How Much Does It Cost To Install Door Hinges?

Table of Contents

1. Door Hinge Prices
2. Interior Vs. Exterior Door Hinges
3. Types Of Door Hinges
4. Door Hinge Finishes
5. Hardware Grade
6. DIY Or Hire A Pro
7. How To Install Door Hinges
8. Find A Pro

Door Hinge Prices

When calculating the cost of parts, labor and other materials, homeowners can expect to spend between $34.49 and $77.50 per hinge for professional installation. When purchasing door hinges for a house, homeowners must purchase each hinge separately. Each door usually requires three hinges, but as a rule, homeowners should install one door hinge per every 30 inches of door. The table below lists the average low and high prices for door hinges based on quality.

If homeowners choose to hire a professional to install the door hinges and doors, then they will need to factor these prices into the total project cost as well. A licensed contractor or handyman can complete door and window installation projects. Both types of professionals often charge by the hour or set a flat price if they know how long the project will take them to complete. Homeowners can expect to pay between $28.96 per hour to $99.37 per hour for professional installation. Homeowners who choose to complete the project on their own can save a considerable amount on labor costs.

Interior Vs. Exterior Door Hinges

Before selecting door hinges, homeowners must first identify if the hinges are for interior or exterior doors. Butt hinges are the most common type of hinge used on both interior and exterior doors because they are strong, reliable and have a neat appearance. Exterior hinges are exposed to many different types of weather and environmental changes — moisture in particular. For this reason, hinges for exterior doors should be made from brass, stainless steel or aluminum. These metals resist corrosion and last longer. When selecting hinges for interior door installation, steel is a reliable and affordable option for a climate-controlled home.

Types of Door Hinges

There are several different types of door hinges to choose from depending on the project. Some offer increased durability while others are both functional and decorative.

Butt Hinge

Butt hinges consist of two rectangular leaves that connect with a pin in the center. Each leaf has screw holes. One side attaches to the door while the other attaches to the doorjamb. When the door is closed, the hinge folds flat with only the pin showing.

T-Hinge

T-hinges are shaped like the capital letter T. The horizontal part attaches to the door frame while the vertical part attaches to the door. These are common on garage doors and chests.

Strap Hinge

Strap hinges consist of two long and narrow leaves that attach to a knuckle in the center. Because of their length, these hinges are impractical for doors. Instead, they are common on storage boxes.

Gate Hinge

Gate hinges consist of a long leaf that attaches to the gate and an L-shaped screw that attaches to a fence post. The leaf has a knurled nut on the end that slips over the vertical part of the screw to securely connect the two pieces.

Double-Acting Hinge

Double-acting hinges have two leaves and two knuckles that are loosely jointed. These special purpose hinges permit doors to open in either direction, with only one edge opening at a time.

Soss Hinge

Once installed, Soss hinges are completely concealed. Installation is difficult because it requires drilling mortises into the door edges and lining them up perfectly. The hinge slips into the mortises, and then is completely hidden once the doors are closed. These are popular on cabinets and shutters, but not practical for doors.

Piano Hinge

Also known as continuous hinges, piano hinges are long, narrow and sturdy. This type is most commonly used on a piano. Rather than placing several hinges on a long door, the piano hinge covers the entire length.

Door Hinge Finishes

Hinges come in a variety of finishes so that homeowners can choose hardware that matches the style of knobs and pulls or goes along with the style and theme of the room. Some of the finish options include:

• Polished Brass
• Antique Copper
• Antique English
• Satin Nickel
• Polished Chrome
• Burnished Brass
• Wrought Iron
• Satin Brass
• Antique Brass
• Rustic Bronze
• Black Nickel
• Oil Rubbed Bronze

Hardware Grade

Doors are made from a variety of materials, with some weighing more than others. Exterior doors made of metal or solid wood are much heavier than hollow doors used for many closets indoors. Hinges must be strong enough to support the weight of the door without breaking. Heavy-duty hinges are thicker than regular hinges — typically up to 1/4-inch. Some might also have lubrication to make it easier to open and close the door.

DIY Or Hire A Pro

Installing door hinges does not require special skills or tools. Homeowners can complete the door repair project on their own; however, hiring a professional can take the headache out of the project as well as ensure the best results. Some hinges are harder to install than others and require absolute precision in order to function properly. Homeowners can follow the steps to install hinges on their own or learn how to find a pro to do the job for them.

How To Install Door Hinges

Tools Needed:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Tape Measure
• Quick Square or Speed Square

Instructions:

1. Make sure that the door is right side up. Measure from the bottom of the door to the center of the door knob. This measurement should be 36 inches. If it is larger, then the door is upside down. Mark the top of the door.
2. Lay the door on its side with the door knob opening toward the floor.
3. Use a pencil to mark where the hinges should go. For the top hinge, measure 7 inches from the top. For the bottom hinge, measure 11 inches from the bottom. For the center hinge, split the different between the top and bottom hinge placements.
4. Use the quick square to make a straight line at each of the measurements.
5. Place the hinge on the mark and trace the bottom of the hinge. Do this at the top, middle, and bottom.
6. Use the chisel to carve out the rectangles that were made in the previous step. Each rectangle should be the same thickness as the hinge. Place the hinge over the carving to make sure that it lays flat. If not, continue carving.
7. Place the hinges in their proper positions with the pin pointing upward. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes.
8. Pre-drill the screw holes on each of the marks at all of the hinge sites.
9. Screw the hinges in place on the door, taking care to place them in the proper position to open inward or outward.
10. Place the door in the frame and use shims to hold it in place. Ensure there is adequate clearance on the top and bottom to allow the door to open smoothly. By the way, if your door frame is damaged, now is a good time to repair it.
11. Mark the holes for the hinges on the frame and pre-drill the screw holes.
12. Secure the hinge to the door frame using the screws.

To visualize the entire process, please watch the video below.

Find A Pro

Installing door hinges requires time and precision. Let us help you find a window and door contractor to get the job done right so you can enjoy a safe and reliable door.

Last updated on Feb 8, 2017