface mounted hinge that is installed onto the door and jamb.
This is frequently used for heavier cabinet doors to provided added support.
H and HL - A surface mounted hinge that is shaped like an H or HL design.
They are frequently used on small cupboards.
These hinges are available in flush mount of offset styles.
Door - A door hinge is a heavier duty hinge that is typically larger in size (ranging from 3 inches to 5 inches) and made from heavy duty materials such as brass or iron.
These hinges are meant to bear more weight and are typically used three or four per door.
How many should be used? This question is very specific to the project in questions although there are some general guidelines.
If current hinges are being replaced it is important to use the same number of hinges or more (never less!) to ensure strength.
Hinges carry a substantial amount of weight and overburdening the hinges can lead to breaks.
Consult with a contractor or builder if you are unsure how many hinges to use.
Manufacturers will typically provide instructions for the number of recommended hinges for proper installation.
Ornate or not? Ornate hinges are great for high visibility areas such as entryway doors or larger doors in the home.
Small cabinets typically use smaller and less ornate hinges.
Decorative hinges are great if the hinge will be part of the design or theme in the room.
Materials? Always search for solid brass or iron construction to ensure high quality over time.
Plated materials tend to break and scratch easily - requiring frequent replacements.
Thinner hinges also run the risk of detaching from the jamb or door and this can lead to breaks in the actual materials and increase risk of injury during use.
The hinge is an area of the home that is used several times every day and high quality is extremely important.
Installing or replacing hinges on a door or cabinet may seem like a simple task but when confronted with the variety of options it can seem like a monumental decision.
Many questions may arise such as how many hinges are appropriate for this application and what is the difference between one hinge and another? This simple guide is meant to assist in the decision making process because hinges are such an important part of home hardware and choosing the wrong style can have troubling results.
What are the different types? There are several styles available that range from basic to ornate.
Depending on what the hinge is holding (a door versus a cabinet) and the weight, different styles may be more appropriate than others for specific applications.
Surface and Butt - this is a style of hinge that is mortised directly into the jamb of the door and door itself.
This type of hinge allows the door to open and close completely.
This is the most popular style used for standard doors.
Butterfly - Similar to the butt and surface hinge this style consists of two sides of the hinge that join together in the middle and resemble butterfly wings.
This is a more decorative style of hinge that was (and is) used on high quality furniture.
Strap - A longer style of surface mounted hinge that is installed onto the door and jamb.
This is frequently used for heavier cabinet doors to provided added support.
H and HL - A surface mounted hinge that is shaped like an H or HL design.
They are frequently used on small cupboards.
These hinges are available in flush mount of offset styles.
Door - A door hinge is a heavier duty hinge that is typically larger in size (ranging from 3 inches to 5 inches) and made from heavy duty materials such as brass or iron.
These hinges are meant to bear more weight and are typically used three or four per door.
How many should be used? This question is very specific to the project in questions although there are some general guidelines.
If current hinges are being replaced it is important to use the same number of hinges or more (never less!) to ensure strength.
Hinges carry a substantial amount of weight and overburdening the hinges can lead to breaks.
Consult with a contractor or builder if you are unsure how many hinges to use.
Manufacturers will typically provide instructions for the number of recommended hinges for proper installation.
Ornate or not? Ornate hinges are great for high visibility areas such as entryway doors or larger doors in the home.
Small cabinets typically use smaller and less ornate hinges.
Decorative hinges are great if the hinge will be part of the design or theme in the room.
Materials? Always search for solid brass or iron construction to ensure high quality over time.
Plated materials tend to break and scratch easily - requiring frequent replacements.
Thinner hinges also run the risk of detaching from the jamb or door and this can lead to breaks in the actual materials and increase risk of injury during use.
The hinge is an area of the home that is used several times every day and high quality is extremely important.