The different types of hinges and where to use them
Are you getting ready to tackle your next DIY project? It’s an activity that surged in popularity in 2020 as people up and down the UK sought to make good use of their time in lockdown and tick off those jobs that they’d previously been putting off for weeks, months or even years.
In fact, a May 2020 survey from Compare the Market found that 74% of UK households were planning to get stuck into some DIY over the Bank Holiday weekend, with window cleaning, painting and putting up shelves and pictures all high among people’s priorities.
By contrast, hanging a door came bottom of the list. That’s perhaps no great surprise, given it requires a certain degree of skilled expertise, and no one wants to feature on a selection of the funniest DIY fails.
But if you are tackling a task of that nature, it’s imperative you have the right hinges for the job. That means knowing which ones to choose, so here’s a quick guide to the most common types and what they can be used for.
What are the some of the most common types of hinges?
- Butt hinges
- Concealed hinges
- Piano hinges
- Heavy-duty hinges
- Strap hinges
Where to use the different types of hinges
- Butt hinges: These are the most common type of hinge. They’re made of two rectangular leaves, with knuckles in the middle that are connected by a pin. Butt hinges are typically found in standard doors for residential properties, with one leaf fixed to the frame and the other to the door itself.
- Concealed hinges: As the name suggests, these cannot be seen from the outside – unlike butt hinges, where the knuckles are clearly visible. Concealed hinges tend to be used in kitchen cabinets for a smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Piano hinges: These are also known as continuous hinges in that they tend to be longer than a standard butt hinge. This allows them to distribute weight more evenly across the door, and they’re available in a range of sizes to suit your needs.
- Heavy-duty hinges: Butt, piano, concealed and other types of hinges are usually all available in heavy-duty form. They provide crucial support for weightier doors (such as those made from oak) or for furniture lids, where they have to hold up the top to prevent it falling back down and causing injury.
- Strap hinges: These are often used on garden gates but depending on your style and tastes they could always be implemented as a striking interior design feature. They’re made up of two long, thin leaves that deliver plenty of stability for heavier doors and fittings.
