What hinges and door closer does a metal door need?

A metal door weighs far more than an interior wooden one, and its hardware has to be sized for that weight from the start — it's not a matter of taste, it's about real mechanical strength.

Reinforced hinge: count at least 3

The reinforced hinge for a metal door has greater thickness and load capacity than standard joinery hinges, designed for the weight of a metal or armoured door. Count at least 3 hinges on metal entrance doors because of their weight; on especially heavy or tall doors, consider a 4th intermediate hinge to spread the load better.

Weld-on hinge: for gates and railings without a joinery frame

The weld-on hinge is a pivot element welded directly to the metal structure, usual on gates, railings and new-build doors without a joinery frame. Check the alignment of both parts of the hinge before welding permanently: once welded it can't be readjusted without cutting and repeating the process, unlike a bolted hinge which can be corrected.

Hydraulic door closer: mandatory on fire doors

The hydraulic door closer closes the door automatically after opening, regulating the closing speed. Usual in building entrances, premises and fire doors. On fire doors it is a regulatory element, not a decorative one: it ensures the door closes by itself after each use, fulfilling its compartmentation function in case of fire.

Frequently asked questions

How many hinges does a standard metal entrance door need? At least 3; on especially heavy or tall doors, add a 4th intermediate hinge.

Can I adjust a weld-on hinge after welding it? Not without cutting and repeating the process — alignment must be checked before welding permanently, because afterwards it can't be corrected like a bolted hinge.

Is a door closer mandatory on any building entrance door? On fire doors yes, under fire-compartmentation regulations. On other doors it is a comfort improvement, not a legal requirement.

Conclusion

Sizing the hinges properly for the real weight of the metal door and checking the hinge alignment before welding are details that can't easily be corrected once installed. The door closer on fire doors, moreover, is non-negotiable: it is part of the building's fire safety system.