Hinges may be small and not always visible, but this hardware is an essential part of doors in homes and commercial properties. They are the mechanism that allows doors to pivot on one edge as they close and open. Other than the interior and exterior doors, hinges can also be seen in most storage solutions such as cabinets, containers, and storage chests.
Hinges come in a wide variety of types. Most of them are designed for specific uses; they are used in different applications with different requirements. Some door hinges are favoured in residential properties while others are designed for commercial applications. Hinges for homes and other residential structures often come in various styles and are designed to suit certain aesthetic requirements.
Commercial grade door hinges like ENTRO, on the other hand, are designed with durability in mind. These door hardware pieces are made of quality metals and are designed to provide security and durability. Here is a quick guide to the most commonly used types of door hinges.
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are the most common type of door hinge. They are mostly seen in entry and passage doors; however, they may also be used in cabinet doors. A butt hinge has two leaf plates that are attached to the door edge and jam. When the door is closed, the plates are folded, hiding them from sight. The only visible part of the hinge when the door is closed is the pin barrel that holds the plates together.
Flush Hinges
A flush hinge is essentially a butt hinge with one leaf plate designed to nestle into the other when the door is closed. It is designed that way to save space. Flush hinges are commonly used for lighter doors such as those on cabinets and boxes for decorative purposes.
Ball Bearing Hinges
Ball bearing hinges are known as durable door hardware. They are designed for heavy duty applications. You can see these hinges in massive, heavy doors, such as the entry doors in big houses and properties. Thanks to the ball bearing that sit between the knuckles; the hardware is subject to minimal friction, which allows it to last longer than most hinge types.
Butterfly Hinges
The structure and form of butterfly hinges are very much like butt hinges. They also have the same application. The only difference is they are more stylish in terms of appearance. They are shaped like butterflies, making them decorative door hardware. These hinges are commonly used in intricately designed entry doors that are installed as style statements.
Surface Hinges
Surface hinges are a type of strap hinge that is commonly used in interior doors. They are mounted to the surface of doors, helping the structure to stay sturdy and functional. Another great thing about surface hinges is they come in different designs, allowing you to make your interior doors more interesting and beautiful.
Piano Hinges
Piano hinges are built to provide complete support along the entire length of a door. It is also known as a continuous hinge and is usually seen in the lids of toy boxes or big container chests. This type of hinge can be surface mounted pretty much like a strap hinge or mortised into the frame and lid.
These are only some of the many types of hinges you can see in the market. When shopping for hinges, make sure you consider the unique demand of your project – whether it’s a residential or a commercial property you are working on. Look for a reputable provider of commercial grade door hinges to make sure you are getting high quality, long lasting hinges for your project.