You must know the various types available to choose the best hinges for your home. Semi-concealed hinges, for instance, wrap around the back of the door and face frame, making them easier to install than butt and no-mortise hinges. Unlike the latter, semi-concealed hinges don’t need a precise overlay and reveal.
Type of Door
If you have large and thick doors, it’s best to use heavy-duty hinges. These hinges are more durable and dependable than standard ones, and they’re typically crafted from stainless or primed steel to withstand wear and tear.
Choosing semi custom hinges that fit your door’s size is crucial to ensure proper function. Continuous hinges are available in several types to accommodate various door styles and installation requirements.
Some options include whole mortise hinges with both leaves fully mortised, and half surface hinges with one leaf installed to the door and the other on the frame, and wide throw hinges that position the door farther out when it is open.
These hinges are crafted from various materials, including stainless steel and brass. These hinges are strong and durable, and they are also easy to maintain. They also eliminate the gap between the door and frame that would otherwise allow pinching.
Style of Door
One factor to consider when choosing hinges for a heavy door is the style of the door. For example, will the door swing into or out of a room? This will help determine whether a full mortise or surface hinge is better.
A full mortise hinge has leaves that are mortised into the door and frame for a secure, flush fit. They also offer added support. This type of hinge is ideal for exterior or interior doors that get a lot of wear.
A strap hinge provides a more subtle look and can be used for doors with a lightweight. It features a nylon piece that cushions and helps reduce friction between the knuckle and the bearing surface.
Lastly, wrap hinges wrap partially or entirely around the face of the frame and door for added strength. These hinges are ideal for cabinet doors in face frames or for doors that overlay a frameless cabinet.
Weight of Door
The door’s weight is an essential factor to consider when selecting hinges. Heavy doors need a heavier hinge to support the extra weight without becoming damaged or worn out.
To determine the appropriate weight capacity for a door, it is recommended that you consider the frequency of use and add the weight of any additional hardware (door closers) that will be installed on the door. A heavy-duty hinge will often have anti-friction or ball bearings in the knuckles.
These help the door swing open and close smoothly, reducing the likelihood of squeaking. Continuous or piano hinges are designed for maximum strength, endurance, and longevity.
They are typically used on shed, barn, or carriage doors due to their ability to withstand the heavy, high-frequency usage of these doors. Continuous hinges are made from a thicker grade of stainless steel and often come with a Teflon-coated pin and nylon bearings at each knuckle separation for quiet operation.
Load Capacity of Hinges
The hinges you choose must be able to handle the total weight of your door, including additional hardware like closers. Divide the door’s weight by frequency to determine the appropriate weight capacity.
This will give you an estimate of how many times the door should be used per day. Most heavy-duty hinges are manufactured from steel. This durable material is perfect for heavy doors as it is highly corrosion-resistant and can endure constant stress. Plastic hinges are also available and can be used for lighter doors.
They are made from various materials, with certain types being more resilient than others. Some of the most common plastics include acrylic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Industrial-grade hinges have extreme load-bearing capacities.
These hinges are often used in construction, hospital and medical facilities, military and defense, nuclear testing, lead-lined doors, and R&D laboratories. These hinges have been put through rigorous security tests to withstand gunfire, hammers, wedges, and other attacks from forced-entry tools.