Choosing The Best Hinges for Barn Doors – Complete Guide

Hinged Barn Doors: Choosing the Best Hinges for Style

Hinged barn doors offer timeless charm and versatile function, making them a great choice for both homeowners and businesses. While sliding barn doors are popular, hinged barn doors use traditional or specialty hinge hardware to create a unique look and practical movement. Whether you need heavy duty barn door hinges for a commercial entrance, decorative barn door hinges for a rustic touch, or exterior hinged barn doors for a weather-ready installation, the right hinge choice impacts both style and performance. This guide explores barn door hinge types, installation considerations, and how to choose the perfect hinges for your next project.

Can a Barn Door Be Hinged?

The simple answer is “yes.” A popular way to hang barn doors is by using an overhead track system, but that is not the only way. Barn doors can be installed just as easily using hinges, foregoing the track system altogether. This allows for more flexibility in terms of placement and opening direction.

Hinged barn doors are typically mounted on a pair of large, sturdy hinges and can be opened in both directions. They can be hung on a wall or framed like a traditional door and can be locked with a latch or lock if desired.

When installing a hinged barn door, it's important to ensure that the barn door hinges are properly installed and can support the weight of the door. It’s also important to make sure that the door is properly leveled and that the hardware is functioning smoothly. A sturdy installation with heavy duty barn door hinges ensures the door can withstand frequent use.

In summary, a barn door can be hinged, allowing for more flexibility in terms of placement and opening direction. They are typically mounted on large, sturdy hinges and can be opened in both directions. It's important to ensure proper installation, level, and hardware alignment to ensure smooth functioning and durability. There are a few choices when it comes to hinges for barn doors: butt hinges, single action hinges, and double action hinges.

Choosing Between Butt Hinges and Double Action Hinges

When deciding whether to use a barn door hinge like a butt hinge or a double action hinge, it’s best to first consider how you want the barn door to function. Either hinge will get the job done, but the style you choose should match the intended use. Hinged barn doors work well for bathrooms, home offices, kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms, or flex spaces, and they can be incorporated into any home or commercial design.

Butt Hinge

The butt hinge is a simple device with two rectangular-shaped leaves supported by a joint in the middle. When installed, the butt hinge is largely hidden when the door is closed. The hinge enables the door to be easily operated.

• Requires a door jamb for installation.
• Must be mortised into the door.
• Single action hinge – swings only one direction.
• Common for exterior hinged barn doors where security and weather sealing are priorities.
  

Double Action Hinges

Double action hinges function very differently from butt hinges. There are two main types: gravity and spring.

• Gravity double action hinges use the force of gravity to return the door to center via a small ramp system. Some allow the door to hold open at 90 degrees.
• Spring double action hinges use an internal spring to open and close the door but do not hold the door open.
  

These heavy duty swinging barn door hinges are ideal when you want the door to swing in both directions and automatically return to center. They are popular in commercial kitchens, retail spaces, and high-traffic residential areas.

Things to Consider When Choosing Swinging Door Hardware

Double action hinges differ from butt hinges in several ways:

• They automatically return the door to center.
• They allow swinging in both directions.
• Door handles are optional for operation, but may be added for style.
• Can be installed in traditional or non-traditional openings using trim boards.
  

For ease of use, hinged barn doors with double action hinges can be pushed open with a hand, elbow, or hip—perfect for multitasking environments.

Strap Hinges

Installing barn hinges in the strap style adds a rustic and charming look to any space. Often crafted from iron or steel, big barn door hinges in strap form offer both durability and decorative appeal. These decorative barn door hinges are ideal for traditional farmhouse designs, carriage house doors, or exterior applications where style is as important as function.

Sliding Barn Door Track Hardware

Even though this article focuses on hinged options, many projects benefit from combining hinged barn doors with a sliding track system in other areas for consistency in design. Track hardware comes in various finishes, allowing for customization to match hinges for barn doors in the same space.

Complement Your Home with Our Swinging Doors

When choosing barn door hinge types, consider:

• Door weight and size
• Interior vs. exterior application
• Desired swing direction
• Style preferences (modern, rustic, industrial)
  

For exterior hinged barn doors, always use heavy duty barn door hinges designed to withstand the elements. For lighter interior doors, you may opt for decorative hinges that prioritize aesthetics while still providing stability.

It’s recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or hire a professional installer to ensure your barn door hinged system is safe, secure, and long-lasting.

Upgrade Your Space with Hinged Barn Doors

Whether you need a single hinged barn door for a home renovation or bulk heavy duty swinging barn door hinges for a commercial project, Swinging Cafe Doors has the styles, hardware, and expertise to help you get it right. From decorative barn door hinges for a statement look to big barn door hinges for oversized entries, we have solutions for every application. Browse our collection today or request a quote for single or bulk orders to bring durability, function, and style to your next project.