Hinge Types Encyclopedia
Complete guide to every type of door hinge — when to use each, how they compare, and which codes they meet.
Choosing the right hinge type is the foundation of any compliant, functional door installation. The wrong hinge can result in code violations, accessibility failures, or premature hardware wear. This encyclopedia covers the full spectrum of door hinge categories used in commercial and residential construction.
Available Guides
Self-Closing Hinges
How self-closing hinges work, when they are required by code, and how to select the right model for fire-rated and ADA-compliant doors. Covers hydraulic and spring mechanisms.
Hinge Comparison Guide
Side-by-side comparison of all major hinge types — self-closing, spring, butt, continuous, and pivot — with code compliance status, load ratings, and best-fit use cases.
Butt Hinges
The most common hinge type in residential and light commercial construction — sizing standards, material options, and proper installation technique.
Pivot Hinges
Top and bottom pivot systems for oversized or heavy doors — structural requirements, floor closer integration, and use in high-traffic entries.
Concealed Hinges
European-style cup hinges and mortise concealed hinges for clean architectural aesthetics — adjustment range, overlay types, and load limits.
Coming Soon
Spring Hinges
Traditional spring-loaded hinges: installation requirements, ANSI grade ratings, and where they are still the right choice over hydraulic alternatives.
Continuous Hinges
Full-length piano-style hinges that distribute load along the entire door height — ideal for heavy-use commercial and institutional applications.
Swing Clear Hinges
Offset hinges that swing the door completely clear of the opening — critical for ADA accessibility compliance and wheelchair passage width.
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