For a long time, hinges were only functional. They would hold a door in place and allow it to move freely. However, with the progression of time, interior decoration took over. Homes, offices, and other places started following certain themes and designs. As a result, the styles of doors and the hinges on them acquired an aesthetic purpose as well.

Today, hinges are made from a variety of different materials and come in multiple styles which are both beautiful and functional. It depends on the overall theme of the space where the door is installed to dictate which type of hinge is used. Installation of hinges requires professional skills but it can be a do-it-yourself if you have the relevant experience.

In this article we talk about the types and styles of hinges as well as the basics of installing them properly.

Types of Hinges

Hinges can come in a variety of styles, designs and materials. Still, they can be put under three basic classifications. These are left-hand hinges, right-hand hinges, and reversible hinges. The name of the hinge represents which side it allows the door to swing. Reversible hinges as the name represents, enables the door to go both ways.

Before you head out to purchase the appropriate hinges for your doors, you must read up on the types available and which one will be relevant for your property. Many people can confuse the labeling of left or right-side hinges as the side where they are placed. This is not the case and all these hinges have different functional purposes.

Left-side hinges

If you want the door to open inward with the knob on the right side, you'll need to put left-hand hinges on the left-hand side of the door. If you want the door to open outward with the knob on the left-hand side, install them on the right-hand side.

Right-side hinges

If you want the door to open outward with the knob on the right side, right-hand hinges are fitted on the left side of the door. If you wish to open the door inward, install them on the right side of the door with the knob on the left side.

Door hinges can only function in the direction in which they were built; they cannot be reversed.

 

Different Styles of Hinges

The style of the hinge is different from the type. Types refer to an overall umbrella under which the hinges fall. There are three basic types of hinges, and there are other styles to choose from for a variety of applications. Door hinges come in a variety of styles, including:

• Ball-bearing hinges
• Butt hinges
• Double-action hinges
• Fixed-pin hinges
• H hinges

Each style of hinge has its own characteristics. They can serve a functional purpose as well as beautify a door by blending well with the design being followed across the room. As a customer you may be spoiled for choice but it is important to consider which hinges are available and the ones that will fit best for the place where you want them to go.

Forms of Hinge Installation

With the various types and styles of hinges, there are always ways in which they can be put in place. These installations will depend on the type of hinge that you are going for. It is another factor that must come under consideration when installing hinges. If you are doing it yourself you will have to be extra careful. On the other hand, a professional installer already has knowledge about them which can allow them to perform a better job.

Full-mortise installations

This type of hinge installations has one leaf cut into the door jamb and one into the edge of the door. The mortise is a notch in the face to which the hinge leaf is attached, allowing it to be flush with the door's surface. The full mortise hinge gives the installation a clean smooth appearance. A full mortise hinge demands a great deal of care and accuracy to install.

When properly installed, full mortise hinges rest flush, giving the completed product a smooth appearance.

Half-mortise installations

Half-mortise hinges have one leaf mortised into the edge of the door and one anchored onto the surface of the door jamb. To make the hinge leaf surface flush, half mortise hinges have only one side of the hinge fixed in the cutout. The door is just mortised with the hinge.

Full-surface mounting

This type of installation is done when the two leaves of the hinge are secured to the surface of the door. Much like the full-mortise hinge, these mountings also sit flush with the façade of the door but here the hinge leaf is above the surface on both sides. It is a common type of installation for various doors and their hinges.

Half-surface mounting

This occurs when one leaf is mortised into the door jamb and the other is anchored to the door’s surface. The hinge leaf is only mounted on one side. The difference between this and the half mortise hinge is that one leaf is mortised in the frame rather than the door, and the other leaf rests on the surface.

How to Install Door Hinges

There are certain steps to follow when installing a door hinge. Following a systematic process will ensure that the hinge not only functions properly but also looks visually appealing. Hinges are symmetrical and it is important to make sure that they are placed equally on both sides and sit straight for maximum efficiency.

1. Measure everything properly:The typical placement for hinges is to put the upper hinge five inches from the top of the door and the lower hinge ten inches from the bottom. You can decide whether you need one, two or more hinges in the middle depending on the size of the door. In any case, measuring accurately is crucial.
2. Making sure the hinge sits flush:Recessing the hinge is important as this is both effective for the appearance and for how well the door operates. Based on the type of hinge you are installing, you can make the grooves or recesses accordingly.
3. Securing the hinges:Fixing the hinge properly and securely to the door is crucial. Otherwise, there can be a lot of issues, the biggest of which is the door falling off the hinge and causing injury.

Conclusion

Hinge installation is not a simple task but you can do it on your own if you have the relevant experience. Still, it is important to know the basics of installation and types of hinges that you want to install. If you are looking for a variety of door hinges to install at your property, visit Hinge Outlet today.