One of the main questions we get asked at Hinge Outlet is should I purchase stainless steel hinges? This is a very good question. Customers living in areas where there is a lot of moisture are looking for hinges that will hold up to the elements. Stainless steel is typically your best bet for these types of applications.
Most hinges are made of steel and have a finish applied to them. Some of the more popular finishes today are satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze, or antique brass. Although our steel hinges are considered durable under normal conditions, we recommend our customers to consider the following questions related to the hinge material before making a purchase:
- Do you live near the coast? If so, there is generally a lot of salt in the air which will rust the typical steel hinges fairly quickly. You will notice this as early as 2 years after installing the typical steel hinge.
- Will the hinges be for interior or exterior use? If exterior, will the hinges be exposed to the elements? For example, will they go on a shed? If they are covered under a porch, we do not consider the hinges to be exposed more than usual.
- How long do you plan on living in your home or how often are you comfortable replacing your hinges?
- What is your budget?
All of these factors play into your decision to purchase stainless steel hinges. Stainless Steel hinges can last more than 3 -4 times longer than the typical steel hinges with a finish applied to them. Generally, if you live near the coast, plan on installing the hinges exposed to the elements, and are willing to pay for quality that lasts, we do recommend purchasing from our stainless steel hinge line. Stainless Steel does cost at least twice as much then the typical steel hinges, but you need to look at this purchase as an investment in your home and security. Fortunately, we carry a wide variety of stainless hinges including the following:
- Residential Grade
- Commercial Grade – For doors thicker than 1 3/4 inch
- Marine Hinges – Including both 304 and 316 grade stainless steel. 316 grade is top of the line stainless steel and recommended for boats.
- Ball Bearing
- Spring
- Double Acting
- Security
For more information about the types of hinges, you can check out our Hinge Resource Library.
Good luck on your purchase and Contact Us if you need further assistance with your hinge purchase.