Welcome to T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, located in Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District. Established in 1976, we have been the go-to supplier for architectural ironmongery, general hardware, doors, fixings, and more. Our showroom at Unit 10 Lake District Business Park, Mint Bridge Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NH, features over 1000 door handles and 40 internal doors on display. With our extensive inventory and network of suppliers, we can provide a wide range of door hinges for internal doors tailored to meet the needs of tradespeople, architects, DIY enthusiasts, and the general public.

We often overlook door hinges for internal doors, despite using them daily in our homes. These small yet crucial components hold everything together when installing a new door. If they fail, the door won't open or close properly, highlighting their importance.

Door hinges for internal doors are essential hardware pieces that attach a door to its frame, acting as the pivot point for its movement. Whether replacing an old door or installing a new one, the choice of hinges significantly impacts the door's functionality. The most common types of internal doors are butt hinges or mortice hinges, which are usually embedded into the edge of the door and frame, leaving the knuckle visible. This article explores the various types, features, benefits, options, and trends in door hinges for internal doors, including legal requirements in some cases.

Butt hinges come in a range of styles, sizes, and load-bearing capacities to suit different door sizes, weights, and usage needs. They also offer various finishes to complement your interior design project. Understanding the right hinge for your specific needs ensures your door functions smoothly and enhances the overall aesthetic of your space.

There are various sizes of door hinges for internal doors in the UK, but to keep it simple, there are typically two popular sizes used.

Most common doors in the UK are in imperial sizes, with internal doors typically being 35mm thick. These doors require the most common size butt hinge used in the UK, which is 3" x 2", or in metric, 76 x 51mm.

In some cases, metric doors are used. These doors are taller than imperial-sized doors and also thicker at 40mm. Because of this, the doors weigh more than traditional doors and usually require hinges that are 4" x 3", or in metric, 102 x 76mm.

In the UK, three hinges are usually used per door to help with weight distribution and to prevent the door from twisting over time.

Traditionally, in homes across the UK, people used steel or cast butt hinges. While these are no longer as popular, they are still available for purchase, often as replacements or for those working within a budget.

Steel Butt Hinges (Traditionally called 1838s) Steel butt hinges, commonly referred to as 1838s, are available in zinc-plated, electro-brass, and self-colour finishes. Reliable, high-quality hinges are crucial for ensuring a door stays in the right place and doesn’t drop, allowing for smooth opening and closing. The 1838 steel butt hinge is ideal for light to medium-duty wooden doors and comes in multiple finishes and sizes. Though not used as frequently today, they are often utilised as replacements.

Loose Pin Hinges (Traditionally called 1840s) We still stock 1840 loose-pin butt hinges in zinc-plated and electro-brass finishes. These hinges, developed with a knuckle pin, are ideal for easy removal when performing outdoor maintenance. Suitable for light to medium-duty wooden doors, these hinges are available in 3" (76mm) and 4" (102mm) sizes, as well as multiple finishes.

Cast Butt Hinges (Traditionally called 200s) We also stock cast butt hinges, commonly referred to as 200s, in sizes 3" x 2" and 4" x 3". Made of cast iron, the 200 cast iron butt hinge in self-colour provides strength and reliability with a period look. This hinge is perfect for internal domestic and industrial doors.

Today, many people prefer washered hinges or ball bearing hinges for their doors.

Washered Hinges Washered hinges come in various sizes and finishes depending on your needs. Traditionally, these hinges would have been brass with either phosphor bronze washers or steel washers, but today, they are available in a wide range of finishes. For example, Carlisle Brass provides these hinges in antique brass, matt black, matt bronze, polished nickel, polished lacquered brass, satin brass, satin nickel, polished chrome, and satin chrome.

These hinges are often preferred in homes for doors that don't require ball-bearing hinges, as the smaller hinge knuckle is more discreet. This type of washered hinge features phosphor washers, ensuring noise-free, smooth operation for many years. Washered hinges include a washer between the two plates, providing smooth and consistent movement as the hinge rotates and reducing wear and tear over time.

Washered hinges are commonly used in residential and commercial applications and are available in various sizes and finishes to meet specific needs and aesthetics. One of the main advantages of washered hinges is their smooth and consistent movement, reducing noise and preventing damage to the door or window over time. Additionally, washered hinges are relatively easy to install, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

Ball Bearing Hinges for Internal Doors are widely regarded as superior-quality hinges. Many people perceive them to be more expensive than other types. However, this isn't always the case. Due to their popularity and the competitive market, the cost of ball-bearing hinges has decreased over the years, making them very cost-effective.

Ball-bearing hinges are the most popular type of internal or external door hinges we sell. They look similar to standard butt hinges, but the key difference lies at the pivot point, where hidden bearings are placed between the knuckles of the hinge. These bearings can be positioned either between each knuckle for the heaviest applications or just between a couple of knuckles. This design makes ball bearing hinges heavy-duty hinges.

What sets ball-bearing hinges apart from standard hinges is how they function. In standard hinges, the knuckles rub against each other every time the door opens or closes. This friction can eventually cause the hinges to squeak or stick. Ball-bearing hinges alleviate this stress by taking the load off the knuckles, allowing the door to open more smoothly and quietly. This feature is particularly beneficial for heavier doors.

Ball-bearing hinges are typically made from steel or stainless steel, with stainless steel generally being of higher quality. They are available in a variety of finishes, including:

• Polished stainless steel
• Satin stainless steel
• Polished brass
• Satin brass
• Matt black
• Matt bronze
• Antique brass

While steel versions are often less expensive, they do not match the quality of stainless steel options.

When installing internal doors, it is crucial to fit the appropriate hinges. This is particularly important for fire doors, which must provide an effective barrier against heat, smoke, and flames. The most common fire door is the FD30, but there are also other ratings like FD60, FD90, and FD120. Door hinges for internal doors need to be carefully selected to ensure they meet safety standards.

For fire doors, using the correct hinges is not optional. Typically, an FD30 fire door requires three 4" x 3" (102 x 76mm) ball-bearing hinges. In some cases, depending on the door's weight, four hinges might be necessary. However, not all ball-bearing hinges are suitable. These hinges must be tested and certified.

FD30 door hinges should be certified to EN1935 and CE Marked. They will also display information such as the manufacturer, British Standards Kite Mark, CE Marking, Certifire stamp, and more. The grade of the hinge, such as 11, 13, or 14, will also be indicated. Grade 13 is the standard and most popular choice. The higher the grade, the stronger the steel. This strength is essential to withstand extreme pressure, weight, and heat.

Fire door hinges are typically made from steel or stainless steel due to their higher melting points compared to brass. These materials ensure durability under fire conditions. However, the finished appearance can vary, with many PVD finish coatings available that mimic polished brass, antique brass, bronze, etc., without affecting the fire rating.

Standard fire door hinges are made from Grade 13 stainless steel. It is crucial to use hinges that are kite marked and either Grade 11, 13, or 14. When fitting these ball-bearing hinges on a fire door, intumescent pads must also be used. Depending on the situation, these pads can be rated for 30 or 60 minutes and must be purchased separately.

Using regular door hinges on fire doors is extremely dangerous. Regular hinges will melt, warp, or break under the heat of a fire, causing the fire door to drop and move out of the frame. This failure allows flames or smoke to pass through, increasing the speed at which the fire spreads.

Properly fitted and certified door hinges for internal doors are vital for safety, especially for fire doors. Ensuring your fire doors are equipped with the correct hinges will help maintain their integrity and provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire.

Door Hinges for Internal Doors come in various types, including Parliament Hinges and Projection Hinges, both typically measuring 4 inches in height. These hinges are specifically designed for doors that need to fold back on themselves, creating the maximum possible opening through a doorway, making them perfect for French doors.

Parliament Hinges and Projection Hinges are traditionally used to allow a door to fully open 180 degrees, folding back onto a wall. The extra projection provided by these hinges ensures the door can clear any obstructions, such as an architrave.

These hinges come in various sizes, including 102 x 102 mm, 102 x 127 mm, and 102 x 152 mm. You can find Door Hinges for Internal Doors in a variety of styles, such as:

• Steel
• Brass
• Washered
• Ball Bearing

Additionally, there are versions available specifically designed for fire doors.

When choosing Door Hinges for Internal Doors, consider Parliament Hinges and Projection Hinges for their functionality and versatility. They provide the necessary clearance for doors to open fully and come in a range of styles and sizes to suit your needs.

Double-action spring hinges allow a door to open 180 degrees in either direction. The spring action returns the door to the centre closed position. These hinges are ideal for any door you want to walk through in both directions and have the door come back to centre automatically.

When people think of the size of hinges, they often imagine them to be 3" (76mm) or 4" (102mm) high. However, because of the extra pressure that is put on a door swinging both ways and the additional weight it creates, larger hinges are usually required.

At T.H. Wiggans, we stock double-action spring hinges up to 8" (200mm) in height. We also provide double-action spring hinges for fire doors, and these are sold-in kits.

Concealed Hinges, often referred to as SOSS hinges, Soss hinges, or invisible hinges, allow doors to be hung so that the hinge is not visible when the door is closed. These hinges are easily attached by cutting mortises into the door frame and door, providing strength and support.

When installing concealed hinges, it is important to note that they come with a radius top and bottom. They often require factory fitting or a jig for proper installation.

Various types of concealed hinges can be used on standard internal doors, fire doors, and kitchen and cabinet doors. They are available in different colours, allowing you to match them with your decor.

Concealed hinges tend to be more expensive than regular hinges. Manufacturers often sell them individually rather than in pairs, as is common with regular hinges.

By using door hinges for internal doors such as concealed hinges, you can achieve a sleek and modern look while maintaining functionality and strength.

Tee hinges are used on traditional ledge and brace oak doors, which are a highly desirable addition to any cottage, barn conversion, or period property. They can also be used in modern homes, offering a unique rustic character.

Traditional ledge and brace oak doors are a charming addition to any home. These doors are simply panels of wood, making them ideal for Tee hinges. This type of hinge is designed to be fitted to ledge and brace doors, distributing the door's weight and preventing too much strain on the hinge itself.

Tee hinges are available in various styles and finishes. The most popular designs include the Arrow design and the Penny design. Common finishes include Black, Pewter, and Beeswax, which can complement the door's rustic character.

Choosing the correct size for your Tee hinges is crucial. The common practice is to have the hinge reach halfway across the door. This helps with weight distribution and creates an attractive feature.

Several manufacturers produce traditional Tee hinges for internal doors. Among the most popular brands are Kirkpatrick, a renowned British manufacturer, and From The Anvil. These brands are known for their quality and durability.

By selecting the right door hinges for internal doors, you can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home.

Choosing the right door hinges for internal doors is crucial for ensuring the functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal of your doors. Whether you need traditional butt hinges, ball-bearing hinges, or specialized fire door hinges, it's essential to select high-quality, certified products that meet your specific needs. At T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd, we offer a comprehensive range of door hinges and expert advice to help you make the best choice for your home or project.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us:

T.H. Wiggans Ironmongery Ltd
Location: Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District
Address: Unit 10 Lake District Business Park, Mint Bridge Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NH
Tel: 01539 727188
Email: info@thwltd.co.uk

We're here to help you with all your ironmongery needs!