Three varieties of screen doors exist to supplement the myriad of home entrances. For our custom screen doors, we recommend at least 3 hinges for Select and Premium doors up to 84' tall, and four hinges for doors measuring 84' to 96' tall.Photo: Types of Screen Doors Typically, a taller door will require more hinges than a shorter one due to the extra weight. Now that you know what style of hinge you want, you need to order the appropriate amount of hinges for your door. Both options function perfectly and a simply a matter of personal preference. The other is an adjustable spring hinge that requires one flange to mount on the surface and the other in a mortise. One variety is a surface mount, which can be bolted directly to the front side of the door and trim with no other modifications necessary. We offer two kinds of spring hinges for our screen doors. These hinges feature a coiled spring that will bring the door shut with a gentle thud. A flat, non-decorative finial is also available.Ī spring hinge is great for those that are tired of their door not closing completely. Our premium 3x3 hinges also come available with decorative finials that screw into the top and bottom of the hinge housing. While a mortise hinge does take more work to install, the end result is very clean and professional. These hinges will mount between the door and the trim, requiring a 'mortise' to be cut into the mounting surface of the door for proper clearance. Our 3x3 hinge is a standard swinging hinge, with no spring mechanism to help it close. We offer three basic types of hinges: a 3x3 mortise hinge, a surface-mount spring hinge, and an adjustable surface/mortise hinge. The style of the hinge can also help you decide the proper hinge. However, keep in mind that they may corrode overtime due to their steel construction. Our base model hinges are made from steel, making them a cost-effective option. They also gain a natural patina over time with the unlaquered variety, although we do carry a wide selection of other finishes as well. We prefer brass hinges due to their rigidness and ability to withstand years of abuse. The majority of our hinges are constructed from solid brass. The hinge material is important in determining what hinges will best fit your needs. We offer a variety of hinges to suit different needs, whether it be style or function. Locksets should be used on entryways into the home where a lock is needed for extra piece of mind.Ĭhoosing the right set of screen door hinges will make opening and closing your door hassle-free and even extend the life of your door. We recommend using a latchset on gates and doors where security isn't an issue. Locksets have a locking mechanism that will require a key to open when locked. A lockset serves the same purpose, but with the added benefit of security. They have a bolt operated by either a handle or knob that, when closed, will hold the door in place. A latchset is designed to keep a door or gate completely shut. Both serve the same purpose but have different functions. LocksetĪnother consideration to make is whether you need a latchset or a lockset. So if your front door is right handed, order your screen door lockset or hinges as a right hand reverse. If you're ordering hardware for a new custom wood screen door, we typically recommend ordering the opposite handing of what your current front door is. A door with the hinges on the left side that swings toward you would be considered a “left hand reverse”. Refer to the chart below to help identify which handing your door is.įor example, if the hinges are on the left side and the door opens away from you, it’s considered a “left handed” door. Also, open and close your door a few times, noting whether your door opens toward you or away from you. Looking at your door, determine which side the door hinges are on. To determine the handing of your door, begin by standing on the exterior side (outside) of your doorway facing inward. Whether you've never ordered 'handed' hardware before, or just want to refresh your memory, we’re here to walk you through the steps. Matching handing to your existing doorway is important for proper door operation, and can be costly if you end up ordering the wrong item. Handing is the orientation of how a doorway opens and closes relative to the locking mechanism (i.e. One of the most misunderstood aspects of ordering screen door hardware is determining the 'handing' of a doorway.

Screen door