Hinges & Door Control Guide

Black 4" Ball Bearing Butt Hinge (pair), from our current range.

A hinge carries the full weight of a door every time it opens, so the type you choose matters more than its size on the shelf suggests. Heavier doors, fire doors and external doors all have different hinge requirements, and getting this wrong is one of the more common causes of doors dropping or sticking over time.

What's included in hinges & door control

• Butt Hinges – the standard hinge for internal and external doors, recessed into the door edge and frame
• Ball Bearing Hinges – butt hinges with a ball bearing race, giving smoother, quieter operation and longer life on heavier or frequently used doors
• Parliament Hinges – hinges with an extended throw, allowing a door to open flat against the wall and clear deep architraves or radiators
• Tee & Strap Hinges – surface-mounted hinges traditionally used on ledged and braced doors, sheds and gates
• Gate Hinges – hinges designed for external gates, built to handle exposure to the weather and heavier loads
• Cabinet Hinges and Soft Close Hinges – concealed hinges for cabinet and furniture doors, with soft close versions slowing the door in the last part of its travel
• Door Closers – mechanisms that close a door automatically and, on fire doors, are required to bring the door fully shut into its frame

We are adding a dedicated guide to each hinge type individually. Browse our current range in Door Hinges and Window Hinges.

Frequently asked questions

How many hinges does a door need?

Most internal doors use two or three hinges, but heavier fire doors and external doors are usually specified with three or four to spread the load and meet fire door certification requirements.

Do I need certified hinges for a fire door?

Yes – fire doors must be fitted with hinges tested as part of a certified door set, generally ball bearing hinges rated to the door's fire resistance period. See our Door Furniture Guide for more on fire door hardware.

Why is my door dropping on its hinges?

This is usually a sign the hinges are undersized for the door's weight, worn out, or that the fixing screws have loosened over time. Upgrading to ball bearing hinges often resolves the problem on heavier doors.

Explore the other guides: Door Furniture, Locks & Security, Cabinet & Furniture Hardware, Window Furniture and Hardware Finishes.