Door hinges

What types of door hinges are there?

• Ball-bearing hinges – Smooth operation and high durability, ideal for flush-fitting interior doors and heavier doors.
• Paumelles – Commonly used on rebated doors; quick to hang and easy to remove from the door.
• Concealed or blind hinges – Hidden from view for a minimalist look; require precise milling.
• Pivot hinges – Pivot point in the floor and ceiling for pivoting doors and room dividers.
• Self-closing hinges – With a spring mechanism for automatic closing, useful for project doors or passage doors.

Paumelle or ball hinge: which should you choose?

The choice depends mainly on the door type and finish. If you have a rebated door, a paumelle is usually the logical choice. Paumelles interlock, making it easy to remove the door. They are quick to fit and are often chosen for rebated interior doors, where convenience and speed are important.

For flush doors, ball-bearing door hinges are the standard. Thanks to the ball bearings, the door operates smoothly and quietly, even with heavy use. They distribute the weight more effectively and are therefore suitable for heavier or taller doors. For heavier loads, fit three hinges per door, and in some cases four.

Aesthetically speaking, ball-bearing hinges remain visible, so the finish is important. Choose matt black, for example, for modern interiors, or brushed stainless steel for a timeless, robust look. If, on the other hand, you want the hinge to be as inconspicuous as possible, concealed hinges are an alternative, although these require precision when milling and are less forgiving when it comes to adjustment.

Interior or exterior door: material and finish

For external doors, stainless steel door hinges are the preferred choice due to their corrosion resistance. Brushed stainless steel is low-maintenance and highly durable outdoors. For interior doors, the choice is mainly a matter of style: black door hinges for a modern contrast, brass or gold door hinges for warm accents, brushed bronze or gunmetal for a characterful look, and white hinges for seamless integration. Intergriff offers these finishes on 89x89x2.5 mm ball hinges, allowing you to easily combine aesthetics and performance.

Installation and direction of rotation

First, determine the direction of rotation: if you are facing the side towards which the door swings, it is a left- or right-hinged door depending on the side of the hinges. Position the pin facing upwards and pre-drill the screw holes. For flush doors, cut out the door leaf using a template to ensure a snug fit. Use three hinges per door for stability. Correct any minor misalignments using shims or by making fine adjustments to the rebate.

Frequently asked questions

Which hinges are suitable for a heavy door?

Choose ball-bearing door hinges measuring 89x89x2.5 mm or larger and fit at least three per door. For extra weight, use a fourth hinge. Stainless steel or steel with a durable coating offers the best stability. Take note of the load capacity per hinge and the length of the door.

How do I adjust the hinges?

First, check that the door is hung square and that the hinges are flush with the surface. Correct any small gaps using shims between the door leaf and the hinge, or by carefully repositioning the hinge. Tighten all screws evenly and test the door’s movement. If the door continues to catch, check the rebate and strike plate.

Are you unsure about the size or finish, or would you like advice on your interior or exterior door? Please feel free to contact our customer service team. We’ll quickly help you find the right door hinge in the finish that suits your project.