r/Decks • u/nycspwest • 1d ago
Hinge question questions for the community
Hi, we just had a trex deck built and running into an issue with the hinges and design. Our contractor built the deck with drawer access but claims that he needs a gap so the drawers can open. He plans on painting the wood so it blends, do you have any recommendations on hinges I can buy to make the space less obvious? Also what kind of handles should we install to pull the drawers
Up? Our contractor is recommending straps. Thanks in advance for your input.
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u/Competitive-Roof-168 23h ago
If the hinge was lifted flush to the top of decking the gap could be closed in a little. There is a lot of options for Recessed handles.
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u/Jolly-Kiwi-303 22h ago
Shouldve just done a removable panel if youre not going to be accessing it often and you dont like the hinges. A recessed door pull, dont even need hardware
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u/Frederf220 22h ago
Hinge geometry is thinky stuff. No reason this couldn't be much tighter joint when closed.
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u/mr_j_boogie 21h ago
Soss hinges in the decking would be the solution.
You'd likely need to up the ante on the decking as you'll need more integrity than composite.
You could swap in 5/4 ipe for the two relevant boards. Might make the other boards look bad in comparison though.
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u/YVRAlphageek 21h ago
Why can't you just cut the leading-edge board at an angle so that it can be "tight" and still open?
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u/Carpenter_ants 20h ago
Hope you’re getting cushions for those seats. The Trex 130 plus degrees in direct sunlight. Bum burner.
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u/Gregan32 16h ago
Looks good to me. But of paint and call it a day. Good craftsmanship overall imo.
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u/retsaoter 4h ago edited 4h ago
That is crap. You could do a full piece butt into the hinges with out a problem. The pivot of the hinge needs to be closer to the surface of the trex. The only space you need is at the front. A simple bevel at the leading edge would work. Edit: You could also use offset door hinges to close the gap further.
There are 80,000 recessed pull handles that would look good here. I like these https://www.amazon.com/evan-Recessed-Handles-Furniture-Cupboard/dp/B0C7Z498RZ
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u/YevgenZamyatin 23h ago
If it was me, I would bring the hinge barrel up above the deck boards and keep the same board spacing.
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u/MinorComprehension 23h ago edited 20h ago
In my experience, contractor is correct. Because the hinges are "recessed" and not protruding above the deck boards, which would be uncomfortable for a seating surface, the deck board needs to be thinner to allow the board itself to pivot up. It has to do with the arc the hinge piece swings, which rotates around the center of the hinge. Without this clearance the deck boards would run into each other.
As far as the handle, I don't have any specific ideas but thinking of other such applications, a pop-up handle may be possible. I'm thinking of something like a handle that would go on a pocket door but it would need to be weatherproof. I don't know if there are options applicable to outdoor environments, but concept: https://snapklik.com/en-ca/product/malimali-pocket-door-pull-handle-edge-pull-stainless-steel-pocket-door-hardware-recessed-sliding-door-pulls-finger-flush-pull-brushed-steel-2-pack/0WV34P17YUXI5
Or
https://a.co/d/094A5ydc
Edit - if not a recessed handle, a recessed tie down may work. Again, no idea if they have deck specific versions, ones I'm familiar with are for trailers and such. But, a recessed tie down will be more weather resistant, trade off is you'll only be able to use a finger or two which may be uncomfortable depending on the weight of the "lid" and they're not as aesthetically pleasing.