Where do you put hinges on a wood screen door?

Figuring out where to put hinges on a wood screen door is an important decision that requires some thought. The location of the hinges will impact how the door opens and closes, how much stress is put on the hinges, and the overall look and functionality of the door. In this article, we’ll go over the key factors to consider when determining hinge placement on a wood screen door. We’ll also provide recommendations on optimal hinge locations based on common screen door sizes and styles.

Consider the Swing Direction

The first thing you’ll want to think about is which direction you want the door to swing. Most exterior doors swing inward for security and weatherproofing reasons. However, screen doors often swing outward to allow more clearance on porches and patios.

Determine how you intend to use the door and what makes the most sense for your home before settling on a swing direction. The hinges will need to be placed on the opposite side from the swing. So if the door will swing out, the hinges go on the interior side of the frame and vice versa.

Hinge Location for Inward Swinging Doors

For screen doors that swing inward, the rule of thumb is to put two hinges evenly spaced along the exterior side of the door frame. The hinges should be centered vertically on the door.

Place the top hinge 4-6 inches down from the top of the door frame. Put the bottom hinge the same distance up from the bottom. The distance between the two hinges depends on the height of the door but usually ranges from 24-36 inches.

This traditional hinge placement allows the door to swing freely without hitting the door casing. It also enables the weight of the door to be evenly distributed, preventing sagging or misalignment over time.

Hinge Placement for Outward Swinging Doors

Outward swinging screen doors need hinges on the interior side of the frame since the door will open into the home rather than out.

For these doors, it is best to use three hinges instead of two. Place the top and bottom hinges at the same 4-6 inch distance from the top and bottom edges. Put the third “center” hinge halfway between the other two.

Using three hinges helps transfer the weight more effectively and minimizes the stress on the individual hinges when the door opens out. The extra support also reduces twisting or racking of the door on its hinges over years of use.

Adjust for Off-Center Doors

Sometimes screen doors are made to be off-center, with one side of the frame wider than the other. This allows the door to open fully without hitting walls, railings, or other obstructions on the narrow side.

In this case, the hinge placement should be adjusted to account for the off-centered design. Shift the bottom hinge slightly closer to the wide side of the frame. Move the top hinge slightly closer to the narrow side. This evens out the weight distribution and keeps the door aligned properly when closed.

You may need to experiment with the exact hinge placement to get the right balance for an off-center door. Check that it hangs evenly and doesn’t sag or rub against the casing.

Use Appropriate Hinge Size

An important factor in hinge placement is selecting hinges designed for the size and weight of the screen door. Standard interior door hinges are too small for exterior screen doors, which are heavier and thicker than interior doors.

Here are some hinge size guidelines based on common screen door dimensions:

Screen Door Size	Recommended Hinge Size
32″ x 80″	4″ hinges
36″ x 80″	4″ hinges
36″ x 84″	4.5″ hinges

Using hinges sized for the door prevents strain or loosening over time. Position the hinges in the optimal locations according to the door’s size, weight and swing direction.

Allow Proper Door Clearance

When determining hinge placement, be sure to mount them so the hanging door will clear surrounding casings and trim work. Standard screen door sizes usually require a gap of at least 1/2″ between the door and any trim or wall on the hinge side when closed.

This prevents the door from rubbing or catching on the trim when it swings. It also compensates for minor settling or movement of the house over time.

If the casing is especially thick or ornate, allow a 3/4″ clearance gap. Check for adequate clearance by temporarily propping the door in the frame before installation.

Accommodate Latches and Handles

The location of latches, handles, and other hardware should also be taken into account when positioning hinges. Be sure the hinges allow proper clearance for the door hardware.

For inset screen doors, make sure the handle and latch won’t hit the door casing when opening and closing. Hinges that are too low can cause the bottom of the door with the hardware to swing too close to the frame.

On overlapping doors, account for the latch edge needing to sit over the exterior door casing. Place hinges so the door can overlap the casing while fully closing and sealing.

Use Multiple Hinge Styles

While most screen doors use standard butt hinges, there are a few other hinge options to consider:

Spring Hinges

Spring hinges contain a tension coil that pulls the door closed from any open position. This eliminates the need for a latch and automatically closes the door after use.

Spring hinges should be mortised or partially recessed into the door and frame. Make sure they are properly aligned and oriented so the spring action works in the intended direction.

Continuous Hinges

Continuous or piano hinges are long hinges that run nearly the full length of the door. This provides maximum stability and support. Use three fasteners per hinge section for security.

Position continuous hinges with equal sections on the door and frame. Make sure the hinge pin holes align correctly between the two parts.

Pivot Hinges

Pivot hinges for screen doors feature a ball-and-socket joint. One plate attaches to the top and bottom of the door, while the other screws into the frame header and threshold.

Pivot hinges allow the door to swing open in both directions. Place them carefully so the pivoting motion has adequate clearance from the casing.

Use Jigs and Templates

One technique that helps simplify proper hinge placement is using a jig or template when installing the hinges.

You can create a quick jig by cutting blocks of scrap wood to the exact size needed to position the hinges. For example, cut a 4 inch block to locate the hinge the proper distance from the top and bottom of the door.

There are also hinge templates available that fit common hinge sizes and spacing. These template guides ensure all hinges go in the right position.

Transfer hinge locations from the template or jig to the screen door frame with a pencil before drilling pilot holes and fastening the hinges.

Tips for Hanging the Door

Once you have the hinges in the optimal position for proper door function, there are a few tips to ensure the door hangs correctly:

– Shim hinges if needed to adjust door position and alignment. Plastic or wooden shims can fine tune the fit.

– Use a level and carpenter’s square to check that the door is plumb and square in the frame. Adjust hinges as needed.

– Make sure no hinge screws are penetrating into the interior of the door frame, to avoid prying the frame apart.

– Use all hinge screw holes for maximum security and stability. Apply thread adhesive for permanent bonds.

– Check for smooth operation after installing. The door should open and close freely without friction or resistance.

Conclusion

Determining the best location for hinges on a wood screen door requires careful planning. Follow general placement guidelines based on swing direction and door size. Adjust locations as needed to accommodate hardware, clearance, weight distribution and aesthetics. Use proper sized hinges and hang the door with care to ensure smooth, long lasting operation. With the hinges thoughtfully positioned, your new wood screen door will function beautifully for years to come.