Which Hinge Should I Use?
We’ve put together a simple guide to help you choose the correct hinges for your application ...
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most common hinge type used in modern homes. These hinges are usually fitted to panelled internal and external doors along with lever handles or mortice knobs. Comprised of two pivoting metal plates, butt hinges are fitted between the door frame and the edge of the door. They are usually recessed to keep the hinge flush with both surfaces.
Butt hinges are also the most common hinge used to hang casement windows.
Our butt hinges are available in four standard sizes:
- 4” butt hinges are designed for use on large, heavier doors.
- 3” butt hinges are designed for use on lighter internal doors, wardrobes, cupboards or windows.
- 2½” and 2” are designed for wardrobes or cupboards.
Above Left - Pewter patina butt hinges & matching cabinet hardware, Above Right - Pewter patina butt hinges & matching door knob.
Above - Pewter patina butt hinges & natural smooth cabinet hardware.
Above Left - Aged bronze butt hinges & matching door knob, Above Right - Black butt hinges & matching lever handle.
Ball Bearing Butt Hinges
Ball bearing butt hinges have ball bearings around the central pin. This creates a permanently lubricated surface area and provides extra strength and a smooth opening action. Strong and durable, ball bearing butt hinges are designed for use on heavy internal or external doors.
Above Left - Pewter patina ball bearing butt hinges & matching lever handle, Above Right - Aged bronze ball bearing butt hinges & matching door knob.
Above - Pewter patina ball bearing butt hinges and matching lever handle.
See all our Butt Hinges here ...
Parliament Hinges
Parliament hinges are most used on French doors. They have a cut-out section at the top and bottom to allow the door to be projected away from the architrave or frame and open flat against a wall. They are manufactured with ball bearings in the knuckle to provide extra strength and a smooth opening action.
See all Parliament Hinges here ...
Finish Matching
Our butt and parliament hinges are available in a wide choice of finishes. This allows you to match the hinges with all other hardware used on the door or window, creating a consistent look throughout.
Above Left - Aged Bronze, Above Centre - Polished Bronze, Above Right - Polished Chrome.
Butterfly Hinges
As the name suggests, butterfly hinges resemble the wings of a butterfly. Designed for applications where the hinge will be visible, butterfly hinges are perfect for enhancing the look of any small cupboard or piece of ornamental furniture.
See all Butterfly Hinges here ...
H & HL Hinges
H & HL hinges are a more traditional, decorative alternative to butt hinges and are perfect for creating a rustic look. Small H hinges are most used on kitchen cabinets and large H hinges are used on larger cupboards or wardrobe doors. HL hinges have one L shaped fixing plate to provide extra support for large or damaged cupboards, doors, windows, or shutters.
Above - Beeswax H hinges & matching cupboard knob.
See all H & HL Hinges here ...
T Hinges
T hinges are a more traditional, decorative choice. They are perfect for use in a cottage or barn conversion where a more rustic look is desired and are typically used on internal ledge and brace or plank doors along with a thumblatch. T hinges date back to Medieval times and often had elaborate wrought iron straps that can be found on cathedral or castle doors. Today, we manufacture two designs; Penny End or Arrow Head.
T hinges are available in many sizes, designed for use on small cupboard doors through to large external gates. The general rule is that the hinge should cover 2/3rds of the width of your door. T hinges are sold in pairs and unless your door is extremely heavy two hinges per door should suffice.
Above - Black pennyend T hinges & matching thumblatch.
Above Left - External beeswax arrowhead T hinge, Above Right - Pewter patina pennyend T hinges & matching thumblatch & bean D handles.
Above - Black pennyend T hinges with matching privacy latches.
See all T Hinges here ...
Hook & Band Hinges
Similar in appearance to T hinges, hook and band hinges are for use on heavy doors and gates. The band is hinged on the pin attached to the fixing plate. Cranked hook and band hinges allow the door or gate to be flush with the surface of the frame.
See all Hook & Band Hinges here ...
Hinge Fronts
Hinge fronts are used to create a traditional rustic look on doors that are hung with butt hinges. Purely a decorative product, hinge fronts are fitted to the surface of a door.
See all Hinge Fronts here ...
In Summary
So, in most cases we recommend using the following hinges for the following applications:
- Internal panelled door = Butt hinges
- External panelled door = Ball bearing butt hinges
- French doors = Parliament hinges
- Ledge & brace / Plank door = T hinges
- Garden gate = Hook & band hinges
- Rustic kitchen cabinets = Butterfly hinges / H & HL hinges / T hinges
- Modern kitchen cabinets = Butt hinges