DIY Guide to Installing Standard Gravity Cafe Door Hinges

Installing saloon doors (also known as café doors or swinging doors) is a practical and stylish way to enhance the charm and functionality of your space. Whether you’re refreshing your kitchen, adding a western touch to a bar, or creating a welcoming entrance in a restaurant, knowing how to install saloon door hinges is essential. This step-by-step door hinge installation guide focuses on standard gravity hinges, one of the most common and reliable options for these doors. Whether you’re tackling a DIY saloon door hinges installation project or simply want to understand how to install swinging door hinges before hiring a pro, this guide will help you avoid mistakes and get a professional-looking result.

Installation Instructions for Standard Gravity Saloon Door Hinges

Now that you have a set of saloon doors, it's time to get to work installing them.
Items needed are a drill, drill bits, a pen or pencil, a tape measure, a level, and shims if necessary.

Can you install them yourself, or do you need to hire a professional? We will explain the general process, but please refer to the manufacturer’s hinge instructions for specific information. Be sure to avoid the common mistakes.

First, let’s discuss the hardware options. Spring hinges mount to the side of the doors, and gravity hinges mount to the top and bottom of the doors. These instructions will refer to standard gravity hinges. Installing spring hinges would be a slightly different process.

Gravity hinges will mount to the top and bottom of the doors, and the mating parts will fit into the door jamb. We recommend using the hinge instructions to know the exact location of the hinge brackets and the door location. These instructions will be repeated on each door. The gravity hinges will have a top pivot mating to a top bracket and a bottom pivot mating to a bottom bracket. These hinges include spacing required for the Standard Gravity Hinges, available in brass, all-brass hinge, satin chrome, oil rubbed bronze, and matte black finishes.

Step 1 – Installing the Top Pivot Hinge to the Top of the Door

Lay the hardware on top of the door, measuring 9/16” from the finished edge of the door. Mark the holes on the doors according to the top pivot. Remove the hardware and pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the top pivot assembly to the top of the door with the screws provided. Pre-drilling the holes at a slow speed is the best option to ensure the doors do not split.

Step 2 – Installing the Bottom Pivot Hinge to the Bottom of the Door

Lay the bottom pivots onto the bottom of the door, measuring ½” from the finished edge of the door. Mark the holes according to the bottom pivots. Remove the hardware and pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the bottom pivot assembly with the screws provided to the bottom of the door. Pre-drilling the holes at a slow speed is the best option to ensure the doors do not split.

Where to Place the Doors on the Door Jamb

Position of the saloon doors onto the door jamb will vary according to your preference. A general location is recommended 18” to 24” from the finished floor to the bottom of the doors. Most hinges can be mounted in the center or the edge of the door jamb.

Step 3 – Installing the Bottom Bracket to the Door Jamb

Install the bottom bracket in the door jamb.

You will need to mark the location of the bottom bracket on the door jamb. You can choose the location on the door jamb according to your preference (reference above). You will need to measure from the bottom of the floor, mark the proper location for the bottom bracket onto the door jamb. Using the edge of the door jamb gives more rotation in the adjacent space. Pre-drill the holes with the correct drill bit. Using the pilot holes as your guide, attach the bottom jamb bracket to the door jamb.

Step 4 – Installing the Top Bracket to the Door Jamb

Place the bottom hinge pivot (now attached to the door) into the bottom jamb bracket (now attached to the jamb). With the door in place, we recommend one person holding the door as another person works to locate the proper location for the top bracket. Mock up the location of the top bracket by mating the top bracket and top pivot. Be sure to leave the required gap, ⅜”, the door rises as it opens. This allows for the rise and fall of the doors.

Please refer to the hardware instructions for proper spacing of the top bracket. Mark the correct location for the top bracket. Keep the doors secured into the bottom pivot, then screw the top jamb bracket to the jamb.

Gravity Hinges need a height gap between the top pivot and bracket assembly to allow for the doors to rise and fall when the door is swung open and into the hold-open position.

Once the first door is in place, you will need to follow steps 1–4 for the additional door if you are installing double doors. These instructions are an overview of gravity hinges. We recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for specifics. Doors might need to be adjusted slightly to have them align perfectly when they close.

Extra Tips for DIY Saloon Door Hinges Installation

• If you’re working on uneven floors or walls, use shims to adjust alignment.
• When learning how to install café door hinges, always dry-fit the doors first before final drilling.
• Test the swing several times during installation to ensure smooth movement and no rubbing.
• If installing in a commercial setting, ensure the swing range meets accessibility and safety guidelines.

Ready to Install Your Saloon Doors?

Whether you’re upgrading your home or outfitting a business, a proper saloon door hinges installation makes all the difference. At Swinging Café Doors, we offer high-quality gravity hinges, spring hinges, and all the hardware you need for a long-lasting, smooth swing.

Browse our full range of saloon door hinges or get a custom quote today.