Use Piano Hinges to Hang a Door

Below you will learn how to use piano hinges to hang a door and the step-by-step directions for using the hinge itself. A piano hinge is a versatile piece of hardware that's used for hanging small cupboard doors or large doors that hang or attach to your wall.

Measure

The rounded section of the hinge will go between the wall and the door on the outside. You will be mounting it on the inside edge of both the door and the door frame. It is helpful to buy a door that already has a recess for the hinge to fit into. The same goes for the door frame. It will need to fit flush with the edge of the door and the edge of the frame. This can be cut out if you feel it's necessary.

If the door is not notched, you need to measure to the point on the door frame where the hinge will fall. You may find it easier to make this measurement after the hinge is installed on the door. It is best if you have a helper to assist you in holding and measuring. The hinge will be attached to the skinny lengthwise end side of the door, not the front or back of the door. If you need to create recesses in the door for the hinge to sit, you need to first measure their location carefully, including the depth of the hinge. Using an awl or a knife, carefully chip away the size and shape of the hinge. Some people use a router and the proper bit for cutting this type of recess in wood. Be sure that the hinge will fit snugly and don't dig too deeply.

Lay the hinge back into the hole and mark off the top and bottom holes, and do this on the frame as well.

Drill Guide Holes

Drill two guide holes in the wall and the door, using your top and bottom hole points. Use a drill bit 1/16th of an inch smaller than the screws and do not drill very deeply. A depth gauge can assist you in making sure the bit doesn't sink too far into the wood. This will just help to guide you to the right place when installing the hinge.

Insert Screws into Hinge

Begin with your top guide hole and, laying the hinge back in place, insert the screw and tighten loosely. Use light pressure on a drill with a screwdriver bit or use a handheld screwdriver. Do the same to the bottom hole. Using your screwdriver head on the drill, screw all the remaining screws into the holes in the hinge. One side of the hinge should fold over top of the hinge piece you just installed, with the rounded end out.

Attach the Door to the Wall

Have your helper assist you by holding the door firmly while you screw in the top and bottom screws. You can tighten them snugly at this point. The screws should hold the weight of the door, but it isn’t a bad idea to have your helper hold onto the door while you continue to add the remaining screws. Once all the screws have been installed and tightened down, you have finished.