At first glance, door hinges might seem like just another small component in a much bigger project. But anyone who’s had a door sag, fail to close properly, or violate a fire code knows how much hinges really matter. The wrong hinge can throw off door alignment, reduce durability, or even lead to failed inspections.So when you’re selecting door hardware for a residential build, commercial retrofit, or multi-unit development, one question always matters: what types of door hinges are most commonly used—and trusted—across North America?

1. Butt Hinge – Why It’s Still the Workhorse of Interior Doors

The butt hinge is the most familiar hinge type on the jobsite—and for good reason. It’s simple, affordable, and gets the job done for residential interior doors, offices, and other low-traffic spaces. You’ll find them on bedroom doors, bathroom entries, and even basement access doors in nearly every North American home.

They consist of two metal leaves joined by a central pin and mounted into mortises on both the door and frame. When installed correctly, they offer a flush fit and a clean appearance.

Best for:

• Hollow-core or solid wood interior doors
• Bedrooms, bathrooms, closets
• Light-use doors with standard hardware needs

Why builders and wholesalers rely on them:

• Low cost and available in bulk
• Easy to stock in multiple finishes and sizes
• Works with almost any residential frame prep

2. Ball-Bearing Butt Hinge – The Go-To for Heavy-Duty Performance

When a door is heavy, used frequently, or expected to last for years, the standard hinge won’t cut it. That’s where ball-bearing butt hinges come in. Internally, they’re similar to standard butt hinges—but inside the knuckle are tiny ball bearings that absorb wear and reduce friction.

You’ll see these used across commercial buildings, apartment fire doors, school corridors, and solid-core exterior entries. They open more smoothly and quietly, which matters in high-end residential and institutional settings.

Used in:

• Commercial office suites
• Fire-rated stairwell or hallway doors
• Solid-core wooden or steel entry doors

Key advantages:

• Smoother action and longer hinge lifespan
• Reduces squeaks, sagging, and long-term door stress
• Often required by code or spec on public projects
• Easy upsell for builders needing durability guarantees

✅ Ideal for any door that sees real traffic—these hinges are built for the long haul.

3. Spring Hinge – The Code-Friendly Way to Ensure Doors Close Automatically

Whether it’s a garage door leading into the home or a fire-rated hallway exit, some doors need to close themselves—every time. That’s where spring hinges come in. These hinges include a built-in spring mechanism that pushes the door shut after every use, without the need for an overhead closer.

They’re especially useful in multi-family buildings, commercial projects, or anywhere fire code compliance requires a self-closing function. In many jurisdictions, installing spring hinges is the easiest way to meet those standards while keeping costs down.

Common use cases:

• Garage-to-house entry doors (IRC/IBC code compliant)
• Apartment corridor fire doors
• Storage or janitor rooms requiring automatic closure

Why builders and wholesalers prefer them:

• Fire inspectors often require them for code approval
• Cuts cost vs. adding a separate door closer
• Available in adjustable tension models

4. Concealed Hinge – For Seamless, Modern Design Projects

If the goal is to hide the hardware, a concealed hinge is the clear winner. Also called European hinges, these are designed to be invisible when the door is closed—offering a sleek, modern finish that designers and homeowners love.

While they’re standard in custom cabinetry, they’re increasingly used in modern residential interior doors, especially for closets, wardrobes, and minimalist flush-panel designs. Some higher-end models also come with soft-close or clip-on features for faster installs.

Used in:

• Contemporary home interiors
• Built-in wardrobes or utility closets
• Frameless cabinet systems

Standout benefits:

• Fully hidden when closed—clean look
• 3-way adjustability for perfect alignment
• Soft-close upgrades available
• Makes millwork look high-end

5. Removable Pin Hinge – Flexible and Easy to Service

When you need a hinge that allows the door to be quickly removed—whether for maintenance, repainting, or simple adjustments—a removable pin hinge is the practical choice. Unlike fixed-pin butt hinges, these models feature a center pin that can be lifted out, letting the door come off the frame without removing screws.

These are common in residential homes, rental properties, and light commercial spaces where doors may need to be taken down periodically. For builders and property managers, they save both time and labor during servicing.

Commonly used in:

• Interior wooden doors
• Rental units and apartments
• Utility rooms and storage areas

Why builders and architects choose them:

• Doors can be removed and re-hung without tools
• Ideal for repainting, renovations, or maintenance work
• Available in steel, brass, or stainless steel options
• Cost-effective upgrade over fixed-pin butt hinges

✅ Especially useful in properties where flexibility and quick servicing matter.

6. Butterfly Hinge – The Decorative Touch for Cabinets and Furniture

When style and visibility matter just as much as function, butterfly hinges step into the spotlight. Named for their symmetrical, wing-like shape, these decorative hinges are often mounted on the surface of doors and frames, making them a visible design element—not just a hardware necessity..

Butterfly hinges are a popular choice in furniture making, vintage restorations, and custom cabinetry, where visual appeal plays a central role. Whether you’re going for a rustic, antique, or farmhouse vibe, this hinge adds the perfect final touch to your design.

Best suited for:

• Cabinet doors and decorative cupboards
• Jewelry boxes, keepsake chests, or wooden trunks
• Vintage furniture restorations and DIY home projects

Why these are essential:

• Enhances furniture aesthetics with ornate or classic charm
• Easy surface mount—no need for mortising
• Available in various finishes like brass, bronze, and black iron
• Perfect for lightweight doors or panels

✅ For any project where form meets function, the butterfly hinge delivers both beauty and performance—effortlessly.

Conclusion

Every door needs the right hinge to function safely and reliably. From residential builds to code-driven public projects, knowing the differences between hinge types helps you make faster, better decisions.