Concealed Closet Door Hinges: A 120 Inch High Door Case

“This is part of a residential project in a large walk-in closet. Inside that walk-in closet there is a smaller closet, for which this door is intended.” – Customer, Metairie, LA

It has been a long time since Waterson Hinges received a special residential project with one of the tallest interior closet doors we’ve ever been asked to support: 120” × 28” × 1.75” door weighing ~200 lbs. The design also added complexity: a three-panel door with a mirror and a visible panel finish on the interior.

The question was simple but demanding: Could concealed hinges handle this weight, height, and functionality—while also matching polished brass aesthetics?

Customer Requirement Overview

In his own words, the customer’s goal was clear:

“We particularly appreciate that your hinges provide both: hold-open at 90°—which is crucial—and a soft-close/self-closing mechanism.

…On the inside face, the panels will remain visible, while on the outside face, the door will be covered with a mirror. This makes it function visually as a concealed door.”

The challenge went beyond size. The hinges not only had to support a large closet door, but also carry the added weight of a full mirror finish. They had to deliver a quiet, concealed soft closing action while matching the project’s polished brass aesthetic.

How Many Soft-Close Hinges Are Needed?

In most applications, the rule of thumb is straightforward:

• Doors up to 60 inches typically require 2 hinges.
• From 60 to 90 inches, 3 hinges are the norm.
• Between 90 and 120 inches, 4 hinges are recommended for proper support.

That’s why, for this 120-inch project, we recommended a fifth hinge. The additional hinge ensured that weight was evenly distributed, stability was maintained, and both the 90° hold-open and soft-close actions would remain stable.

When The Fifth Concealed Closet Door Hinges Step In

Waterson recommended moving beyond the standard four-hinge setup. With a 120-inch door weighing nearly 200 lbs and carrying a mirror face, long-term stability could only be guaranteed by using a five-hinge configuration with the spring loaded door hinge design. This adjustment makes sure the door could perform reliably over the years of use.

Here’s what the solution delivered right away:

• Even weight distribution across all five hinges
• Reliable 90° hold-open without stressing the frame
• Smooth soft-close action, even under the mirror load
• A clean concealed look with a Satin Brass finish (closest match to Polished Brass)

How Waterson Concealed Closet Door Hinges Solved the Challenge

Originally engineered for commercial swing doors, the hinge’s internal mechanism adapted seamlessly to the large closet door. Its soft-close motion gently dampened abrupt movement, while the built-in tension allowed the panel to stay securely open or closed with no latch required.

• Stainless Steel: 304 and 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistant marine/exterior use.
• Heavy-Duty Load Capacity: 1,000,000 cycles tested. Built to handle oversized doors beyond 200 lbs.
• Soft Close / Self Closing: Prevents sudden impact, protecting both frame and mirror.
• 90° Hold Open: Essential for usability, delivered reliably.
• Concealed Design: Panels inside, mirror outside—the hinges remain invisible.
• Custom Finish: Polished Satin/Black/Brass/Bronze tailored to the interior scheme.
• Adjustable Tension: Fine-tuned for smooth swing and user comfort.
• Installation: No bulky arms or brackets to disrupt the design.
• Certified Compliance: ANSI/BHMA A156.1; ADA compliance; UL-listed for 3-hr fire doors; NFPA 80 standard.
• Warranty: Indoor is from 5-10 years; Outdoor is from 3-10 years

While the installation video for the concealed closet door is still in production, a similar heavy-duty application can be seen in Waterson’s recent UAE project—a 4.5 m (14.8 ft) gold-finished front door. The same concealed hinge technology delivers smooth, self-closing motion and durability, proving its reliability across both interior and grand exterior designs.

Waterson Self and Soft Closing Concealed Closet Door Hinges

Waterson self closing and soft closing hinges combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.

In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct custom hinge manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.

Request For Information

Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.

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