What's It Hinging On? Types of Door Hinges for Cafe Doors

Are you installing cafe doors or remodeling your home in general? Learn about the types of door hinges you'll need/find.

People are rapidly waking up to the benefits of adding value to their homes and businesses. In fact, the money spent on remodeling is expected to hit $340 billion this year.

And cafe doors have the potential to completely change the look and feel of an entire room.

But different door projects require different hinges. Landing on the wrong hinge can cause big headaches during a project. And using hinges strategically can save home or business owners money at the time of installation.

Luckily, we've laid out the basic types of door hinges, so those door-upgrades can slide in place smoothly.

Basics Behind Types of Door Hinges

Hinges are the essential piece of equipment that lets the door pivot against its anchor, commonly a door frame.

They can be built from a range of different materials, including metals like brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. And they can differ vastly depending on size and strength.

But here are some of the most popular types of door hinges out there.

Butt Hinges

Likely the most common types of hinges out there, the butt hinge has two plates joined by a vertical rod. The plates usually have holes where screws can be used to secure the hinge.

Butt hinges have the advantage of being largely hidden when a door is closed. When the door closes, the two plates slide together. That means the only part of the hinge that is exposed is the pin holding the plates together.

This door hinge is versatile and works well with a variety of types of doors. This hinge will allow the door to swing 180 degrees in one direction only. No action to the hinge, so no self return. Doorstops are required with all butt hinges. That makes it less ideal for doors needing a wider range of swings.

We can make our doors with single action spring loaded butt hinges, but all hardware most frequently used is double action hardware.

Standard Gravity Hinges

These double action hinges mount to the top and bottom of saloon doors. All gravity hinges work by using an internally designed ramp. As the doors are pushed open they have pushed up a ramp and when released they ride back down the ramp resting at the centered position. They work well for these types of doors because they provide a double action swing. The standard gravity hinges allow the doors to swing back and forth and then rest at the center.

They are capable of holding the door open to 125 degrees in both directions. That means they need to include a bit more spacing than other hinges. The hold open feature will engage at 125 degrees. Each hinge can hold a door up to 30 lbs. These work great for residential settings. We don't recommend these hinges for a commercial setting.

Premium Gravity Hinges

They are a play off standard gravity hinges but they are sturdier and stronger. These hinges also mount to the top and bottom of the door, and are constructed of stronger materials. All gravity hinges work by using an internally designed ramp. As the doors are pushed open they are pushed up a ramp and when released they ride back down the ramp resting at the centered position.  This hinge is sold individual and each hinge can hold a door up to 50 lbs. They work well and provide a little less spacing then the standard hinges.

They also feature a different range with the ability to hold open 90 degrees each way. The premium gravity hinge allow the doors to swing back and forth and then rest at center. These hinges are only available in a brass finish only.

Commercial Grade Gravity Hinges

As the name suggests, these are a step up in strength to standard and premium gravity hinges. They are able to open to 90 degrees, but they can support heavier doors. These hinges are sold individual, and each hinge can hold a door up to 50 lbs. Again all gravity hinges work by using an internally designed ramp. As the doors are pushed open they are pushed up a ramp and when released they ride back down the ramp resting at the centered position.

These hinges usually use doors that are rounded on the sides because they sit snugly with the door jamb. These hinges provide the ability for the largest doors possible as they minimize required space for hinges. You will get wider doors and less hinge spacing with this option, while providing the double action swing.

They also need less hinge spacing than standard and premium hinges. The commercial grade gravity hinge allow the doors to swing back and forth and then rest at center. These hinges are made in the USA, by Bommer Industries Inc. The hinges come in a variety of finishes- bright black, satin chrome, oil rubbed bronze and brass. These hinges have a hold open at 90 degree in either direction.

Commercial Grade Spring Hinges

When it comes to types of door hinges for swinging doors, the spring hinge is common. These hinges don't offer a hold open feature. The spring hinges come in a variety of size from 3"-8". We stock Swinging Café Doors spring hinges, and also Bommer Industries Inc. Spring Hinges.

These spring hinges mount on the sides of the doors, allowing maximum door height. You will get the tallest door possible with these hinges vs the gravity hinges. As with the other options these hinges also provide the double action swing, however with these hinges the springs providing the return to center motion.

Commercial Grade Horizontal Spring Pivot Hinges

These hinges will allow for full height doors to have a hold open feature in both directions at 90 degrees, recessed hinge, self return to center. Commercial grade horizontal spring pivot hinge will be recessed into the bottom of the door, these styles of concealed hinges will have plates to cover the spring loaded compartment. Perfect for interior doors that need to be full length, easy to operate, and include a concealed hinge. 

Swinging Past the Hinges

A look at these types of basic door hinges is a good start for anyone planning on a renovation. But there is lots of information out there about swinging style doors for homes or businesses. There are many style of hinges available, this article highlight the best hinges for saloon doors, but other popular hinges are invisible hinges, bi-fold hinges, and strap hinges. 

Interested in installing saloon-style doors or other swinging entrances? Check out our blog herefor the latest tips, tricks, and trends. Double action hinges will allow the hinges to swing in both directions and self-return to the center unlike continuous hinges, strap hinges, piano hinges, butt hinges, invisible hinges, and offset hinges.