Hinges and Kickplates
Hinges hold the door to the frame. When purchasing a new front or entry door, most frequently, the door is attached to the frame and is installed as a system. Three hinges are standard, with additional hinges used on taller, heavier doors. A hinge may need replacing, or updating when new handle sets are installed.
• Hinge Anatomy: Leaf is the name of the two flat portions with screw holes that are attached to the door and the frame. Constructed of a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, iron, etc., and a variety of thicknesses to support a range of door materials. The size of the leaf used is determined by the door thickness and height. Barrel is the circular, hollow, end of the leaf, which rotates on the pin. Pin is the solid rod that runs through the barrels of the two leaves to allow the barrels to rotate for opening and closing the door.
• Residential hinges are lightweight, standard size hinges used on basic construction.
• Architectural hinges are an upgrade, with standard leaf sizing and larger sizes for supporting larger, heavier doors. Manufactured in a wider variety of metals, Architectural hinge leaves also are thicker to hold the weight of larger doors so doors and jambs may need additional mortise space to accommodate.
• Ball Bearing hinges include a ball bearing between the barrels of the leaves to reduce friction on heavy traffic doors.
Kickplates protect the front door and provide an attractive balance to the hardware. Available in a variety of metals and finishes from polished to satin, oil rubbed or brushed and even weathered, the kickplate should be two inches shorter than the door width so it does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door.