Door Hinges are the unsung heroes of our everyday life, they are the essential component for any doors. They play the essential role of smoothening door movement, offering stability and much-needed durability. Understanding the various types of hinges can help you pick the right one for your door.
Different Types of Door Hinges:
The Classic Butt Type Door Hinge:
Picture the capital letter “H” with a round end. Yes, this is what Butt Hinge usually looks like. These are the most common hinges that you’ll easily find anywhere. You can find them on interior doors to windows. They also come in various sizes and they have unique finishes as well, making them a classic choice for homeowners.
The Piano Type Door Hinge:
You might have guessed how it would look already. Yes, these hinges appear like a long slender keyboard. Now imagine how they would appear if they were folded in half, that’s how a piano hinge usually looks like. Unlike butt hinges which are usually attached at the top and bottom portions of the doors, Piano hinges often run the entire length of the door. These give a modern and seamless look to your doors, especially for cabinets. Any mistakes while installing them can damage your wood, hence it is best to get the services of skilled carpenters to handle the installation.
The Ball Bearing Type Door Hinge:
While they might not look it, Ball Bearing Type Door Hinges are real smooth operators. To the untrained eye, they look like regular butt hinges. But these conceal ball bearings between the knuckles of the hinge. The advantage of this is that they assist in reducing friction, which enables an incredibly smooth swinging motion, which makes anyone close and open the door without applying much pressure. They are perfect for heavy doors or high-traffic doors.
The Euro Hinge:
The European hinge commonly known as the Euro Hinge has another name- “Concealed Hinge.” They offer a modern and sleek look. Unlike traditional hinges which are visible from outside of the door, these hinges are hidden within the door, making them invisible when the door is closed. This visually gives a minimalist, clean look, and this is often used in contemporary kitchen cabinets and in high-end furniture as well.
The Strap Type Door Hinge
The Strap Hinge is crafted from wrought iron or sturdy metals, these decorative hinges feature a long flat plate that is attached to the door and frame. These hinges usually add a touch of old-world charm, and they are very compatible with the exterior doors as well. To explain further we can say they are best for furniture projects which has a rustic theme, and this works well in sheds as well.
Choosing the right type of door hinge that works best for you
Hinges are all about application and functionality, by now you should be familiar with the various types of hinges. Here are some tips to consider before you go shopping for hinges for your doors.
The Door’s Weight:
The heavier the door is, the sturdier the hinge it requires. In this case, for very heavy doors opting for a ball-bearing hinge is the safest choice. Additionally, if it is a high-traffic area, then you can reap the complete benefits of using ball-bearing hinges thanks to their smooth and effortless operation.
The Door’s Style:
Concealed Euro Hinges often give a sleek and modern look, or consider choosing a decorative strap hinge if you want to add a rustic touch to your doors. This also enhances the overall aesthetics as well.
The Materials:
Hinges often appear in various materials like steel, brass, iron, bronze, nickel, and aluminum. Steel is the most commonly used material due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and cost.
The right hinge combines both functionality and style. Pick a balanced hinge best suited for your door, which goes well with the overall aesthetic of your home too.
