Butt Hinges

What Is a Butt Hinge?

A butt hinge is formed from two leaves joined by a central pin or knuckle. One leaf is recessed into the edge of the door and the other into the frame, allowing the leaves to sit neatly together when the door is closed.

Butt hinges are widely used on internal and external timber doors because they provide a simple appearance and reliable movement when correctly matched to the door.

Types of Door Hinge

Different hinge constructions are intended for different applications. Our collection includes:

• Double Phosphor Washered Butt Hinges made from solid brass and available in coordinating traditional and contemporary finishes.
• Fire-Rated Ball Bearing Butt Hinges designed to reduce friction at the knuckle and support more demanding door applications.
• Fire-Rated Button Black Butt Hinges with a black finish and decorative button-tipped knuckle.
• Washered and ball bearing hinges from the Old English Collection for coordinating with traditional door furniture.
• Parliament hinges for doors that need to open wider or clear projecting architraves and other surrounding features.
• Adjustable concealed hinges for projects where a cleaner, contemporary appearance is preferred.

Washered or Ball Bearing Butt Hinges?

Washered butt hinges use washers between the hinge knuckles to help reduce friction as the door moves. Solid brass washered hinges are a popular choice where the material and visible finish are important.

Ball bearing hinges contain bearings between the knuckles to support smooth movement and reduce friction-related wear. They are commonly selected for heavier or more frequently used doors, but the product’s tested grade, dimensions and stated load suitability should still be checked.

Choosing the Correct Hinge Size

Three-inch hinges are commonly used on standard internal doors, while four-inch hinges may be more appropriate for larger, heavier or external doors. This is only a general guide: door construction, weight, height, width and frequency of use must also be considered.

The number of hinges required depends on the complete door specification. Some doors may require three or more hinges to distribute the load correctly. Follow the product information and any instructions supplied by the door manufacturer.

Butt Hinge Materials and Finishes

Brass butt hinges offer a traditional appearance for period properties, heritage-style interiors and restoration projects. Depending on the product, finishes include aged brass, polished brass, antique brass, matt bronze, polished chrome, satin brass and satin nickel.

Black butt hinges provide a stronger contrast against painted or natural timber doors. They can be coordinated with black door handles, knobs, locks and other ironmongery for a consistent finish.

Material and finish are not the same thing. Some hinges are manufactured from solid brass, while others use mild steel with a plated or applied finish. Check the individual listing if the base material, coating or suitability for a particular environment is important.

Choosing Hinges for External Doors

Do not assume that every hinge in a particular colour or material is suitable for exterior use. Exposure to moisture, changing temperatures, coastal air and acidic timber can affect the hinge and its finish.

For an external door, confirm that the individual hinge is recommended for the location and can support the door’s dimensions and weight. Consider the corrosion resistance of the complete hinge, including its pin, bearings, fixings and surface treatment.

Choosing Fire Door Hinges

Fire doors require hinges that are suitable for the tested or specified doorset. A fire-rated hinge should have appropriate supporting documentation, but the hinge certification alone does not confirm that every installation will comply.

Selected products in this collection carry fire-performance and hinge classification information, including Certifire references and EN 1935 grades. Check the declaration, certification and product listing for the exact hinge being ordered.

The required hinge size, grade, number and fixing method depend on the door, frame, closer, intended fire-resistance period and complete doorset specification. Follow the door manufacturer’s instructions, project fire strategy and applicable requirements. If uncertain, seek advice from a competent fire-door specialist before ordering or installation.

What to Check Before Ordering

• Door height, width, thickness and weight.
• Whether the door is internal, external or fire rated.
• The hinge size, leaf thickness and fixing-hole pattern.
• The recommended number of hinges per door.
• The hinge material rather than finish alone.
• Compatibility with the frame and surrounding architrave.
• Whether screws or other suitable fixings are included.
• Any certification required for the complete doorset.

Product pages include dimensions, finish information and technical specifications where available. Review these details before purchasing, particularly when replacing an existing hinge or working with a heavy, external or fire-rated door.

Installing and Caring for Door Hinges

Hinges must be recessed and aligned accurately so the door’s weight is distributed evenly. Poor alignment can cause binding, uneven gaps, premature wear or difficulty closing the door. Use fixings suited to the door and frame material.

Remove dust and marks with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive pads, metal polish or aerosol cleaners unless recommended in the individual care instructions, as these products may damage lacquered, plated or applied finishes.

If a door begins to drop, bind or move unevenly, inspect the fixings, hinge alignment and frame before continuing to use it.