Hinge Type and Application
Where the hinge goes determines what type you’ll need.
- Door hinges support interior and exterior doors.
- Strap or T-strap hinges are typically for large swinging doors or gates.
- Spring hinges are for self-closing doors, such as garages and screen doors.
- Specialty hinges serve a variety of functions. For example, pivot doors require special hinges on the top and bottom of the door rather than on the side. This allows them to rotate on a vertical axis. Shutters, chests, cabinets and folding shelves also require specialty hinges.
- A piano or continuous hinge runs the entire length of the two joined pieces.
- Barrel hinges are common in cabinets and open a full 180 degrees. They’re one of several types of concealed hinges.
- Commercial-grade hinges are generally thicker gauge metal for heavy-use applications, particularly mortise hinges.
Most hinges are mortise hinges, meaning they’re inserted into a part of the door frame that’s carved or cut out, allowing you to mount the hinge flush with the jamb. Nonmortise hinges are surface-mounted hinges that are thin and used mostly in smaller applications. Requiring no cutout to the jamb of the two surfaces, nonmortise hinges are quick and easy to install.
If you need added door security, a nonremovable pin is useful. Removable pins make it easy to take off a door if you’re moving furniture or appliances.
Hinge Size
Door thickness and height determine the safe work load or how many hinges are needed for your application. The chart below indicates what type of hinge doors require.
As a rule, use one hinge per every 30 inches of door:
- Doors up to 60 inches need two hinges.
- Doors over 60 inches, but not over 90 inches, need three hinges.
- Doors over 90 inches, but not over 120 inches, need four hinges.
Hinge Radius: 5/8 Inch
If a 25-cent coin (a quarter) matches the outside curve of the hinge corner, it has a 5/8-inch radius.
Hinge Radius: 1/4 Inch
If a 10-cent coin (a dime) matches the outside curve of the hinge corner, it has a 1/4-inch radius.
Hinge Material and Finish
After determining the type of hinge needed for your next project, decide how you want it to look. While some hinges are widely invisible, the style of the hinge can either enhance a cohesive style in your home or simply draw attention. It’s important that you choose the right finish and material for your hinge to create a clean look overall.
While a plain white door can seem standard at first, adding a bright brass or shiny chrome hinge can really help it stand out and look like a new door. Contrarily, a bright, vibrant bathroom cabinet would be better enhanced with a subtle, subdued finish that works seamlessly alongside the door.
Material and finish options include steel, stainless steel, brass, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, nickel, prime coat, white and zinc.
For a polished look, coordinate the finish of your new hinges with the existing door hardware. For example, if you have a cabinet with stainless steel door knobs, opt for stainless steel cabinet hinges.
Hinges for Framed and Frameless Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets and their hardware can make a design statement for your kitchen area. These cabinets are either framed or frameless. The terms refer to the construction of the cabinets but also indicate the look and will determine your hinge and hardware options. Find out which one you have and the hinges you should use.
Framed Cabinets
Framed cabinets feature an overlaying frame or structure attached to the front of the cabinet box or face. The frame extends up to two inches over the cabinet opening, adding strength and sturdiness to the construction. This is the most common type of cabinet in the US. Framed cabinets can work with variable overlay, inset and wraparound hinges.
Frameless Cabinets
Frameless cabinets, also known as full access or European style cabinets, do not have a face frame. A frameless cabinet has a seamless line and sleek look with the door hardware attached directly to the box. Frameless cabinets work well with full overlay or spring closing hinges with the installation on the inside of the cabinet door, out of sight.
Hinges for Cabinets and Smaller Custom Doors
There are many more types of hinges that can be used for cabinets and other projects. Learn about some of these hinges and the interesting ways they can be used.
Blum Hinges
Blum hinges are concealed hinges that can work for both framed and frameless cabinet doors. Their flexible designs allow them to be installed for many different applications like blind corners, angle and wide-angle doors, and use on thick or aluminum frame doors. They are preferred in higher-end cabinets thanks to ensuring that cabinets close softly and effortlessly regardless of how hard they’re closed. They also have a quiet operation when opening or closing.
Self-Closing Hinges
Self-closing hinges, often referred to as soft-close hinges, are similar in their action but are different in the actual mechanics. Self-close hinges have a spring built into them so when the cabinet door starts to close, the spring, at some point, will take over and pull the cabinet door closed with an audible tap.
Conversely, soft-closing hinges have internal hydraulics so when the cabinet door is closed, the hydraulics take over and the door shuts silently. The cabinet door appears to float in closing.
Many hinges that are soft-closing are also self-closing, but not all self-closing hinges are soft-closing. The difference is the slight bump noise you hear.
Overlay and Inset Cabinet Hinges
An overlay hinge lets the cabinet door cover the cabinet frame when the door is closed. One such common overlay is a 3/8-inch overlay hinge. Overlays give your cabinets a more traditional look, are cheaper than insets and are simpler to install.
Inset hinges are often used where a sleek modern appearance is needed and tend to be a bit more expensive than overlays. These types of hinges are great for inset cupboards, and usually require professional installation. The main differences between inset hinges and overlay hinges are the style, cost, and function.
Flush Hinges
Flush hinges are surface-mounted hinges that work well on cabinets, lightweight doors and small wood boxes. Unlike butt hinges, flush hinges do not need to be sunk into the door frame. When closed, the two hinge leaves fit together, giving a “flush” appearance.
Piano Hinges
Piano hinges, also called a continuous hinge, is a hinge that can be installed along the entire length of a door or lid. This will give added support when opening heavy doors or lids. Piano hinges work well with a variety of installations including commercial doors, barn doors, toolboxes, toy boxes and bifold doors. These continuous hinges can also be trimmed to the exact fit required for your application.