From Butt Hinges to Continuous Hinges: An Overview of Door Hinge Types

From Butt Hinges to Continuous Hinges: An Overview of Door Hinge Types

Choosing the right door hinge for your project can be a daunting task due to the countless options available on the market. From the traditional butt hinges to the modern continuous door hinges, it can be challenging to determine which door hinge is best suited for your door and style. This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of the four most common types of door hinges: butt hinges, ball-bearing hinges, spring door hinges, and continuous door hinges. We will delve into each door hinge type's unique features and benefits, so your cabinet and door hardware purchases become simple and easy.

 First Time Buying Door Hinges?

For an introduction to door hinges, read our blog on Everything You Need to Know About Hinges.

Butt Hinges

 

Butt hinges are made of two plates, called leaves, that are joined by a pin and interlock when the door is shut, with one plate attached to the door frame and the other to the door.

Use

Typically, butt hinges are employed as exterior door hinges where outdoor door hinges are required, such as residential doors, and interior door hinges such as kitchen cabinet hinges, and furniture door hinges.

Pros

Versatile

Butt hinges come in a variety of sizes and finishes to match any door style and can be used for a wide range of applications.

Durable and Long-lasting

Butt Hinges are composed of sturdy materials, like steel or brass, which enables them to withstand heavy usage.

Installation and Maintenance

Butt hinges need some screws and minimal effort for installation, and they are not heavy on the pocket for maintenance.

Cons

Visibility

The knuckles of the butt hinges are visible when the door is closed, which may affect its desired style.

 Motion Range

Butt hinges allow doors to move and open in only one direction.

 Maintenance

While the maintenance requirements of butt hinges do not demand a hefty financial investment, they certainly need to be lubricated occasionally to avoid noisy operation.

Ball-Bearing Door Hinges


Ball-bearing door hinges are designed to reduce friction caused by heavy doors. They accomplish this by incorporating lubricated ball bearings that are housed in a cylindrical cavity located between the hinge's knuckles.

Use

Ball-bearing door hinges are manufactured from steel or stainless steel and are designed to be used in products and places expected to have increased wear and tear due to high usage. They are also often used in commercial and industrial spaces where seamless functioning is necessary. 

 Pros

Smooth Operation

The lubricated bearings in ball-bearing door hinges reduce friction and guarantee a noiseless and smooth operation.

Durable 

These door hinges are created to withstand heavy use, can support the weight of heavy doors without sagging, and are difficult to tamper with, making them useful for safety purposes.

Low Maintenance

Ball-bearing door hinges require minimal maintenance and do not need to be lubricated as often as other door hinge types, such as butt hinges.

Cons

Expensive

Ball-bearing door hinges can be more expensive than other door hinges types, such as butt hinges, because of their design and the materials used for them.

Installation

For someone other than a professional handyman, ball-bearing door hinges can be a bit more difficult to install.

Limited Motion Range

As butt hinges, ball-bearing door hinges also allow doors to swing only in one direction.

Spring Door Hinges


Spring door hinges are a door hinge type that uses a metal spring mechanism to automatically close the door. The spring inside the door hinge is tensioned, which pulls the door closed after it is opened.

Use

Spring door hinges are ideal for doors that need to close automatically, such as in commercial spaces, hospitals, schools, and public restrooms. They can be utilized as both interior and exterior door hinges for entry/exit doors, storm doors, and screen doors.

Pros

Convenience 

Spring door hinges are appropriate for busy commercial areas due to their automatic functionality, which saves time and effort.

Durability

Spring door hinges are made from high-quality materials such as steel or brass, which makes them strong and durable. They are capable of withstanding heavy use and are known for longevity.

Versatility

Spring door hinges are available in different sizes, strengths, and finishes and can be used on multiple types of doors depending on their weight and size.

Cons

Noise

Spring door hinges can produce a loud noise, especially when the door is closed forcefully. This can be a problem for spaces, such as libraries, where quiet is essential.

Adjustability

Spring door hinges have limited adjustability, which means they may not work well with doors that are either too heavy or too light. 

Cost

Spring door hinges tend to be more expensive than other door hinge types, like butt hinges. They may also require frequent replacement.

Continuous Door Hinges


Continuous door hinges, also known as piano hinges, are long and narrow hinges that are made of one continuous piece of metal and run along the entire length of the door or frame.

 Use

Continuous door hinges are commonly used in commercial settings such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings. They are also used for residential doors such as entry doors, closet doors, and interior doors. Continuous hinges are ideal for doors that need support to withstand heavy use.

Pros

Support

Continuous door hinges offer enhanced support to heavy doors or panels by distributing the weight along the entire length of the door hinge.

Durability

Continuous door hinges are composed of heavy-duty metal, which makes them extremely durable and long-lasting, even in high-traffic areas.

Security

Continuous door hinges are more secure as they run the entire length of the door, making it tough for intruders to break in. This is a particularly valuable characteristic for areas where security is a top priority, such as banks, government buildings, and schools.

Cons

Installation

Continuous hinges can be difficult to install, and they demand accurate measurements and alignment. They may require professional installation, which can be costly. 

Cost

Continuous hinges are usually more expensive than other door hinge types, such as butt hinges.

Weight

Continuous hinges can add weight to the door, which may need extra hardware to support the weight. This can also add to the overall cost of the door installation.

With TDC it is Simple and Easy

Selecting the right door hinge may seem like a daunting task with so many options on the market. However, by taking the time to understand the unique features and benefits of each door hinge type, you can simplify the decision-making process. At TDC, we offer a diverse selection of door hinge types in a variety of styles and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect match for your project. If you have any questions or need assistance selecting the right hinge, feel free to reach out to us, and we will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.

 

Comments 0

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Categories

Read more

Tags

Related Articles

Reinforcing Door Hinges: A Guide to Preventing Break-ins

By Bringer Media on May 31, 2023

Your home is your sanctuary, and you deserve to feel safe in it. We all want to ensure the safety of our homes and belongings. Reinforcing door hinges can help prevent break-ins. Wholesale door hinges are a ...

Read more
Different Types of Residential Door Hinges: A Comprehensive Guide

By Bringer Media on May 27, 2023

 As doors provide an entry and exit point, door hinges play a pivotal role in the overall security. Door hinges are one of the most essential pieces of hardware for any door, and choosing the right type can ...

Read more
How to Install Gate Hinges

By Bringer Media on May 23, 2023

Gate hinges are a small but important component of a gate. They allow the gate to pivot when opening and closing. Installing gate hinges correctly ensures the functionality and longevity of your gate. Gate h...

Read more
Benefits of Using Soft Close Door Hinges

By Bringer Media on May 21, 2023

In the world of interior design and carpentry, even the smallest details can make a big difference. When it comes to doors, one often overlooked but essential component is the door hinge. While there are var...

Read more
How to Repair a Stuck Door Hinge?

By Bringer Media on May 09, 2023

In this blog, we will discuss how to repair a stuck door hinge, and we will cover various types of door hinges such as interior door hinges, exterior door hinges, ball bearing hinges, oil rubbed bronze door ...

Read more
Self-Closing Hinges: The Solution to Your Door Problems

By Bringer Media on Apr 28, 2023

One of the essential features of any home interior is the doors. However, it's not just enough to focus on the appearance of the door itself; the functionality of its hinges is equally crucial. Self-closing ...

Read more
Sale

Unavailable

Sold Out