Do you have a wheelchair user in your family or circle of friends? If so, then you know how important it is to have a home that is accessible for them. One way to make your home more accessible is installing handicap expandable door hinges. This post will show you how to widen doorways for wheelchairs with offset hinges.

Standard doors are too narrow for wheelchairs, and they can’t open wide enough to get through.

Getting through doorways can be difficult if you have a wheelchair or walker. An offset hinge allows you to adjust your doors and make it easier for wheelchairs and walkers to get through without removing them. Follow along to learn how to widen a doorway for wheelchair access easily.

Widen doorway by installing offset hinges

Offset hinges extend the width of a door by up to 2 inches so that a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aid can easily pass through. These hinges are simple to install and require no significant re-working of your doorways; they swing the door 90 degrees when opened.

They are also easy to install without hiring a contractor or handyman.

What is an Offset Hinge?

Offset hinges can be a big help for those who need to use a wheelchair, walker, or transfer chair to get around. They swing doors completely clear of the opening, making it easier for those using assistive devices to get through. They are also easy to install and inexpensive, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to widen a doorway.

These hinges are easy to install and affordable, and you can find them at most hardware stores or Amazon.

Offset hinges add approximately two inches of width to most doorways, making them accessible for most wheelchairs, walkers, and transfer chairs.

The Benefits of Installing Offset Hinges on a Doorway

• One of the benefits of installing offset hinges on a doorway is that it can quickly and inexpensively allow barrier access for most wheelchairs, walkers, and transfer chairs.
• These hinges can also help make a doorway wider, as they add 2 inches to most doors. Wider doorways can benefit people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• Offset hinges swing doors completely clear of the opening, so there is no need to worry about getting stuck in the doorway.
• They are also easy to install.

How to Choose an Offset Hinges

There are many different types of these self-aligning offset hinges available. Offset hinges come complete with 2 or 3 adjustable hinge plates that attach easily on both sides of any standard door frame (uprights & jambs).

• Measure the size and style of your current hinges.
• How many holes are in your existing hinges? 3 or 4
• Are the corners rounded or square?
• Measure the size of your existing hinge plates.
• Match the finish of your existing hinges. Bronze, brass, satin nickel, or chrome.

How to Install Offset Hinges in Your Home

You will need:

• Expandable offset hinge
• 1 screwdriver or drill
• 1 pencil
• A pair of pliers or wrench
• Wooden shims (optional)

1. First, remove the pins from your existing door hinges and place the door sideways along a wall for easier access to the door hinges.
2. Remove the existing hinges from the door jam and door. Save all screws.
3. Attach the offset hinge to the door, countersunk holes facing you.
4. Screw into existing holes using the same screws removed in step 1.
5. Attach the second or third offset hinge in the same way.
6. Attach the opposite side of the offset hinge to the door jam using countersunk holes facing you.
7. Use the same screws that were previously used in step 1, and insert them into existing openings.
8. Repeat this procedure to install a second or third offset hinge..
9. Close the door and re-attach the screws/pins to the hinges.
10. Open the door and adjust it to fit your needs.

How easy are they to install and use?

Very easy to install. All you need is a screwdriver or drill. You can also adjust the width of your door by changing the hinge plates on each side of the door frame. Just make sure that the offset hinges you purchase are the same size as your current door hinges.

What type of doorways could this work on- exterior/interior?

His type of Hinge will work on the exterior or interior doorways. You can use them to widen an existing opening for wheelchair access, but they are also great for allowing a door to swing clear of a wall. This universal design makes offset hinges ideal to use anywhere in the home where extra width is needed.  

This product can be used on interior and exterior doorways. Just make sure that the offset hinges you purchase are the same size as your current door hinges.

Q: How many offset hinges will I need for a door?

A: You will need two offset hinges per door for wider doors than standard door widths (36 inches).

Q: What is offset hinge and how do they work?

A: Offset Hinge is an offset hinge that allows you to offset the center post of the Hinge. The offset in opening swings inward or outward from the frame, and offset in closing swings inward or outward from the opening.

Offset Hinges work by offsetting one side of the Hinge away from the cabinet and offsetting another side of the Hinge toward or away from the frame. This creates a wide space in which to swing open and closed.

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Conclusion

This is an easy DIY project that anyone with basic carpentry skills can do in 10 – 30 minutes. It will save you time, money, and hassle.

A wheelchair or scooter costs about $2,000+, so why not protect your investment?

Protect yourself against personal injury by making it easier for people who are pushing a chair or using a cane/walker to navigate doorways in your home.

Video tutorial on how to widen your doorways with offset hinges

The DIY doorway widening project is a great way to save time, money, and hassle.

We recommend offset hinges for the best results. If you’re looking to take on this simple task yourself, we’ve included an Amazon link below where you can purchase them at affordable prices.