Butt Hinges

The butt hinge is the standard door hinge: two plates joined by a knuckle, one recessed into the door edge and one into the frame. It is the cheapest, simplest and most repairable hinge, and on a light internal leaf there is no reason to fit anything else.

Sizing and quantity

Three hinges is the norm for an internal door; two are only ever enough on a light cupboard door. Size the hinge to the leaf thickness and weight rather than to the door height, and make sure the recess depth is exact so the door does not bind on the lock side.

For heavier or busier doors step up to washered hinges, for a hidden knuckle use concealed hinges, and where a door must fold back flat use parliament hinges. Fire doors require fire rated hinges. All types are compared in door hinges.

Where butt hinges are used

The butt hinge is the standard hinge for a UK internal door: two flat leaves joined by a knuckle, each leaf recessed into the door edge and the lining so the door closes flush. It is the default because it is simple, cheap, strong for its size and completely hidden when the door is shut.

Size, knuckles and load

Hinge choice follows the weight and thickness of the leaf, not the price of the door. A light hollow core door and a solid engineered oak internal door of identical size are very different loads, and a glazed door is heavier again because of the glass. Three hinges is normal for a standard internal door; where the leaf is heavy, move up a grade rather than adding a fourth hinge. How to choose door hinges covers grades and load, and where to fit door hinges covers positions.

When a butt hinge is the wrong choice

If the door has to open flat against the wall or clear a deep architrave, use parliament hinges. If the leaf is heavy and you want to stop it dropping and squeaking, use washered hinges. If no hinge should be visible when the door is open, use concealed hinges. And on any fire door, use fire rated hinges instead.

Which way round does a butt hinge go?

The knuckle sits on the side the door opens towards, so it is visible from the pull side. Fitting it the other way stops the door opening fully.

Why has my door dropped?

Usually the hinge is under-rated for the leaf or the screws have pulled in the lining. How to stop doors squeaking covers the related symptoms.