If you are curious to find out whether you can use hinges for your barn door, the answer is a resounding yes. Indeed,barn door hinges are more common than most people imagine. In most cases, barn doors are held in place with the help of overhead tracking systems. However, there are other effective ways to secure barn doors. It is easier to install barn doors with hinges as compared to installing the same using the overhead tracking system. You can opt for two options about hinges. You can either go with the double-action hinges or work with the single-action hinges. There is another special kind of hinge called the butt hinge as well.
However, it is imperative to consider the kind of barn door functionality you aim to achieve. Both the double-action hinges and the single-action hinges are designed uniquely, hence the difference in their functionality. Let us look at each of the hinges in detail.
Single-Action Spring Hinges
To begin with, single-action spring hinges are often installed on regular doors, half doors, and other wooden openings. They are designed to enable the door leaf to open in a single direction and then close after getting through the passage.
The hinges are controlled by the operating strength as well as the operating tension. Single-action hinges come with a varied range of carrying capacities. You can also use multiple single-action hinges to enhance the carrying capacity. Other than that, you need to be cautious about the alignment of the hinges as well as the vertical spacing between them.
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges feature a simple design incorporating two leaves that are rectangular in shape with a supporting joint at their center. They allow for effortless door operation. However, the door must have a jamb to enable the installation of butt hinges. Similarly, butt hinges have to be mortised into the surface of the door. The hinge enables the barn doors to swing in a single direction the return to a center position automatically.
Double-Action Spring Hinges
Double-action spring hinges come in two models featuring spring and gravity models. Although the two models incorporate different mechanical designs, they are meant to yield a similar outcome. As you might guess, gravity hinges largely utilize the gravitational force to move the barn door to and from the center. They are fitted with a ramp that helps to open the door and slide it back in place after the closing of the ramp.
On the other hand, spring hinges are equipped with a sturdy internal spring that helps with the operation process. Plus, spring hinges are capable of holding the door in a particular position. Generally, double-action hinges enable the barn door to swing in all directions.
Final Verdict
You do not need to invest in expensive overhead tracking systems for a functional barn door. You can still secure its place using single ordouble-action spring hinges. You only need to consider your preferences as well as the kind of functionality you aim to achieve when choosing the hinges.
