I'm trying to figure out how to select the right hinges for a lid on my garden chest. I'm not sure how big or how many hinges are necessary based on the weight they need to support. Does anyone have any guidelines or general advice on this?
3 Answers
For your garden chest lid, I'd recommend using two sturdy hinges. The key here is not just the weight but how often the lid will be opened and closed; you want something durable. Try to pick hinges that are rust-resistant since they’ll be outdoors.
Just a heads up, the application matters a lot! For instance, there's a difference between hinges for a vertical door compared to a lid that rests horizontally. In your case, since the lid will rest on the chest, you might not have to worry much about weight as there isn't much stress on the hinge when it's open. But if it were a door loaded with heavy tools, then weight becomes a bigger factor.
When I tackle a similar project, I usually look for images or examples online that are close to what I’m building. Those help me estimate what hinges to use. Also, when you're unsure, it's better to go a bit heavier-duty than what you think you might need.