A door hinge is an equipment that is used to attach the door to the door frame. Different types of door hinges should be used for the door according to the door type, size, weight, and swing functionality. The most used 16 types of door hinges are butt hinge, ball bearing hinge, piano hinge, flush hinge, butterfly hinge, barrel hinge, pivot hinge, concealed hinge, spring hinge, strap hinge, bi-fold hinge, double action spring hinge, friction hinge, T-hinge, hospital hinge, and security hinge.
The main usage of the hinge is connecting the door panel to the frame. Different types of hinges can be used in residency doors, furniture openings, cabinet openings, storage compartments, box lids, windows, shutters, and closet lids. Each hinge type has specific advantages and disadvantages compared to the other types of hinges.
When choosing a hinge type, you should consider the hinge material, size, type, bearing weight, functionality, swing capacity, installation method, screws, door material, screw length, environmental effect, maintenance, and repairs.
What are the 16 Types of Hinges?
The most used 16 types of hinges are
- Butt Hinge
- Ball Bearing Hinge
- Piano Hinge (Continuous Hinge)
- Flush Hinge
- Butterfly Hinge
- Barrel Hinge
- Pivot Hinge
- Euro or Concealed Hinge
- Spring Hinge
- Strap Hinge
- Bi-Fold Hinge
- Double Action Spring Hinge
- Friction Hinge
- T Hinge
- Hospital Hinge
- Security Hinge
1. Butt Hinge
A butt hinge is a simple and traditional hinge type consisting of two rectangular metal plates. Butt hinge metal plates are known as leaves. These leaves are connected by a central pin or rod. When the butt hinge is installed, one leaf is fixed to the door and the other to the frame It allows to door open and close in a swinging motion.
Advantages of Butt Hinge
- Easy to install and replace compared to other hinge types.
- Affordable and readily available.
- Suitable for a variety of applications due to its simple and versatile design.
Applications of Butt Hinge
- Residential interior doors.
- Cabinet doors.
- Lightweight exterior doors.
- Utility rooms and storage spaces.
- Wooden window shutters.
2. Ball Bearing Hinge
A ball-bearing hinge is a type of hinge equipped with ball bearings between the knuckles to reduce friction. Ball bearing feature allows for a smoother hinge operation. Hence ball bearing hinges are suitable for heavy doors. Due to the reduced friction, these hinges tend to have a longer lifespan compared to standard hinges.
Advantages of Ball Bearing Hinge
- Provides a smoother swing action compared to standard butt hinges.
- Enhanced durability, able to withstand higher usage frequency.
- Ball bearing hinges reduce wear and tear hence it can increase the lifespan of both the hinge and the door.
Applications of Ball Bearing Hinge
- High-traffic entry doors.
- Commercial building doors.
- Heavy residential doors.
- Office doors.
- Institutional settings like schools and hospitals.
3. Piano Hinge (Continuous Hinge)
A piano hinge is a long straight hinge that runs the entire length of a door or lid. This hinge distributes the weight evenly over the entire length.Piano hinges are suitable for supporting heavy doors or lids. But piano hinges are commonly used on piano lids, allowing them to open smoothly without sagging.
Advantages of Piano Hinge
- Offers enhanced structural support, distributing the door’s weight evenly.
- Facilitates smooth and aligned movement and minimizing warping and sagging.
- Suitable for wide doors where stability across the entire length is required.
Application of Piano Hinge
- Large cabinet doors or wardrobes.
- Piano lids
- Toolbox and chest lids.
- Industrial storage units.
- Aircraft and vehicle doors
4. Flush Hinge
A flush hinge is a type of hinge where one leaf is nested inside the other when the door is closed. Flush hinge is lightweight and does not require a recess to be cut. The flush hinge installation process is easier and quicker than other hinge types. This type of hinge is commonly used on cabinet doors and other lightweight doors.
Advantages of Flush Hinge
- Less material usage makes it more economical compared to bulkier hinge types.
- Easy to install, typically requiring fewer screws.
- Ideal for lighter applications, maintaining a sleek appearance as it allows the door to sit flush with the frame.
Application of Flush Hinge
- Interior cabinet doors.
- Lightweight wardrobe doors.
- Small to medium-sized storage unit doors.
- Bathroom vanity cabinets.
- Kitchen cabinetry.
5. Butterfly Hinge
A butterfly hinge, also known as an ornamental hinge, is distinguished by its decorative, butterfly-like shape. The butterfly hinge is a surface-mounted hinge. It does not need to be recessed into the material. Butterfly hinge adds a decorative element to the doors and it is frequently utilized in furniture designs and light indoor gates for its aesthetic appeal.
Advantages of Butterfly Hinge
- Adds decorative value to the furniture or door installation.
- Suitable for a variety of light-duty applications.
- Available in various designs and finishes with aesthetic flexibility.
Application of Butterfly Hinge
- Ornamental cabinetry.
- Lightweight interior doors.
- Vintage or antique-style furniture.
- Small boxes or chests.
- Craft projects.
6. Barrel Hinge
A barrel hinge is a compact and robust hinge type characterized by its cylindrical shape. The cylindrical section houses a pivot, allowing for the smooth rotation of the connected pieces. It is generally used for lightweight doors, cabinets, and small furniture due to its sleek appearance and ease of installation.
Advantages of Barrel Hinge
- Provides a sleek and invisible hinge line. It can improve the aesthetics of modern furniture or cabinetry.
- Easy to install with a simple drill hole, reducing installation time.
- Allows for a full 180-degree opening angle, offering greater accessibility compared to other hinge types.
Applications of Barrel Hinge
- Modern cabinets and cupboards with a seamless design
- Furniture with flush surfaces
- Small boxes and cases
- Lightweight doors
- Craft and hobby projects
7. Pivot Hinge
A pivot hinge is a type of hinge which is mounted at the top and bottom of a door, permitting it to swing in a horizontal axis. The pivot hinge type is popular for heavy and oversized doors as it distributes the weight evenly to the floor. It can reduce the stress on the frame. It’s also preferred for its aesthetic appeal since it allows for a clean, unobstructed appearance.
Advantages of Pivot Hinge
- Enables doors to swing in both directions, providing flexible access.
- Distributes the door’s weight evenly to the floor and it can reduce the stress on the frame.
- Allows for a clean, unobstructed appearance, as it is generally hidden from view.
Application of Pivot Hinge
- Revolving doors in commercial buildings.
- Entry doors in restaurants
- Shower doors for seamless opening and closing.
- Hidden doors or bookcase doors
- Large gates or panels where the weight distribution to the floor can prevent sagging.
8. Euro or Concealed Hinge
The Euro or concealed hinge is a sophisticated hinge type that is entirely hidden when the door is closed. Concealed hinges are adjustable and allow for precise alignment of the door, and is typically used on cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms. Its concealed nature provides a seamless appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetics of modern cabinetry and furniture designs.
Advantages of Concealed Hinge
- Offers a sleek and seamless look, enhancing the aesthetics of modern furniture or cabinetry.
- Allows for easy adjustments in multiple directions, facilitating perfect door alignment.
- Promotes soft and silent closing, preventing slamming and extending the life of the cabinetry.
Application of Concealed Hinge
- Modern kitchen and bathroom cabinetry for a seamless look.
- Office furniture where a clean, unobstructed appearance is preferred.
- Built-in wardrobes and closets, maintaining a streamlined exterior.
- Display cabinets in commercial settings, where an unobtrusive hinge is preferred.
- Custom furniture projects requiring precision alignment and a high-end finish.
9. Spring Hinge
A spring hinge has a built-in spring mechanism that allows the door to automatically close after being opened. This type of hinge is often used in commercial buildings and can be adjusted to control the speed and force of the closing. It helps to prevent door slamming and potential door damage.
Advantages of Spring Hinge
- Ensures doors are closed automatically. Hence it provides higher energy efficiency and security.
- Can be adjusted to control the closing speed, preventing slamming and potential damage.
- Often doesn’t require a separate door closer, saving on costs and installation time.
Applications of Spring Hinge
- Entry doors in commercial settings and help to maintain climate control.
- Gates in residential complexes or pools.
- Fire doors.
- Bathroom and bedroom doors in homes.
- Doors in schools and other institutions.
10. Strap Hinge
A strap hinge is a robust hinge type characterized by long, flat arms, which are prominently visible on the surface of doors or gates. These hinges are known for their strength and durability. Strap hinges are suitable for heavy doors or gates.
Advantages of Strap Hinges
- Provides substantial support because it is suitable for heavy doors or gates.
- Available in decorative styles.
- Easy to install and adjust, with a robust design that can withstand heavy usage.
Applications of Strap Hinges
- Barn doors and gates
- Heavy wooden doors
- Garden sheds and outdoor storage units
- Marine and utility trailers
- Decorative interior doors
11. Bi-Fold Hinge
A bi-fold hinge is specially designed to connect two panels in a folding manner. Bi-fold hinge type allows for a wider opening compared to traditional doors, and it aids in saving space and providing smooth operation for folding doors and partitions. It is commonly utilized in areas where space is a premium, such as closets or room dividers.
Advantages of Bi-Fold Hinge
- Allows for wider opening spaces as it can fold the door panels onto themselves.
- Facilitates smooth operation of folding doors and partitions.
- Provide a clean and organized appearance when the doors are open.
Applications of Bi-Fold Hinge
- Closet doors, where space-saving is essential.
- Room dividers
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinetries
- Laundry area doors, where space is often limited.
- Folding shower screens
12. Double Action Spring Hinge
A double-action spring hinge allows to swing the door in both directions. Double action spring hinge automatically returning to a closed position. This type of hinge is easy and quick passage through busy doorways. Double action hinges are adjustable and it allows for control over the swing speed and force to prevent door slamming.
Advantages of Double Action Spring Hinge
- Facilitates a two-way access through a doorway. It can improve traffic flow in busy areas.
- Automatically returns the door to the closed position. It enhance the privacy and security.
- Can be adjusted to control the swing speed and force, helping to prevent slamming and potential damage.
Applications of Double Action Spring Hinge
- Kitchen doors in restaurants.
- Saloon and cafe doors
- Doors in commercial buildings
- Retail stores, facilitating smooth movement for staff and customers.
- Hospitals and clinics, allowing quick and hands-free passage between areas.
13. Friction Hinge
A friction hinge is characterized by its ability to hold a door or panel at any given angle. It prevent moving unless a certain amount of force is applied. This is due to the built-in friction mechanism that provides resistance to movement.
Advantages of Friction Hinge
- Enables doors or windows to remain open at desired angles, preventing unwanted movement.
- Offers controlled movement, reducing the risk of slamming or abrupt closures.
- Often used in applications where precise positioning is required, enhancing functionality and user experience.
Applications and benefits of Friction Hinge
- Laptop screens for adjustable viewing angles.
- Skylight windows
- Vehicle windows
- Lid supports on chests or toy boxes provide safe and controlled access.
- Adjustable sun visors or shields in various applications for controlled movement.
14. T Hinge
A T hinge is a hinge designed in the shape of the letter “T”, where one section is attached to the door frame and the other to the door, providing substantial support, especially to heavy doors or gates. It is commonly used in outdoor applications due to its robust nature and the ability to support a significant amount of weight.
Advantages of T Hinge
- Provides strong support, making it ideal for heavy doors or gates.
- The visible hinge part can act as a decorative element, adding to the rustic or traditional aesthetics of a door.
- Easy to install and adjust, offering a robust and straightforward solution for various door types.
Applications and Benefits of T Hinge
- Barn doors and gates
- Garden sheds and outdoor structures
- Heavy wooden doors
- Utility rooms and storage spaces
- Marine and farm applications
15. Hospital Hinge
A hospital hinge is also referred to as a swing clear hinge. The hospital hinge is engineered to allow doors to swing completely clear of the opening. It offers wider access, which is especially necessary in hospitals for the easy maneuverability of gurneys and wheelchairs. These hinges allow doors to swing up to 180 degrees, enhancing accessibility and ensuring compliance with healthcare facility standards.
Advantages of Hospital Hinge
- Allows doors to swing 180 degrees, offering a wider clearance for easy accessibility.
- Helps in maximizing the usable space by enabling the door to swing away completely from the doorway.
- Aids in compliance with accessibility standards in healthcare and other facilities.
Applications of Hospital Hinge
- Hospital rooms
- Accessible restrooms – Allow easier access for individuals using wheelchairs.
- Commercial buildings – Wide clearances are required for moving large objects.
- Emergency exits – Provide a broader passage for quick evacuations.
- Hallways in healthcare facilities – Enhance the maneuverability of larger equipment.
16. Security Hinge
A security hinge is specifically designed with features to prevent tampering and unauthorized door removal. These hinges are equipped with non-removable pins or other security measures that resist tampering, making it difficult for intruders to remove the door to gain access. They are often constructed with robust materials to increase their durability and resistance against forced entries.
Advantages of Security Hinge
- Offers enhanced security by preventing doors from being easily removed or tampered with.
- Often constructed with robust materials, providing increased durability and resistance to forced entry.
- It can be integrated with other security features to create a comprehensive security system for doors and entryways.
Applications of Security Hinge
- Exterior doors in residential buildings – Enhance the security against break-ins.
- Commercial buildings – Where need higher security premises.
- Secure facilities like government buildings and financial institutions – Ensuring an added layer of security.
- Storage rooms or units holding valuable items – Provide increased protection.
- Entrances to private community areas – Prevent unauthorized access.
What Should Consider Before Choose a Door Hinge?
You should consider the below factors before choosing a hinge type.
- Hinge material
- Hinge size
- Hinge type
- Hinge bearing weight
- Hinge functionality
- Hinge Swing capacity
- Installing method
- Installing screw type
- Door material
- Screw length
- Environmental effect
- Maintenance
- Repairs
What are the 9 Common Door Hinge Problems?
These are the common door hinge problems.
- Squeaking Hinges
- Rusted Hinges
- Cracked Hinges
- Door Sagging
- Door is Not Closing Properly
- Door Sticking
- Free Door Swing
- Door is Difficult to Move
- Stripped Screw Hole