How to Choose the Right Size T Hinges for Your Door

Traditional ledge and brace oak doors are a popular choice for cottages, barn conversions and period properties.

They can also work well in modern homes, where they introduce traditional character and rustic appeal.

T hinges, also known as tee hinges or strap hinges, are specifically designed for ledge and brace doors.

Their long strap helps distribute the weight of the door more evenly than a standard butt hinge, reducing the load placed on the hinge knuckle.

One of the most common questions we are asked is: What size T hinge should I choose?

This guide explains how to select the correct hinge size, how many hinges you need, the best fixings to use and some practical installation tips.

What Size T Hinges?

As a general rule, the strap of the hinge should extend just beyond half the width of the door.

For most standard internal ledge and brace doors measuring between 26 and 32 inches wide, an 18-inch T hinge provides the correct proportions.

Historically, T hinges often extended across almost the full width of the door.

Their purpose was not only to support the door but also to secure the vertical boards together.

Modern ledge and brace doors are constructed differently, typically using a five-board design with concealed fixings.

As a result, today's T hinges are chosen primarily for their appearance and proportions rather than any additional structural benefit.

Getting the proportions right will usually have a greater impact on the finished look than choosing the longest possible hinge.

Can I Use Hand-Forged Nails?

One question we are regularly asked is whether hand-forged nails can be used to secure T hinges.

Although hand-forged nails create an authentic period appearance, we generally do not recommend using them to fix hinges.

Over time, hand-forged nails can gradually work loose as the door is opened and closed.

This may result in the hinges requiring regular maintenance, with the nails needing to be driven back into place.

Instead, we recommend using traditional black japanned, dome-head slotted wood screws.

These provide a much more secure fixing while maintaining the appearance of traditional ironmongery.

Tip: A No. 8 wood screw approximately ¾" (19 mm) long is suitable for most installations.

How Many Hinges Should I Use?

Another common question is whether heavy ledge and brace doors require three T hinges instead of two.

For the vast majority of internal doors, a pair of T hinges provides more than enough support.

Although T hinges are available in several lengths, there is relatively little difference in strength between 12-inch, 15-inch and 18-inch hinges.

Choosing a longer hinge is usually about achieving the correct proportions rather than increasing the load capacity.

If three hinges are fitted, the top hinge carries most of the tension while the bottom hinge carries most of the compression.

In practice, the centre hinge contributes relatively little to supporting the door.

Only exceptionally heavy doors are likely to benefit from using four hinges.

For standard ledge and brace doors, two correctly sized T hinges remain the preferred option.

How to Fit the T Part of the Hinge

If you're unsure how to fit T hinges, one question that often comes up is how the T section should sit against the door frame.

Should you cut through the architrave so the hinge sits on top?

Or should you rebate the rear of the architrave so that only part of the hinge remains visible?

There is no single correct answer.

Both methods have been used successfully for many years, and the best approach will often depend on the style of the property and the look you want to achieve.

My preferred method is to fit the T section into a shallow rebate on the inside edge of the door surround.

Suggested method:

• Bend the hinge to 90° and position it against the inside edge of the door surround rather than laying it flat across the face of the architrave.
• Mark carefully around the hinge with a pencil.
• Chisel a shallow rebate so the hinge sits flush.
• Secure the hinge using the appropriate screws.

Using this method prevents the hinge from cutting across the face of the architrave.

It also creates a cleaner appearance once installed.

The only disadvantage is the additional time required to cut the rebate accurately.

You should also remember to countersink the fixing holes on the reverse side so the screw heads sit flush and allow the door to close correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size T hinge should I use?

As a general guide, the strap should extend just beyond half the width of the door.

Most internal doors between 26 and 32 inches wide are well suited to 18-inch T hinges.

Can I use hand-forged nails to fit T hinges?

Although they provide an authentic appearance, hand-forged nails are not recommended for fixing hinges because they can work loose over time.

Traditional dome-head slotted wood screws provide a much more secure fixing.

How many T hinges does a door need?

Most ledge and brace doors only require two T hinges.

Very heavy doors may benefit from four hinges, while a third hinge generally contributes very little additional support.

Should the T section be rebated into the frame?

It doesn't have to be, but rebating the hinge into the inside edge of the door surround often provides a neater appearance.

It also avoids the hinge running across the face of the architrave.