Installation Instructions for Standard Gravity Saloon Door Hinges

Now that you got a set of saloon doors, it's time to get to work installing them.

Items needed are drill, drill bits, pen or pencil, tape measure, level, and shims if necessary

Can you install them yourself or do you need to hire a professional? We will explain the general process but please refer to the manufacturer’s hinge instructions for specific information. Be sure to avoid the common mistakes. 

First, let’s discuss the hardware options. Spring hinges mount to the side of the doors and gravity hinges mount to the top and bottom of the doors. These instructions will refer to standard gravity hinges. Installing spring hinges would be a slightly different process.

Gravity hinges will mount to the top and bottom of the doors, and the mating parts into the door jamb. We recommend using the hinge instructions to know the exact location of the hinge brackets and the door location. These instructions will be repeated on each door. The gravity hinges will have a top pivot mating to a top bracket, and a bottom pivot mating to a bottom bracket. These hinges include spacing required for the Standard Gravity Hinges, available in brass, all brass hinge, satin chrome, oil rubbed bronze and matte black finishes. 

Step 1-Installing the top pivot hinge to the top of the door

Lay the hardware on top of the door measuring 9/16” from the finished edge of the door. Mark the holes on the doors according to the top pivot. Remove the hardware and pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the top pivot assembly to the top of the door with the screws provided. Pre-drilling the holes at a slow speed is the best option to ensure the doors do not split.

Step 2- Installing the bottom pivot hinge to the bottom of the door

Lay the bottom pivots onto the bottom of the door measuring ½” from the finished edge of the doors. Mark the holes according to the bottom pivots. Remove the hardware and pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the bottom pivot assembly with the screws provided onto the bottom of the door. Pre-drilling the holes at a slow speed is the best option to ensure the doors do not split.

Where to place the doors on the door jamb?

Position of the saloon doors onto the door jamb will vary according to your preference. General location is recommended 18” to 24” from the finished floor to the bottom of the doors. Most hinges can be mounted in the center or edge of the door jamb.

Step 3- Installing bottom bracket to the door jamb

install bottom brackey to door jamb

You will need to mark the location of the bottom bracket on the door jamb. You can choose the location on the door jamb according to your preference (reference above). You will need to measure from the bottom of the floor, mark the proper location for the bottom bracket onto the door jamb. Using the edge of the door jamb gives more rotation in adjacent space. Pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the bottom jamb bracket to the door jamb.

Step 4- Installing the top bracket to the door jamb

Place the bottom hinge pivot (now attached to the door) into the bottom jamb bracket (now attached to the jamb). With the door in place, we recommend one person holding the door as another person works to locate the proper location for the top bracket. Mockup the location of the top bracket by mating the top bracket and top pivot. Be sure to leave the required gap, ⅜”, the door rises as it opens. This allows for the rise and fall of the doors. 

Please refer to hardware instructions for proper spacing of the top bracket. Mark the correct location for the top bracket. Keep the doors secured into the bottom pivot then screw the top jamb bracket to the jamb.

***Gravity Hinges need a height gap between the top pivot and bracket assembly to allow for the doors to rise and fall when the door is swung open and into the hold open position.

Once the first door is in place you will need to follow steps 1-4 for the additional door, if you are installing double doors. These instructions are an overview of gravity hinges, we recommend following manufacturer’s instructions for specifics. Doors might need to be adjusted slightly to have them align perfectly when they close.