11 Types of Hinges You Should Know

Introduction

Hinges are one of the most important and ubiquitous components in products and structures that contain moving parts. From doors and windows on houses to flip phones and laptops, hinges allow two solid parts to be connected while still allowing movement. There are several major types of hinges as well as more specialized ones for particular applications. Knowing the most common hinge types, their characteristics, and uses will allow you to select the right one for your application.

What is a Hinge?

A hinge is a mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, allowing rotation between them. The basic concept of a hinge is usually to allow a door, lid, or other attached object to swing open. Most hinges are made out of metal, but small hinges can also be constructed from plastic or cloth such as on backpacks.

Hinges allow rotation on a single axis, unlike a ball and socket joint which allows free movement. They provide control over the movement between two objects and how far one part can swing open with respect to the other. The hinge pin provides the axis of rotation.

Butt/Mortise Hinges

Butt hinges, also sometimes called mortise hinges, are the most common type installed in houses and furniture. They are simple rectangular plates attached to the edges of the objects being joined. The knuckle, a U-shaped portion of the plates, houses the pin that allows the hinge to pivot.

Mortise hinges have one plate sunk into the edge of one door to make it flush. The other part sticks out for attachment to a frame via screws. Because of this, mortise hinges tend to be more aesthetically pleasing on furniture than plain butt hinges.

Butt hinges allow doors and lids to open to a full 180 degrees when installed properly. This makes them ideal for applications like kitchen cabinets.
Because they don’t extend past the back surface of the objects they connect, butt hinges minimize protrusions that could catch on clothing, etc.
Their simple design and ease of installation also makes this hinge style very affordable.

Tee Hinges

Tee hinges consist of one strap that gets mortised into the moving part of the joint (like a door or lid). The strap then fits over a stationary tee-shaped plate attached to the frame or box. The tee acts as the hinge pin for rotation.

Great for lightweight doors and lids. The thin straps take up less space while still providing good support.
Because only the strap is mortised in, these hinges are easy to install on doors without needing to alter the door frame.
Not ideal for heavy doors due to the leverage on the small joints. Larger surface hinges distribute stress better for heavy doors.
Only allow doors or lids to open to 90-degrees at most.

Surface/Cabinet Hinges

Surface hinges are mounted to the outside surfaces of the objects they connect. Since they don’t need to be mortised in, surface hinges like cabinet hinges are quick and easy to install.

Provide more support for heavy doors because of their large size and sturdy construction.
Easier to install than mortised hinges since no routing into edges is required. Screws simply go through pre-drilled holes.
Take up space outside the back surface of the door and require clearance. Not as flush on furniture and more prone to catching.
Many decorative designs available to complement cabinet styles. Self-closing and integrated soft-close mechanisms also common.

Piano Hinges

Piano hinges consist of an elongated pin and barrel running the entire length of the hinge. They are typically used on smaller boxes, crates, and cases that don’t require the support of multiple hinges.

Provide smooth opening and closing of lids and doors without needing multiple knuckles like on shorter butt hinges.
Takes up minimal space when closed while still being strong enough for small applications.
Available in very long lengths so one hinge can run the entire edge of a box lid or gate.
Not recommended for large or heavy doors and lids due to concentrated stress at the pin over the long length. Individual hinges distribute load better.

Concealed Hinges

Concealed cabinet hinges allow a cabinet door to open, but the hinge itself remains mostly hidden from view. This creates a cleaner, more streamlined look in modern furniture and kitchen cabinets.

There are several types of concealed hinges:

Full-overlay hinges attach to the outside edges of the cabinet and door, covering the frame. When closed, only a small access gap is visible.
Half-overlay hinges mount so the door covers only half the frame. When closed, some of the frame’s edge is exposed. More clearance needed behind the door.
Inset hinges fit into specially routed pockets in the door and cabinet edges. Fully concealed when closed for a seamless look. Require the most installation precision.
Integrated soft-close mechanisms pull the door closed silently the last few inches of rotation. Prevents slamming and provides controlled closure.

Lift-Off Hinges

Lift-off hinges allow a door, lid, or object to be completely separated from what it’s attached to with ease. They lift straight up and off rather than swinging open on pins like normal hinges.

Applications include:

Machine or appliance panels and covers that need to be fully removed for access.
Kitchen cabinet doors that need to be taken off for cleaning or transport.
Gates, playhouse doors, etc. where easy removal is desired.

The hinge leaves attach to the parts with removable pins. Some have self-closing or lift-assist mechanisms to make it easier to detach heavy doors.

Continuous/Piano Hinges

Continuous hinges, also referred to as piano hinges, utilize an extended barrel design that spans the length of a cabinet door or opening. The barrel contains the pin that runs through the knuckle joints.

Advantages:

Provides smooth, even opening without needing multiple knuckles like on shorter hinges.
Creates a cleaner look with only one thin hinge line across the door or lid.
Long lengths can be custom cut to size to fit unique applications.
High load capacity compared to individual butt hinges. Weight distributed across all knuckles.

Limitations:

Concentrated stress on long pin can lead to failure when used for heavy doors. Multiple hinges provide better support.
Not easy to install. Requires precision routing the entire length with minimal tolerance.
More expensive than individual hinges and requires custom sizing.

Continuous hinges work well on small jewelry and electronics boxes that don’t require heavy duty support. The long slim hinge provides a minimalist aesthetic.

Butterfly Hinges

Butterfly hinges consist of two flat pivot plates joined in the center by a pin, resembling a butterfly’s shape in flight. The pivot plates provide attachment points to mount the hinge to a door or lid and its frame.

Butterfly hinges are often used in applications like:

Interiorflush-mount doors where minimal clearance space is available behind.
Small boxes and jewelry cases that open flat.
As supplemental hinges on large doors with high load capacity in addition to standard butt hinges.

Benefits include:

Compact and lightweight. taking up little space while still offering good support.
Allow doors or lids to open completely flush against adjacent walls.
Come in a variety of styles and decorative finishes for furniture use.
Provide smooth motion compared to butt hinges.

Spring Hinges

Spring hinges contain mechanisms that force doors or lids closed automatically. This negates the need for separate springs or hydraulic closures. They provide self-closing functionality in applications like gates, cabinets, and drop-down surfaces.

Types include:

Torsion spring hinges: Usually surface-mounted with coils around the hinge pin to provide closing force.
Tension spring hinges: Mortise or surface-mount hinges with flat steel coils that stretch and pull when opened.
Gas spring hinges: Use compressed gas cylinders that extend and push closed. Helpful when doors are too heavy for normal springs.
Ball bearing hinges: The ball bearings minimize friction which helps overhead and heavy doors close easier under their own weight.

Folding Hinges

Folding hinges allow an attached door, lid, or screen to fold (accordion) into a tight stacked position rather than opening outward on fixed pins. The hinges connect multiple panels so they collapse and store flat.

Folding hinges are commonly used on:

Room dividers and folding screens. Allows them to minimize space when not in use.
Accordion hurricane shutters that store against homes.
Fold down beds and wall tables that stash against walls or in closets.
Collapsible crates and boxes to flatten for transport and storage when empty.

Lid Stay Hinges

Lid stay hinges incorporate an adjustable tension or friction mechanism that allows box or chest lids to stay upright when open, and not slam closed. The hinge still allows normal opening and closing, but resists lowering under its own weight.

They’re useful on:

Kitchen ingredient storage canisters so lids stay propped open for easy access when cooking.
Toolboxes and tackleboxes so the lid remains upright when accessing the contents.
Children’s toy chests and hope chests to prevent crashing down on little fingers.

The integrated mechanism is either a simple friction pad that slides and adjustable tension spring. More advanced versions have a gas spring in the hinge barrel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between mortise and surface hinges?

Mortise hinges sink into edges of doors and frames so they are flush, while surface hinges sit outside the door’s back surface. Mortise hinges are more decorative but require routing and chiseling wood. Surface hinges are easier to install but take up clearance space and are more prone to snagging.

Should I use mortise or surface hinges on my kitchen cabinets?

For modern cabinets, concealed hinges create the most streamlined look. Surface hinges are also quick and easy to install. Traditional mortise hinges require much more precision to inset but provide a period look. The type depends on the desired aesthetics and installation difficulty.

What’s the most heavy duty hinge for outdoor gates and large doors?

For heavyweight doors on outdoor structures, multiple sturdy butt hinges distributed along the edge typically provide the most support. Supplement them with additional butterfly hinges on the back surface if needed. Use rust-resistant stainless steel.

How are concealed hinges different from standard cabinet hinges?

Concealed cabinet hinges mount so the hinge itself is mostly or completely hidden when closed. This provides a seamless modern look. They come as full-overlay, half-overlay, and inset designs. Standard cabinet hinges are completely visible and close over the cabinet frame.

Should I use continuous piano hinges or several smaller hinges?

For lightweight doors on small boxes or cases, a piano hinge provides a clean look with easier operation. Multiple hinges are better for larger heavyweight doors to distribute load better. If using piano hinges on large doors, use more than one along the edge.

Conclusion

Hinges may seem basic, but their variations allow for specialized applications that give products the desired functionality, aesthetics, and ergonomics. Mortise, surface, concealed, continuous, and others all have appropriate uses depending on the expected load, design needs, ease of installation, and envelope space. Considering the door size, weight, operating environment, and styling needs will allow selection of the ideal hinge type. Knowledge of the types of hinges and their attributes allows for intelligent design decisions.