Do you put hinges on door or jamb first?

Author: Matilde Borer DDS  |  Last update: Monday, January 5, 2026

You can attach the hinges to either the door or the frame first, depending on your preference. The order will not affect how the door hangs or the ease of installation.

Is it better to put hinges on door or frame first?

I do , but the hinges can be attached to the frame first . I simply find it easier to put them on the door and level it before marking the frame . Some prefer to do it the other way around , its a matter of perhaps how you were taught and preference .

In what order do you install door hinges?

Hinges are installed on the door frame first. The hinge recesses are chiselled into the door frame, and the hinges are attached to the frame using screws.

Do you put hinges on a cabinet door first?

The first step in hanging cabinet doors is to install hinges. If you removed the hinges from the door already, you should be able to locate the initial screw holes. Line up the hinges with the holes and secure them with a hand drive screwdriver.

What is the rule for door hinges?

Typically, you should locate the top hinge about 5 inches from the top and the bottom hinge approximately 10 inches from the bottom. You can position a third hinge equally between the top and bottom hinges. Use a tape measure to ensure accuracy, and mark the positions with a pencil on both the door and the door frame.

How to Transfer Hinge Locations to a Replacement Door

Does it matter where you put hinges on a door?

Place the top hinge 5 inches from the top of the door and the bottom hinge 10 inches from the bottom of the door. If the door frame is already mortised, follow that placement pattern for the door.

What is the 7 11 hinge rule?

Location of Butt Hinges on the Door

Certain Western states use as a standard 7″ from the top and 11″ from the bottom. The third hinge should be centered between the top and the bottom hinges.

What order do you install cabinets?

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Attach the Ledger. ...
  2. Step 2: Measure the Cabinets. ...
  3. Step 3: Drill the Cabinets. ...
  4. Step 4: Mount the First Hanging Cabinet. ...
  5. Step 5: Mount the Second Cabinet. ...
  6. Step 6: Drill and Connect the Upper Cabinets. ...
  7. Step 7: Fill the Gaps. ...
  8. Step 8: Finish Mounting the Wall Cabinet.

What is the proper way to install a hinge?

Steps
  1. Place your hinges in the correct location. Assuming you're installing a new door, you'll need to find the precise location on the door frame for your hinges. ...
  2. Trace around the hinge. ...
  3. Cut the mortise. ...
  4. Mark the location of the screws. ...
  5. Drill the pilot holes. ...
  6. Install the individual hinges. ...
  7. Connect the door to the jamb.

Where do you put 3 hinges on a door?

Mastering the 3 Hinge Position on Doors
  1. Standard 3 hinge positioning: 6 inches from top, 9 inches from bottom, middle centered.
  2. Ball bearing hinges are good for inside doors.
  3. Fire-rated doors need special fire-rated hinges.
  4. Things like door weight, size, and how often it's used affect hinge placement.

Where to place hinges on cabinet doors?

You would place the hinge in the same area as the old ones. New Doors: If you are using new doors with no preexisting holes you will have to do a little measuring. Most lightweight cabinet doors usually need two hinges spaced about 5 inches from the top and 5 inches from the bottom.

Does it matter which hinge leaf goes on door and jamb?

The hinge has two leaves. One goes on the door; the other goes on the door frame or jamb. The one with the most holes goes on the door frame. This makes the door work right and puts less stress on the screws.

Do you need 2 or 3 hinges on a door?

If you are working on a hollow-core, lightweight door, you can perhaps get away with using only two hinges. However, if you are working with a solid-core or an exterior door, you cannot work with less than three hinges at least.

Does hinge placement matter?

It's dictated by the tenon location. Ideally you would want the hinges at the very edges of the doors to counteract the tension at the top and the compression at the bottom. It's very common to shim the bottom hinge because being 11" off the floor is not enough to cope with the bottom binding on the jamb.

Do you put hinges on gate or post first?

Most hinges are installed similarly, where you first attach one side to your gate using screws and then use something to prop the gate up like a 2×4 of scrap wood, and attach it to the post. There may be more specifics based on your project and hinges, so consult the instructions included with your hinges.

Do you install door frame before drywall?

Normally interior doors get installed after the drywall is hung, taped, and finished, but you also have the option to start hanging interior doors before drywall. One of the biggest advantages to installing them after drywall, is that your doors will stay cleaner and will be less likely to be damaged.

What is the rule of thumb for door hinges?

As a rule of thumb, we recommend selecting a hinge with a length equal to about 1/3rd of your total door width. Meanwhile, you should generally use one hinge for every 30 inches of door height. (Note: These are rough estimates, and they may change depending on the weight of your door and other factors.)

What is the standard placement for hinges?

As a general rule of thumb, it's best to place hinges 10 inches from the bottom of the door and 5 inches from the top. If you're using three hinges, the third hinge should be installed in the middle between the other two.

What order do you install a kitchen?

Fitting a kitchen from start to finish
  1. Prepare your kitchen. ...
  2. Assemble your kitchen cabinets. ...
  3. Start kitchen cabinets installation. ...
  4. Paint. ...
  5. Install new flooring. ...
  6. Add the finishing touches to your cabinets. ...
  7. Begin kitchen worktops installation. ...
  8. Start installing a kitchen sink.

Why install upper cabinets first?

Install Upper Cabinets

This way you won't have to awkwardly work over the lower cabinets, risking damaging them in the process.

What is the best arrangement of kitchen cabinets?

How to organize kitchen cabinets
  • Place smaller items inside larger and stack flatter items. ...
  • Store heavy items in lower cabinets. ...
  • Display pots and pans. ...
  • Choose cool, dark and dry spaces for food storage. ...
  • Arrange food items by size and type. ...
  • Move older food items to the front to use first. ...
  • Repackage opened bulk food items.

What is the trick to hinge?

Choose prompts that allow you to showcase your humorous and optimistic side. Be yourself. You don't have to share your life story (in fact, you probably shouldn't), but a little vulnerability goes a long way for Hinge users. Avoid talking about exes or what you don't want in a relationship.

What is the rule for hinges?

Typically, a standard door requires x3 hinges. The top hinge should be located 150mm from the top of the sash, the bottom hinge should be located 150mm from the bottom of the sash, and the middle flag hinge should be positioned at an equal distance centrally between the top and bottom of the sash.

Where do hinges go on a door frame?

6 inches down from the top of the door and 9 inches up from the bottom! this is because of the optical illusion created by the eyesight of 'Foreshortening' when looking down at the bottom hinge. The middle hinge is always placed equally between the two.

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