Choosing the Right Concealed Hinge
A concealed hinge is recessed into both the door leaf and frame, allowing the hinge mechanism to remain hidden when the door is closed.
This creates a particularly clean architectural appearance and makes concealed hinges popular for flush timber doors, contemporary interiors and high-specification residential and commercial projects.
When choosing a concealed hinge, consider the door weight, door thickness, hinge dimensions, number of hinges required, fire-rating requirements and the construction of the door and frame.
What Are 3D Adjustable Hinges?
One of the major advantages of modern concealed hinges is 3D adjustability.
This allows the installer to fine-tune the position of the door after the hinges have been fitted. Depending on the hinge, adjustment can be made for:
- Height
- Depth
- Lateral or side-to-side alignment
This can make it easier to achieve consistent gaps around the door and ensure the leaf sits correctly within the frame.
The adjustment should always be carried out in accordance with the hinge manufacturer's installation instructions.
Concealed Hinges for Flush Doors
Concealed hinges are particularly well suited to flush, unrebated timber doors where visible hinge knuckles would interrupt the clean appearance of the door and frame.
When the door is closed, the hinge mechanism is hidden within the construction, allowing the door face and frame to remain visually uncluttered.
This makes concealed hinges a popular choice for modern homes, apartments, hotels and contemporary commercial interiors.
Choosing Hinges for Heavy Doors
Door weight is one of the most important factors when selecting any hinge.
Larger, taller or heavier doors require hinges with sufficient load capacity. The permitted door weight can also depend on the number of hinges used, door dimensions and installation arrangement.
Do not choose a concealed hinge based on physical size alone. Check the manufacturer's stated door-weight capacity and installation requirements before specifying the hinge.
For particularly heavy doors, a larger heavy-duty concealed hinge may be required.
Door Thickness & Concealed Hinges
The thickness of the door must also be considered because the hinge body is recessed into the door leaf.
Different concealed hinge models are designed for different door-thickness ranges, so always check this measurement before machining the door.
This is particularly important on thinner internal doors, where there may be limited material available around the hinge recess.
Concealed Hinges for Fire Doors
Selected concealed hinges can be suitable for use as part of a fire-rated timber door assembly when installed in accordance with the relevant fire-test evidence and with the specified intumescent protection.
It is important not to assume that installing a fire-rated hinge automatically makes the complete door fire rated.
The door leaf, frame, hinge quantity, hinge position, intumescent protection and other ironmongery must all comply with the tested or certified doorset configuration.
Always check the individual hinge documentation and the requirements of the particular fire door before installation.
Choosing a Concealed Hinge Finish
Although most of the hinge disappears when the door is closed, the finish is still visible when the door is open.
Finishes such as Satin Brass, Antique Brass and Dark Bronze can coordinate with warmer architectural ironmongery, while Black, Satin Stainless Steel, Silver and White work particularly well with contemporary doors and interiors.
Matching the concealed hinge with door handles, locks and other visible hardware can help create a coordinated door specification.
Installing Concealed Hinges
Concealed hinges require accurate machining of both the door and frame.
The hinge pockets must be formed to the correct dimensions and positioned accurately to ensure the door operates properly.
Unlike a conventional surface-mounted butt hinge, concealed hinges generally require more precise preparation. Following the supplied fitting template and manufacturer's instructions is therefore particularly important.
Where fire performance is required, any specified intumescent protection must also be installed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concealed hinge?
A concealed hinge is recessed into the door and frame so that the hinge mechanism is hidden when the door is closed.
They are also commonly described as hidden hinges or invisible door hinges.
What are the advantages of concealed hinges?
Their main advantage is appearance. Because the hinge is hidden when the door is closed, concealed hinges create a clean and uninterrupted door finish.
3D adjustable models also allow the door position to be fine-tuned after installation.
Are concealed hinges adjustable?
Many modern concealed hinges are.
The concealed hinges in our range offer 3D adjustment, allowing the installer to adjust the height, depth and lateral position of the door.
How many concealed hinges do I need?
This depends on the door weight, height, width and hinge model.
Always follow the manufacturer's load-capacity and installation guidance rather than assuming that the same number of hinges is suitable for every door.
Can concealed hinges be used on heavy doors?
Yes, provided the hinge has sufficient load capacity for the door.
Heavy-duty concealed hinges are available for larger and heavier doors, but the door dimensions and number of hinges also need to be considered.
Can concealed hinges be used on fire doors?
Selected concealed hinges can be used within tested fire-door assemblies when installed with the required intumescent protection and in accordance with the relevant fire-test evidence.
Always check the individual door and hinge specification.
What is the difference between concealed and standard door hinges?
A conventional butt hinge remains visible at the edge of the door when it is closed.
A concealed hinge is recessed into the door and frame, leaving the hinge hidden when the door is closed and creating a cleaner architectural appearance.
Are concealed hinges difficult to install?
They require more precise machining than conventional butt hinges because accurately sized recesses must be formed in both the door and frame.
For the best result, follow the manufacturer's routing dimensions, template and adjustment instructions carefully.
Need Help Choosing Concealed Hinges?
The correct concealed hinge will depend on your door weight, thickness, dimensions, required fire performance and preferred finish.
Roundtower Hardware supplies concealed and 3D adjustable door hinges in Ireland for residential and commercial timber doors.
Browse our collection online or contact our team if you need help selecting the correct hinge for your door.
