Saloon Door Installation Guide & Common Questions

Installing saloon doors (also known as swinging cafe doors or double-hinged doors) is a manageable DIY project with the right tools, tips, and a little preparation. This guide addresses the most frequently asked installation questions, including hinge adjustment, shimming, and door maintenance.

Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting advice, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

General Installation Instructions

Materials & Tools Needed:

  • Saloon doors

  • Hinges (included with your order)

  • Screws

  • Drill or screwdriver

  • Measuring tape

  • Level

  • Pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Measure & Mark the Opening

  • Measure the width of your finished door opening at the top, middle, and bottom.

  • Mark the vertical centerline (left to right) and mid-height location where the doors will meet.

  • Read our Alignment blog for additional steps on how to have the doors align properly

2. Attach Hinges to the Doors

  • Lay doors flat on a clean surface.

  • Attach hinges to the top and bottom of each door (check manufacturer specs for placement).

3. Mount Hinges to the Door Frame

  • Align doors upright in the center of your marked opening.

  • Attach hinges to the door frame using included screws.

  • Use a level to ensure doors hang vertically and evenly.

4. Test and Adjust

  • Open and close both doors to check swing, tension, and return-to-center motion.

  • Adjust hinge alignment or shimming if doors bind or hang unevenly.

5. Final Touches

  • Tighten all screws.

  • Paint or stain the doors if desired (do this before installation, if possible).

Adjusting Spring Hinge Tension

Many saloon doors use double action spring hinges, which may require tension adjustment for ideal swing speed and closure force.

To adjust spring hinge tension:

  • Use the included tension pin and adjustment tool (if provided).

  • Insert the tool into the hinge barrel and rotate to increase or decrease tension.

  • Insert the pin into the desired notch to lock in the tension.

Note: Too much tension can cause slamming; too little may prevent the doors from returning to center.

Common Installation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  • Not measuring at multiple points → Always measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening.

  • Selecting the wrong size → Always choose a door size equal to or smaller than your opening width.

  • Skipping the level → Use a level to avoid sagging or uneven doors.

  • Overtightening hardware → Can strip screws or damage the wood.

  • Not allowing clearance → Ensure there’s space for the hardware function and swing range.

Shimming Swinging Saloon Doors

If your doors don’t meet properly in the middle or don’t return to center cleanly, you may need to shim them.

Tips for shimming:

  • Use small wood or composite shims behind the hinge mounting plates.

  • Start with thin adjustments and re-test frequently.

  • Be sure to maintain vertical alignment (use a level).

Maintaining Saloon Doors

Keep your doors swinging smoothly with these simple maintenance tips:

  • Tighten hinge screws periodically.

  • Lubricate moving parts (if applicable) with a light oil.

  • Clean doors with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth.

  • Repaint or re-stain as needed to match interior updates.

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Need More Help?

If you're stuck or unsure, don’t worry — we're here to help.

Call us at 1-855-34-DOORS (36677) or Contact Us for one-on-one support.

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