Wall mount hinges are used on many glass showers, including the popular in-line door and panel layout. When ordering hinges for your glass shower project, it is important to pick products with the options and features that match your preferences and the project specifications. Our Glass Simple team can draw on decades of industry experience to help you find the most appropriate hardware for each installation. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at your wall mount hinge options.

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How do I know if I need standard or heavy-duty hinges?

Standard wall mount hinges are suitable for most jobs. For example, our GEN0F hinges can accommodate a maximum door weight of 80 lb. and width of 28” if 2 hinges are used, and a maximum door weight of 120 lb. and width of 32” if 3 hinges are used. Thus, if your door falls within such parameters, you can safely use a standard duty hinge.

However, if the door weight or width exceeds the capacity of standard wall mount hinges, you’ll want to order heavy duty alternatives that can support wider, heavier doors. Glass Simple’s VER0F, for instance, is a heavy duty hinge that is suitable for doors up to 110 lb. and 36” wide with 2 hinges, and up to 140 lb. and 36” wide with 3 hinges.

What are the differences between full back plates and offset back plates on hinges?

The back plate is the part of the hinge that is attached to the bathroom wall. Comparable full and offset back plates have the same dimensions; what is different is their position relative to the hinge body (the part that attaches to the glass panel).

A full back plate:

• Is centered behind the hinge body.
• Is attached to the wall with four screws, two on each side of the hinge body.

Because of these features, it is more balanced than an offset back plate, which means less flex. At the same time, two of the installation screws will be visible from outside the shower enclosure.

On the other hand, an offset back plate:

• Is flush with hinge body on one side and extends out from it on the other.
• Is attached to the wall with two screws, both on the portion of the back plate that extends out beyond the hinge body.

Being held in place by two screws on only one side, a hinge with an offset back plate can have a bit more flex. However, no hinge screws will be visible from outside the shower. Also, if your customer wants the door installed near the edge of the tile, an offset back plate allows you to achieve this without driving screws close to the tile’s edge.

Bottom line, the choice between full and offset back plates is determined by a combination of your preferences and the customer’s desired look.

I see 0 degree hinges and 5 degree hinges – what is the difference?

This distinction relates to how firmly the door panel closes against the strike jamb. With 0 degree hinges, the door closes 90 degrees perpendicular to the wall on which it is mounted. With 5 degree hinges, on the other hand, the closed position is 5 degrees inside the centerline, so the door shuts with positive pressure against the strike seal. Note that a strike seal is required with 5 degree hinges to keep the edge of the door from swinging inside the enclosure when shut. (5 degree hinges are sometimes described as having a “5 degree offset” or “5 degree inset.”)

We recommend using a 5 degree hinge on installations with a vinyl stop in order to ensure firm door closure. If a 0 degree is used, there could be a small gap between the stop and the door edge, leading to leaks. 5 degree hinges are not recommended for use with a bulb seal, though, so you’ll want a 0 degree hinge if the door is going to open both ways.

Note that Glass Simple hinges have reversible pins, so you can turn a 0 degree into a 5 degree and vice versa. See how in our video guide.

What should I know about finishes and profiles when ordering hinges?

The features we’ve discussed so far relate to hinge functionality and suitability for a given installation. Next, we’ll answer FAQs about the aesthetic considerations that also come into play when ordering wall mount hinges.

Q: Should I choose beveled or square profile hinges?

A: Both styles are used in bathroom design today. It’s up to you whether to simply offer one profile or to give your customers this choice. If you’re leaving it up to the client, it can be helpful to share that a square profile offers a more modern look, while a beveled edge is more traditional. What’s most important is to match the edges on all the clamps and hinges used on a given shower enclosure.

Q: What if my customer has chosen other hardware in a non-standard finish?

A: If you aren’t able to exactly match your client’s faucet/shower head finish, there are a couple possible approaches. In some cases, a standard finish matches closely enough to deliver a cohesive look. For example, depending on the brands involved, brushed bronze shower hardware can be a reasonably close match for champagne bronze fixtures inside the stall. On the other hand, many modern designers are embracing the idea of using multiple finishes in one space – mixed metals. Going this route, your customer would choose door hardware in a finish that complements and contrasts with the faucet/shower head finish. Matte black hardware, for instance, is neutral and thus looks very nice alongside most specialty finishes.

Q: Are there any pitfalls to watch out for when choosing the finishes for my hinges and other hardware?

A: To avoid mismatches, keep in mind that the same finish can look different coming from different brands. For example, we’ve noticed that FHC’s brushed bronze may be a bit darker than Glass Simple’s. You also want to read descriptions carefully, noting not only the color but the sheen. For example, polished nickel is glossier than brushed nickel, and combining these finishes on the same enclosure would not deliver a cohesive look.

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Can I get help with specific questions about hinges and other hardware?

Absolutely! The Glass Simple staff is happy to provide personalized customer care whether over the phone or in our shop. Call us at (571)707-7760 or stop by 8395 Euclid Ave. Bay A in Manassas Park, VA. Check out our YouTube channel for video guides on shower installation, hardware adjustments, and more and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for weekly pro tip videos.