What Location For Hinges On An External Door?

Door hinges are an essential device that play a crucial role in the functionality of doors. They are located seven inches below the top of the door frame, with the second hinge situated 11 inches from the door frame bottom. When a third hinge is needed to support a heavy door, it’s located directly in the middle of the first two. Most doors require a minimum of two hinges, with one located 7-inches from the top and the other 11-inches from the bottom.

For exterior doors, the hinges should be located inside the house, with pin door hinges suitable for interior doors. Ball-bearing hinges are also suitable for exterior doors. To install door hinges, shim behind each of the three hinges along the hinge jamb and add two more sets of shims spaced equidistant between hinge shims.

Understanding the diverse range of exterior door hinges available is essential for choosing the right type based on functionality, security, aesthetics, and durability. Continuous hinges run the full length of a door and are typically used for exterior doors or heavy interior doors. They can be pin and barrel or geared, with geared hinges being fairly self-sufficient.

To use new door hinge positions, mark the hinge positions on the frame and the door. Exterior or interior doors should be hinged between 125-150mm (5-6 inches) from the top of the door and 175-230mm (7-9 inches) from the bottom of the door. Hinges should be spaced out equally to keep the door straight. The top hinge is closer to the top, usually about 7″ as it is always in tension.

Residential exterior doors swing in because they want the hinges inside the house, not on the outside where they can be removed. In some cases, the hinge must step back from the edge of the door. Hinges are generally spaced out equally to keep the door straight.