A door hinge does more than let a door swing open and shut. The right size and type keeps a door hanging straight for years, while the wrong choice can leave it sagging, sticking or rubbing on the frame.
Types of Door Hinges
Most residential hinges fall into a handful of types, and the right one depends on the door's weight and how often it is used.
| Hinge Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Fixed pin hinge | Standard internal doors and light cabinet doors |
| Broad butt hinge | Wider, heavier timber doors that need more surface contact |
| Ball bearing hinge | Heavy or frequently used doors, including most external doors |
| Parliament hinge | Doors that need to open flat against the wall, such as wardrobes |
| Lift-off hinge | Doors you need to remove easily, without unscrewing the hinge |
| Decorative or offset hinge | Cabinets, gates and feature doors where the hinge is visible |
Browse the full range of door and cabinet hinges to compare types, sizes and finishes.
What Size Hinge Do You Need?
Hinge size is mainly about matching the hinge to the door's weight and thickness, not just the door's height. A hinge that is too small for a heavy door will wear out quickly, leading to sagging and a door that no longer closes properly.
| Door Type | Typical Hinge Size | Hinges Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core internal door | 75mm to 90mm | 2 to 3 |
| Solid-core internal door | 90mm to 100mm | 3 |
| Standard external door | 100mm | 3 |
| Heavy or oversized entry door | 100mm to 115mm | 3 to 4 |
| Cabinet or cupboard door | 25mm to 65mm | 1 to 2 |
These figures are a general guide only, since exact sizing also depends on the hinge manufacturer and the door's specific weight. If in doubt, go with the larger size within the range, since an oversized hinge causes far fewer problems than an undersized one.
How Many Hinges Does a Door Need?
Most standard height doors around 2040mm use three hinges, positioned near the top, bottom and middle of the door. Taller, heavier or more frequently used doors, such as a solid entry door, often need a fourth hinge for extra support.
Small, light cabinet doors can usually get by with one or two hinges, while tall pantry or wardrobe doors may need three. As a simple rule, the heavier or taller the door, the more hinges it needs to spread the load evenly.
How to Install Door Hinges
Start by marking the hinge positions on the door edge, typically around 150mm to 200mm from the top and bottom, with any additional hinges spaced evenly between them. Hold the hinge in place and trace around it to mark the mortise, the recess the hinge sits into.
Chisel out the mortise to a depth equal to the thickness of the hinge leaf, so it sits flush with the door edge once fitted. Screw the hinge into the door first, then hold the door in the frame to mark and cut matching mortises on the jamb before screwing the other leaf into place.
Once all hinges are fitted, insert the hinge pins and check the door opens and closes smoothly. Small gaps around the door should be even on all sides, roughly the thickness of a coin.
How to Adjust Door Hinges
If a door sticks, sags or rubs against the frame, the fix usually starts with the hinges rather than the door itself. Work through these steps in order, checking the door after each one before moving to the next.
- Tighten every screw on both the door and frame side of each hinge, since loose screws are the most common cause of a sagging door. If a screw spins freely and will not tighten, the hole has likely stripped, and can be repaired by gluing a wooden toothpick or matchstick into the hole before re-driving the screw.
- Check the gaps around the door if it still rubs after tightening. A door that rubs at the top on the latch side needs a thin cardboard shim placed behind the top hinge, which pulls that side of the door slightly away from the frame.
- Shim the bottom hinge in the same way if the door rubs at the bottom instead.
- Deepen or pack the mortise if the door still will not sit flush no matter how it is shimmed. The hinge mortise may need to be deepened slightly with a chisel, or packed out with a thin piece of card if the hinge sits too far into the frame.
- Replace worn hinges if they are rusted or visibly bent, since adjustment will only be a temporary fix. Match the same size and type as the others on the door.
What Material and
Finish Should You Choose?
Solid brass hinges are common in period and heritage-style homes, and can be finished in polished, antique or satin tones to match existing door hardware. Cast iron and stainless steel hinges suit a more industrial or contemporary look, and stainless steel holds up especially well in coastal or high-moisture areas.
Where possible, match your hinge finish to your door handles and other hardware. A polished brass lever with mismatched black hinges is a small detail, but one that stands out once fitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hinge do I need for my door?
Standard internal doors typically use 75mm to 100mm hinges, while solid or external doors generally need 100mm to 115mm hinges. Match the hinge size to the door's weight and thickness, and choose the larger size within the range if you are unsure.
How many hinges does a door need?
Most standard height doors use three hinges. Taller, heavier or high-traffic doors often need a fourth hinge for extra support.
How do you install door hinges?
Mark and chisel a mortise for each hinge on the door edge, screw the hinge to the door, then repeat on the frame before fitting the hinge pins. Check the gaps around the door are even once it is hung.
How do you adjust door hinges?
Start by tightening all the hinge screws, since loose screws are the most common cause of a sagging or sticking door. If the door still rubs, a thin shim placed behind the hinge on the door frame can correct small gaps.
Why is my door sticking even after tightening the hinges?
If tightening the screws does not fix the problem, the hinge mortise may need adjusting, or the hinges themselves may be worn and need replacing. Humidity can also cause timber doors to swell and stick, which usually settles once conditions change.
Can you fit new hinges to an existing door?
Yes, as long as the new hinge is the same size as the existing mortise, or the mortise is adjusted to suit. If you are changing to a different hinge size, the old mortise will need to be built up or re-cut to match.
Related Guides
- Internal & External Door Sizes in Australia - for standard door dimensions and weights that determine hinge sizing.
- Fly Screen Doors: A Complete Guide - for sizing and hardware on a lightweight screen door.
