Choosing Internal Door Hinges
The correct internal door hinge depends on the size, weight and construction of the door together with how frequently it will be used.
A lightweight bedroom door has very different requirements from a large solid-timber door, so hinges should not be selected solely by appearance.
Consider the door weight, height and width, hinge size, number of hinges, opening requirements and fixing substrate before choosing your hinges.
Butt Hinges
The butt hinge is one of the most common hinges used on internal timber doors.
The two hinge leaves are recessed into the edge of the door and frame so that they sit neatly when the door is closed.
Butt hinges are available in different sizes, materials and finishes and are suitable for a wide variety of residential internal-door applications.
Ball Bearing Hinges
A ball bearing hinge incorporates bearings around the hinge knuckle to reduce friction between the moving components.
This helps the door operate smoothly and makes ball bearing hinges particularly useful for heavier or more frequently used internal doors.
They are available in traditional and contemporary finishes, allowing the visible hinge edge to coordinate with surrounding door furniture.
Washered Hinges
Washered hinges use washers within the hinge knuckle to help reduce friction during operation.
They provide another option for traditional and contemporary internal timber doors and are available in a broad selection of architectural finishes.
When comparing washered and ball-bearing hinges, the most important consideration is whether the individual hinge is correctly rated and sized for the particular door.
What Size Door Hinge Do I Need?
Hinge size should be selected according to the door dimensions, weight and application.
Smaller hinges may be suitable for lightweight internal doors, while larger or heavier doors normally require more substantial hinges.
Do not assume that simply choosing the largest hinge is best. Check the manufacturer's stated application and load guidance for the particular product.
How Many Hinges Should an Internal Door Have?
Many standard internal doors are fitted with three hinges, although the correct number depends on the door height, weight and hinge specification.
Heavier, taller or unusually wide doors may require a different arrangement.
Always consider the manufacturer's stated loading based on the number of hinges being installed.
Rising Butt Hinges
A rising butt hinge lifts the door slightly as it opens.
This can be useful where additional clearance is required over carpets or other floor finishes.
Rising butt hinges are normally handed, so the correct left- or right-hand version must be selected.
They should also be used only where the door and surrounding frame detail are suitable for the lifting action.
Falling Butt Hinges
A falling butt hinge operates in the opposite direction to a rising butt hinge.
These are more specialist fittings and should be selected according to the particular required movement of the door rather than as a general replacement for a standard butt hinge.
Parliament Hinges
A Parliament hinge allows a door to project further away from the frame as it opens.
This can help a door clear deep architraves, wall reveals, shutters or other obstructions.
Because the hinge projects substantially from the frame, correct sizing and fixing are particularly important.
Concealed Internal Door Hinges
A concealed hinge is recessed into the door and frame so that it is hidden or largely hidden when the door is closed.
Concealed hinges are increasingly popular for flush doors and contemporary interiors where a minimal appearance is required.
Many architectural concealed hinges also provide adjustment after installation, but door thickness, load capacity and machining dimensions must be checked carefully before specification.
Choosing the Right Hinge Finish
Where hinges remain visible, the finish can be coordinated with the door handles and other architectural hardware.
Aged Brass, Antique Brass, Black, Pewter and Polished Brass can work particularly well with traditional interiors.
Satin Brass, Chrome, Nickel and Stainless Steel can complement cleaner contemporary door furniture.
Using hinges and handles in the same or complementary finish can make the complete door specification feel more considered.
Internal Hinges & Fire Doors
A fire door should not be treated as an ordinary internal door simply because it is located inside a building.
Where the door has a fire-resistance requirement, use hinges with suitable supporting fire-performance evidence and follow the complete doorset specification.
For these applications, browse our dedicated Commercial & Fire Door Hinges collection rather than selecting a standard internal hinge solely on size or appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hinges should I use on an internal door?
Standard timber internal doors commonly use butt hinges, washered hinges or ball bearing hinges.
The correct hinge depends on the door's weight, dimensions and frequency of use.
Are ball bearing hinges better than standard butt hinges?
Ball bearings reduce friction and can provide smoother operation, particularly on heavier or frequently used doors.
However, a correctly sized standard hinge can still be suitable for many lighter internal doors.
What size hinges are used on internal doors?
There is no single size suitable for every door.
Common internal hinges include 2", 2½", 3" and 4" sizes, but the correct option depends on the particular door and hinge specification.
Do internal doors need three hinges?
Three hinges are common on modern internal doors, but the number should ultimately be determined by the door dimensions, weight and hinge manufacturer's guidance.
What is a rising butt hinge used for?
A rising butt hinge raises the door slightly as it opens and can provide additional clearance over carpet or other floor finishes.
Are rising butt hinges handed?
Yes, many rising butt hinges are available in separate left- and right-handed versions, so handing should be checked before ordering.
What are Parliament hinges used for?
Parliament hinges allow a door to swing further clear of the surrounding frame or reveal.
They are useful where deep architraves or other architectural features would otherwise restrict the door.
Can normal internal hinges be used on a fire door?
Not automatically.
Fire doors require hinges supported by the appropriate test or certification evidence and installed as part of the specified doorset.
Need Help Choosing Internal Door Hinges?
The correct hinge will depend on your door dimensions, weight, construction, opening arrangement and preferred finish.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide range of internal door hinges in Ireland, including butt hinges, ball-bearing hinges, washered hinges, rising butt hinges and specialist architectural options.
Browse the range online or contact our team with your door details if you need help choosing the appropriate hinge.
