How many self closing hinges do you need per door?

Author: Marisa Fritsch  |  Last update: Saturday, June 28, 2025

We always recommend installing 2 Self Closing Spring Hinges per door. If you are using 2, install 1 at the top and 1 at the bottom. The middle hinge can be a standard butt hinge or ball bearing hinge. For taller Commercial Doors, we recommend using up to 4 Commercial Spring Hinges.

Should you have one or two soft close hinges per door?

Key Takeaways. Soft close hinges prevent cabinet doors from slamming, enhancing both safety and longevity. The number of hinges needed per door can depend on the door's size, weight, and style. Standard practice suggests using two to three hinges for most cabinet doors.

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.

How many hinges are needed per door?

For a door size 800-900mm wide then • Door height 2100-2300mm we recommend minimum 3 hinges. Door height 2300-2699mm we recommend minimum 4 hinges. Door height 2700-2900mm we recommend minimum 5 hinges.

Do solid interior doors need 3 hinges?

Some doors weigh more than others. A door with a solid core, for instance, will weigh more than a hollow door of the same size. To prevent them from sagging, heavy doors such as this may require three hinges. Installing a door will three hinges rather than two hinges will reduce the risk of it sagging.

how to adjust a self closing door hinge

Do you need 3 self closing hinges?

For best performance, we advise using three hinges, offering spring tension, swing speed, and latch speed control for a smooth closing.

How many hinges do you need on a solid core door?

The barrel of each hinge should extend at least 1/8” outside the surface of the door at its inside edge. For hollow core doors only 2 hinges are required; for solid core doors you will require 3 hinges.

How many auto close hinges per door?

We always recommend installing 2 Self Closing Spring Hinges per door. If you are using 2, install 1 at the top and 1 at the bottom. The middle hinge can be a standard butt hinge or ball bearing hinge. For taller Commercial Doors, we recommend using up to 4 Commercial Spring Hinges.

What is the rule for door hinges?

General rules to follow with Door 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.

How do you calculate number of hinges?

Every door should be provided with at least one hinge for every 30 inches in height or portion thereof; however, more hinges may be required per chart below. For example, a 90" door needs three hinges and a 91" door needs four.

Where to put 3 door hinges?

Key Points for Hinge Placement
  1. Top Hinge: 6 inches (150mm) from top of door.
  2. Middle Hinge: Centered between top and bottom.
  3. Bottom Hinge: 9 inches (225mm) from bottom of door.
  4. Heavier doors may need extra hinges.
  5. Ball bearing hinges are good for inside doors.
  6. Common hinge size: 76mm x 51mm.

How many hinge stops per door?

Q: If a door has 3 hinges, how many of them should have the door stop? A: Waterson recommends 2 hinges. One is on the top and the other is at the bottom.

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

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.

Does my door need 2 or 3 hinges?

As a rule, use one hinge per every 30 inches of door: Doors up to 60 inches need two hinges. Doors over 60 inches, but not over 90 inches, need three hinges. Doors over 90 inches, but not over 120 inches, need four hinges.

Is self-closing the same as soft closing?

Most hinges that are soft-closing are also self-closing, but not all self-closing hinges are soft-closing as the "thump" sound demonstrates.

Do self-closing door hinges wear out?

Even high-quality soft close and self-closing hinges can develop problems over time. These issues often result from daily use, dirt accumulation, or a lack of regular maintenance.

Do you need one or two soft close hinges per door?

Two soft-close hinges will do for doors up to 40 inches tall. For extra-tall or heavy doors, use three.

How far apart should door hinges be?

Installation Tips

The placement of the door's hinges is critical to ensure smooth operation. There should be a 5" distance between the top of the door and the highest hinge, and 10" from the bottom of the door to the lowest hinge. All hinges in between should be equally spaced from one another.

Are spring hinges the same as self-closing hinges?

A: Spring hinges are self-closing hinges. A spring mechanism in the barrel allows the hinges to automatically close a door which enables these hinges to serve as an alternative to overhead mounted door closers.

Can you put soft close hinges on old cabinets?

If your old cabinets have concealed hinges, there a 35mm hole should already be there where you can fix your new hinges. If you do not already have any, you will need to drill new holes using a 35mm adjustable bit. Cabinet doors with holes need to be first verified to ensure their depth is suitable for the new hinges.

Why is my self-closing hinge not closing?

If the tension is too loose, the door might not close properly. Tighten the tension screw gradually to increase tension until the door closes properly without slamming shut. Obstructions: Inspect the area around the door frame and hinges for any obstacles hindering the door's closure.

What's the difference between a solid door and a solid core door?

Solid core doors have a solid core made of a composite material, like particle core, that is sandwiched between two wood veneer panels, making them more affordable than a solid wood door. Solid core doors are heavier and thicker than hollow core doors, but not as heavy as solid wood doors.

Why do some doors have 4 hinges?

In fact, the difference between four and three exterior door hinges is mainly based on the weight of the entrance door. The heavier the entrance door, the more hinges are used. That is to say, each hinge has its own load-bearing range.

What is the rule for hinges?

Use two hinges for doors up to 60 inches tall. Use three hinges if the door is between 60 and 90 inches tall. For doors between 90 inches and 120 inches, use four hinges.

Previous article
Does it matter what air filter I get for my car?
Next article
How do you hide staples in upholstery?