T Hinges: Complete FAQ for Hand‑Forged and Standard Styles

Author: Carl Benson

Carl is the founder of Suffolk Latch Company, with a background in engineering and over 20 years’ experience in home hardware. He works closely with suppliers and designers alike to develop quality ironmongery that stands the test of time. Read my full bio.

Introduction

T hinges, sometimes called tee hinges, are one of the earliest and most recognisable forms of door hinge. Designed with a long strap and a short leaf, they spread the weight of a door across its surface, making them ideal for ledged and braced doors, gates, and other plank-style joinery. Historically, these hinges were hand-forged by local blacksmiths, with each piece showing the hallmark of its maker. Later, with the industrial revolution, cast and standardised forms became widely available, allowing them to be used in even greater numbers.

Today, T hinges remain popular not only for their strength and practicality but also for their traditional character. From hand-forged mild steel hinges with beeswax finishes to more durable Armor-Coat options for outdoor use, they are available in different sizes, finishes, and decorative styles. This blog brings together the most frequently asked questions about T hinges, focusing on both their historical roots and their continued relevance in modern joinery.

Table of Contents

1. What is the purpose of a tee hinge?
2. How long do T hinges last?
3. How do you install a T hinge?
4. What size T hinges should I use on my door?
5. How much do hinges cost?
6. Do T hinges swing both ways?
7. What is the difference between a T hinge and a strap hinge?
8. What is a Tee hinge?
9. What is a hand forged T hinge?
10. What are the different styles of T hinges?
11. What are T hinges typically used for?
12. What are the advantages of T hinges?
13. What are the common uses of a T hinge?
14. Where do T hinges get their name from?
15. What is the difference between standard hinges and T hinges?
16. Can T hinges be used on exterior doors?
17. Do T hinges need to be recessed (mortised) or are they surface-mounted?
18. How many T-hinges should I use on a door or gate?
19. How much weight can a T hinge support?
20. What is the rule of thumb for sizing a T hinge relative to the door width?
21. Are there different types of T hinges, such as heavy-duty or decorative versions?
22. Do T hinges have different styles or finishes?
23. What materials are T hinges made from, and which is best for my project?
24. What is a hand-forged T hinge made from?
25. Why choose a cast iron T hinge?

What is the purpose of a tee hinge?

A tee (T) hinge consists of a long strap and a short leaf that screw to the face of the door and frame. This design spreads the load across the door surface to support heavy or wide planked doors, gates and cabinets. Modern ledged-and-braced doors are usually screwed and plugged, making them stable without a diagonal brace. Historically, earlier doors were made from wide boards that were nailed and clenched using hand forged nails, and long T hinges were needed to pick up as many boards as possible and prevent individual boards from slipping. Because the load is distributed along the strap, T hinges can carry heavier doors than standard butt hinges.

Hand forged stud in black beeswax

Hand Forged Round Head Nail 150mm

How long do T hinges last?

The longevity of a T hinge depends on the material, finish and the conditions in which it is used. Galvanised or stainless-steel hinges resist rust and can last for decades outdoors, while mild steel or hand-forged iron hinges need shelter and occasional waxing or oiling to prevent corrosion. Any ferrous product, such as cast iron or mild steel, will suffer accelerated corrosion in coastal areas where salt in the air quickly attacks unprotected metal. Frequency of use also plays a major role: a hinge on a garden shed that is opened only occasionally may last far longer than one on a bathroom door that is used multiple times a day. With proper installation and maintenance, good-quality T hinges remain functional for many years. 

How do you install a T hinge?

The installation of traditional T hinges is a simple process, mainly because there is no time-consuming need to recess the hinge leaf as you would with a butt hinge. Position the short leaf on the jamb or gate post and the long strap on the door or gate, ensuring the strap runs across the face. Mark and pre-drill the screw holes, then fix the hinge with appropriate screws. Repeat for a second hinge near the bottom of the door; heavy or tall doors may require a third hinge for extra support.

Some consideration should be given to the material you are fixing into. The screws supplied with many hinges are relatively soft, while the timber used in ledge and braced doors can be very hard. For this reason, drilling pilot holes and even pre-cutting the holes by winding in a hardened pozi-drive screw of similar thread is advisable. It is also worth noting that the visible strap part of the hinge will only be seen on the side of the door that opens into the room.

What size T hinges should I use on my door?

As a rule of thumb, the hinge strap should cover just over half the width of the door. For standard internal doors between 26” and 32” wide, an 18” T hinge is usually the right choice.

Most modern ledged doors are built using a five-board construction. Historically, long strap hinges were designed to fix all the boards securely in place. In today’s doors, screws hold the boards firmly, so the hinge no longer needs to span the full width. As a result, the role of the T hinge is now largely aesthetic, with proportions chosen to suit the look of the door rather than purely for mechanical strength.

Because T hinges are inherently heavy-duty, there is rarely a need to use three hinges on a single door. The only common exception is on stable-style doors or double doors where two leaves sit within the same frame.

Penny End T Hinge in beeswax 18 Inch

Penny End T Hinge in pewter finish 18 Inch

How much do hinges cost?

The cost of T hinges depends on their size, finish, and intended use. Our collection ranges from 4-inch hinges — ideal for small cupboard doors — up to 24-inch hinges, which are suited for oversized barn doors. Prices for these run from £15 to £38 per pair. These models are designed for internal use only and do not have the protective coatings needed for outdoor applications.

For customers looking for added protection, we also supply a specialist traditional range with an Armour Coat finish. A pair of 18-inch hinges in this finish would typically cost around £68.

We also carry a selection of oversized hinges supplied by From The Anvil. These are specialised variants designed for particularly heavy or wide doors, such as garage doors. Prices for this start at around £160 per pair, reflecting their size and heavy-duty construction. 

Exterior Armour Coat Suffolk Latch

Exterior grade Armour Coat penny T hinges

Do T hinges swing both ways?

No. Traditional T hinges are single-acting, which means the door can only swing in one direction. The fixed pin design prevents the hinge from moving both ways, making them well-suited to shed doors, gates, and internal ledged doors where a one-way swing is sufficient.

If you need a door or gate to swing in both directions, you would need to choose an alternative such as a double-acting hinge (sometimes called a café hinge) or a pivot hinge. These specialist hinges are specifically designed to allow two-way movement, but they are structurally very different from a T hinge and are not typically used for traditional or rustic style doors.

What is the difference between a T hinge and a strap hinge?

Both hinge types feature long straps, but they differ in layout, purpose, and typical use. A T hinge has one long strap and one short rectangular leaf that screws into the door frame. This design provides excellent support for heavy doors and gates, as the strap spreads the load across the surface of the door. Traditional hand-forged T hinges have been the hinge of choice for oak ledge and braced doors for generations. Their long strap was originally intended to pick up on as many boards as possible, helping to prevent the boards from slipping.

A strap hinge, by contrast, has two long straps of equal or similar length. These are generally lighter-duty and are often produced in modern factories, giving them a more industrial look. Strap hinges are best suited to moderate loads and are often used on applications like bi-fold shed doors, small gates, or garden projects where strength is important but not on the same scale as a traditional T hinge.

In short: T hinges are stronger and more traditional, making them ideal for heavy, rustic doors, while strap hinges are more decorative or functional for lighter, modern uses.

What is a Tee hinge?

A Tee hinge is simply another way of writing T hinge — the two terms describe the same piece of hardware. The name comes from the shape: when laid out flat, the hinge resembles a capital letter T, with one long strap forming the upright and one short rectangular leaf forming the crossbar.

Both spellings are correct, but “T hinge” is the more common modern usage. The “Tee” form of spelling is an older convention, often found in historical catalogues, blacksmithing references, and early joinery texts. It reflects a time when written descriptions were more phonetic, spelling out the word “Tee” rather than relying on the single letter “T.”

Whether described as “T” or “Tee,” the function remains the same: providing a strong, surface-mounted hinge that spreads the load across the face of the door or gate, making it especially useful for ledged and braced doors, gates, and similar applications.

What is a hand forged T hinge?

A hand forged t hinge is crafted by a blacksmith who heats wrought iron or steel and hammers it on an anvil. the term “hand forged” refers to this process of manufacture, where raw material is shaped into a finished hinge using fire, hammer, and anvil in the hands of a skilled blacksmith.

looking at the wider world of hinges, many types fall into the general t hinge category. the kind of hinges we supply are aimed primarily at the United Kingdom traditional market, where these fittings have been in use for centuries. hand forged t hinges often include decorative details such as penny end or arrow head finials, along with unique hammer marks that make each hinge slightly different.

because they are individually made, hand forged t hinges are usually heavier and stronger than mass-produced factory hinges. they are valued not only for their strength and practicality but also for their rustic and authentic character, which makes them ideal for period properties, barn conversions, and traditional joinery.

What are the different styles of T hinges?

T hinges are available in several traditional designs and finishes. The most common decorative styles are the Penny End hinge, with its rounded finial, and the Arrow Head hinge, with its pointed finial. Both are widely used on ledged and braced doors and bring a distinct period character.

These hinges are typically supplied in two finishes: Beeswax, which gives a deep blackened appearance suited to internal use, and Pewter, which provides a softer silvery tone. They are often paired with traditional latches, most notably the Suffolk latch for a simple rustic look, or the Gothic latch for a more ornate finish.

T hinges are stronger and more traditional, making them ideal for heavy, rustic doors, while strap hinges are more decorative or functional for lighter, modern uses.

Hand forged Suffolk Latch in a pewter finish

Hand forged Suffolk Latch in a beeswax finish

What are T hinges typically used for?

Because the long strap spreads the load across the face of the door, T hinges are traditionally used on ledged and braced doors, gates, barn doors, sheds, cabinets, and trunks. They are particularly suited to rustic or country-style settings and are often chosen where a recessed butt hinge cannot be used.

In our case, we specialise in traditional hand forged T hinges, designed primarily for use on internal ledged and braced doors. However, T hinges in general are also commonly fitted to:

·       Garden gates and field gates

·       Barn and stable doors

·       Large cupboards, chests, and trunks

·       External shed and outbuilding doors

·       Decorative applications in period homes and restoration projects

This wide range of applications reflects both their strength and their distinctive appearance, making T hinges a practical and decorative choice for many types of joinery.

What are the advantages of T hinges?

·       Strong load distribution: The long strap spreads weight across the door, so T hinges can support heavier loads than standard hinges.

·       Easy installation: They are surface-mounted and do not require cutting a mortise.

·       Versatility: T hinges work on internal or external doors, gates, cabinets and chests.

·       Rustic aesthetics: Decorative ends complement heritage or cottage interiors.

T hinges combine strength, ease of fitting, and traditional styling, making them a practical and attractive choice for both functional and decorative joinery.

What are the common uses of a T hinge?

Common uses of T hinges include hanging garden gates, shed and barn doors, garage doors, cabinets, cupboard doors, toy boxes, and trunks. Their strength and ability to spread weight across wide surfaces make them especially suitable for heavy or wide wooden doors, which is why they are often chosen for outbuildings and rustic furniture.

The hinges we supply are traditional hand forged T hinges, available in numerous sizes, finishes, and styles. These are designed primarily for internal ledged and braced doors but can also be used across a variety of other applications where a traditional and authentic appearance is required.

Where do T hinges get their name from?

They are named after their silhouette. When fitted, the long strap runs down the face of the door to form the vertical line of a capital “T”, while the shorter rectangular leaf attaches to the frame and forms the top bar. This creates the familiar T shape when viewed head-on. The simple, recognisable outline is not only where the name comes from, but also reflects the hinge’s purpose: the strap spreads the weight across the door surface, while the leaf provides a strong fixing point on the frame.

What is the difference between standard hinges and T hinges?

Although both are types of hinges, they serve very different purposes. Standard hinges, most commonly butt hinges, have two equal rectangular leaves that are mortised into the edge of the door and the frame. They are available in a wide range of materials, can be specified with fire ratings, and often feature different bearing surfaces such as ball bearing or washered designs for smoother operation and increased lifespan.

By contrast, traditional T hinges are surface-mounted, with one long strap and one short leaf. The strap spreads the load across the face of the door, making them particularly suited to heavy, wide, or plank-style doors. They are designed for simple, traditional applications such as gates, shed doors, or ledged-and-braced doors, where their strength and straightforward installation are more important than technical refinements.

Black penny end pull handle in beeswax

Arrow end pull handle in pewter finish

Can T hinges be used on exterior doors?

Yes, but the type of T hinge you choose is important. Standard hand-forged or beeswax-finished hinges are best suited for indoor use or sheltered areas, as they will quickly lose their black finish when exposed to the weather. While they will still function, the surface will deteriorate and show signs of corrosion.

For exterior doors, gates, or exposed locations, it’s essential to use a specialist finish. Options such as galvanised or stainless-steel hinges provide excellent resistance to rust. Alternatively, armour coat T hinges are specifically designed for challenging environments, including use on acidic woods like oak and in coastal locations where salt air accelerates corrosion. These finishes ensure the hinge retains its strength and appearance even in harsh conditions.

Do T hinges need to be recessed (mortised) or are they surface-mounted?

T hinges are surface-mounted, meaning they sit on top of the door and frame rather than being cut into them like a mortised butt hinge. This makes them quicker and easier to fit, with only basic tools required. Because the long strap is fixed directly onto the face of the door, the weight is spread across the boards, giving extra strength. This is especially useful for ledged-and-braced or plank doors, which are not suitable for recessed hinges. The visible fitting is also part of their traditional look, often chosen for period or rustic style doors.

How many T-hinges should I use on a door or gate?

For most doors and gates, two T hinges are sufficient. The knuckle of a traditional T hinge is around 10 mm in diameter, giving it very high shear strength. Adding a third hinge is not usually recommended. This is because the top and bottom hinges carry the majority of the load — with one in tension and the other in compression — leaving the middle hinge doing very little work. A third hinge can also look out of place on traditional doors or gates.

When fitting two hinges, follow general spacing guidelines: place the top hinge about 150 mm (5–6 inches) from the top of the door and the bottom hinge about 225–250 mm (9–10 inches) from the bottom.

How much weight can a T hinge support?

For traditional standard ledged and braced doors, a pair of 15 or 18 inch T hinges is typically used. The pin within the knuckle of these hinges is usually around 10 mm in diameter, giving them an exceptionally high load capacity that far exceeds the actual weight of most ledged and braced doors. In practice, Even the heaviest ledged and braced doors rarely exceed 30kg — far below the load capacity of a pair of 15 or 18 inch T hinges.

The real question is less about the strength of the hinge itself, and more about the stability of the door surround. Any weakness is more likely to arise from how the frame or surround is fixed into the stud-work or masonry. Taking the time to ensure the surround is securely and properly installed will have the greatest impact on the overall performance and capacity of the final product.

T hinges are more than capable of handling the weight of traditional ledged and braced doors; the key factor is ensuring that the door surround is properly fixed and structurally sound.

What is the rule of thumb for sizing a T hinge relative to the door width?

For traditional ledged and braced doors, which are generally made up of around five vertical boards, the aim is to cover as many of those boards as possible to prevent slipping, without running the hinge strap all the way across the full width of the door. In practice, you want the hinge strap to extend slightly past halfway.

The most common size used is an 18 inch T hinge, with a strap length of about 16.5 inches. This is ideal for a door width of around 32 to 33 inches, giving the right balance of coverage and support while maintaining proper proportions.

As a rule of thumb, size a T hinge so the strap extends just over halfway across the door, with an 18 inch hinge being the most typical choice for standard internal ledged and braced doors.

Hand forged pewter shepherd’s crook bolt

Black beeswax fish tail bolt

Are there different types of T hinges, such as heavy-duty or decorative versions?

Yes, T hinges come in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit different applications. At the smaller end, 4-inch hinges are typically used for lightweight jobs such as cupboards or small kitchen doors. At the larger end, 24-inch hinges are designed for much heavier or more impressive doors, such as barn or stable doors, where extra strength and reach across the planks are needed.

Traditionally, T hinges are available in two main patterns: penny end and arrow end. These decorative shapes not only add visual interest but also reflect historic designs commonly seen on period doors.

For demanding applications, there are also heavy-duty cast iron T hinges. Cast iron is more stable than mild steel for exterior use, making it well suited to gates and exposed doors. While cast iron will oxidise initially, this stabilises quickly, leaving a protective surface that weathers well outdoors.

Do T hinges have different styles or finishes?

T hinges are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit both functional and decorative needs. Traditional decorative forms include the Penny End, Arrow Head, Bean, and plain strap hinges. Finishes range from black beeswax and pewter for indoor use, to galvanised or stainless steel, powder-coated colours, and antique brass for more durable or outdoor applications. The choice of style and finish generally depends on whether the hinge will be used externally and the appearance desired.

Historically, T hinges are one of the earliest forms of door hinge. They were primarily designed for ledged and braced doors, with the long strap providing cover across multiple boards to prevent the door from dropping. In the past, these hinges were hand-forged by local blacksmiths, and the design or finish often reflected the hallmark of the craftsman. It was only later, following the industrial revolution, that hinge production became standardised, leading to more uniform styles and finishes that we recognise today.

T hinges come in a wide range of styles and finishes, from rustic hand-forged pieces to modern factory-made options, with their design rooted in centuries of practical use and local craftsmanship.

What materials are T hinges made from, and which is best for my project?

T hinges can be made from a range of materials including galvanised steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminium, iron, and zinc. Stainless steel and galvanised steel are particularly valued for their excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for exterior gates and other exposed applications. Brass and pewter finishes are often chosen for their decorative appeal indoors, while modern factory-made options in powder-coated colours or antique brass provide variety for both contemporary and traditional settings.

Despite these choices, the traditional hand forged T hinge—as seen in many period applications in the United Kingdom—remains one of the most authentic options. These are typically manufactured out of malleable steel or mild steel flat bar, shaped using traditional blacksmithing skills. The result is a hinge with a distinctive hand-worked texture, often finished in black or left natural, then coated with beeswax to preserve the surface and slow oxidisation.

It is worth noting that while hand forged hinges can be used externally, they will oxidise quickly when exposed to the weather. Because they are made from steel, they will continue to oxidise over time. For this reason, they are primarily designed for internal applications, where the moisture content is more stable and less likely to encourage corrosion.

Choose the hinge material to match your project needs—stainless or galvanised steel for external durability, brass or pewter for decorative indoor use, and traditional hand forged mild steel for authentic period character, best suited to stable internal environments.

What is a hand-forged T hinge made from?

Hand-forged T hinges are usually made from steel or more commonly mild steel bar stock. The raw material is heated in a forge until malleable and then hammered into shape on an anvil using age-old blacksmithing techniques. This traditional process not only forms the hinge but also leaves subtle hammer marks and textures that give each piece its own unique character—no two hand-forged hinges are ever exactly the same.

Once shaped, the hinges are often finished in a black or natural steel appearance. To protect the surface and bring out the depth of colour and texture, they are normally coated in beeswax. This finish enhances the look and feel of the hinge while providing a modest level of protection against oxidisation.

Because they are made from steel, hand-forged T hinges are best suited to internal applications where the environment is stable and moisture is limited. They can be used externally, but exposure to rain and damp conditions will quickly cause oxidisation, and they will require regular maintenance to preserve their appearance and function.

A hand-forged T hinge is made from steel or mild steel, shaped by a blacksmith using traditional methods, and finished with beeswax for protection and character—offering both strength and a distinctive handcrafted appearance.

Why choose a cast iron T hinge?

Cast iron T hinges are moulded rather than forged, giving them a very different character from traditional hand-forged hinges. They came into popular use during the industrial revolution, when the move towards sand casting allowed hinges to be made in large numbers with repeatable results. Unlike hand-forged T hinges that required the skill of a time-served blacksmith, cast iron hinges could be manufactured by a less skilled workforce, which made them more affordable and widely available. If you are in the market please see our collection of cast iron products.

Because cast iron is inherently more brittle than wrought iron or steel, the cross-section of the hinge had to be greater to achieve sufficient strength. This gave cast iron hinges a chunkier, less refined appearance compared with the slimmer, more elegant lines of forged hinges.

That said, cast iron T hinges still offer durability, weight, and a period look at a lower cost than hand-forged versions. When painted or powder-coated, they can withstand outdoor conditions, making them suitable for heavy doors and gates. However, their brittle nature means they are best used where impact or high stress is unlikely.

Cast iron T hinges provide an affordable and historically accurate option with a strong, chunky appearance, but they lack the refinement and resilience of traditional forged hinges.

Cast iron t hinges

Cast Iron Suffolk latch

Conclusion

T hinges remain one of the most recognisable and practical types of traditional door hardware. From their origins as hand-forged fittings crafted by local blacksmiths, through to the more uniform cast and factory-made versions of the industrial age, they have always served a clear purpose: spreading the load across plank doors and keeping them secure.

Today, they are valued not only for their strength and reliability but also for the heritage and character they bring to a project. Whether you choose hand-forged mild steel for authentic period joinery, galvanised or stainless steel for external durability, or decorative styles like Penny End or Arrow Head for a traditional look, the right T hinge can enhance both the performance and the appearance of your door. If you are interested you can view our full range of traditional hand forged hardware.

In short, T hinges combine function, tradition, and style, making them a versatile choice for everything from rustic sheds and garden gates to carefully restored period interiors. Browse our full range of traditional T Hinges →