Door hinges are among the simplest of everyday components around the home, and play an important role of all in our daily lives. Whether mounting new doors or repairing existing interior doors, it’s worth understanding the different types of hinge available.
In this introductory guide, we’ll be taking a look at some of the hinge classifications and their primary applications around the home.
What is a door hinge?
A door hinge is a mechanical bearing device. It is used to connect two things together and allow movement to a certain degree. The amount of rotation allowed varies significantly from one hinge to the next, as does the capacity to support doors of different weights.
Along with ensuring you choose hinges of appropriate strength and quality, it’s essential to make sure they are fit for your doors. The most common classifications for interior doors include:
Butt hinges
Also referred to as mortise hinges. They are by far the most common interior door hinge, and are suitable for some exterior doors. Butt hinges sit flush within the door frame and are available in a range of materials. They are also extremely easy to install, with little to no long-term maintenance requirements.
Counter hinges
The counter hinge is similar to the butt variety although they come in a slightly different shape for vertically opening doors. A popular choice for securing adjustable table panels and countertops around the home. Counter hinges are available in various metals and finishes to complement their surroundings.
Parliament hinges
Parliament hinges differ from conventional models by allowing a door to open beyond the usual 90-degree limitation. This makes parliament hinges a popular choice for emergency and fire exits, allowing the door to open fully to a 180-degree angle to minimise obstructions. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but must be comprehensively weatherproof to be used for exterior doors.
Spring hinges
Quality spring hinges can often negate the need for an additional door closing mechanism. They use a spring installed in the main cylinder itself to automatically close the door. Spring hinges are often used in communal spaces such as apartment blocks and shared properties. They are also popular for everyday use around the home.
T Hinges
Designed primarily with external doors and wooden gates in mind, they are also often brought indoors to create a rustic and ornate look. Where there may be particularly heavy wooden doors in a classical property, T hinges can look the part like nothing else.
Door hinge materials
Selecting the appropriate shape, size and type of hinge when hanging or repairing doors is essential. However, so too is being mindful of the various materials available.
Some materials are inherently more expensive than others. But it is nonetheless worth taking long-term value for money into account. The higher the quality of the hinge, the longer it will be before they need to be repaired or replaced.
Here’s a rundown of the most commonly-used materials in the design and manufacture of door hinges:
- Stainless Steel – By far the most popular hinge material. Inexpensive, exceptionally durable and corrosion resistant.
- Aluminium – Stronger and lighter than steel, aluminium is an extraordinarily durable material with a practically indefinite lifespan. Comes at a slightly higher price.
- Steel – Well-manufactured steel hinges are durable, hardwearing and available at very low prices. Very little corrosion resistance.
- Galvanised Steel – After undergoing an electrochemical finishing process, galvanised steel becomes far more durable and corrosion resistant than conventional steel.
- Brass – One of the most attractive materials for manufacturing hinges. Brass is also extremely durable and naturally corrosion resistant.
- Copper – Copper has a similar appearance to brass. Also boasts better corrosion resistance and is easier to manipulate into a variety of shapes and designs.
- Titanium – Extreme durability and corrosion resistance. Titanium is one of the most hardwearing hinge materials currently available.
For the vast majority of hinges, there are no specific ongoing repair or maintenance requirements to worry about. It may or may not be necessary to occasionally add a little lubricant. Otherwise, a quality door hinge will take care of itself.
