Hinge Back Plate: How to Mount Side Mount Hinges on the Wall

When a gate has no post, and all you see is a 1-1/2″ stainless steel tube welded into a cable-railing frame, the mounting challenge becomes very real. One contractor from California faced exactly this: a 36″ H × 26″ W panel, cable-railing frame, no post, and a requirement for self-closing + hold-open, all mounted to a wall.

His question was simple, but the implications weren’t:

“Can your side-mount hinges be mounted directly on wood wall — and do I need a hinge back plate?”

This is where the hinge back plate design becomes critical.

Can Side Mount Hinges Be Mounted on a Wall?

Yes — side-mount self-closing hinges can be installed on walls, provided the hinge uses a structural back plate engineered for uneven surfaces and non-post conditions.

How the Hinge Back Plate Works (Based on the Actual Hinge Drawing)

Using the K51W side-mount hinge as a reference:

• The back plate is the load-bearing interface between the hinge body and the wall substrate.
• It carries three structural mounting holes spaced across a 6.06″ vertical span, allowing proper shear load distribution.
• The hinge body attaches to the back plate via the three through-bolts shown in the A–A section, which clamp the hinge securely against the plate.
• When mounted on, the back plate becomes the “pseudo-post” that absorbs torque when the gate closes under spring tension.

How the Hinge Back Plate Mounts to a Wood Wall

From the drawing and installation mechanics:

• The plate is anchored using your fasteners.
• The installer lays out three anchor points aligned with the back-plate pattern.
• Once the back plate is anchored, the hinge is bolted to the plate using the internal M6 fasteners shown in the technical section.

This creates a rigid, stable plane even when the wall surface is irregular, which is typical for block walls. But the substrate capability is only half the question. The contractor also asked the following question.

Do I Need a Hinge Back Plate, and Can I Make My Own?

Yes, you need the back plate for any side-mount wall installation. Without a gate post, all the hinge torque goes straight into the wall, and the back plate spreads that load, keeps the hinge aligned, and prevents long-term shifting.

And yes, you can make your own plate—as long as it matches the drill pattern and thickness from the hinge drawing and uses proper material like 316 stainless steel. The hinge will bolt to your custom plate the same way it bolts to ours.

However, we do not guarantee performance if any issues arise from a custom plate.

Are Side Mount Hinges Durable Enough for Exterior Environments

Yes. Exterior performance comes down to material, and stainless steel 304 and 316 are what make side-mount hinges hold up outdoors.

• 304 stainless steel handles general weather, UV, and daily moisture.
• 316 stainless steel adds molybdenum for high corrosion resistance in coastal, poolside, or chemical environments.

With either grade, the hinge body, fasteners, and back plate resist rust, pitting, and structural fatigue—allowing the hinge to maintain torque, alignment, and self-closing force over long-term exterior use.

Side Mount Self Closing Hinges That Outperform

Waterson side mount self closing hinges combine structural support, corrosion resistance, and stable self-closing performance for wall-mounted or railing-mounted gates.

• Side Mount Back Plate for wood, concrete, metal, or uneven wall conditions.
• Self Closing: Integrated closer and spring mechanism with optional hold-open, adjustable tension, and controlled closing speed.
• Stainless Steel: Built in 304 or 316 SST for high durability and corrosion resistance in moisture- or salt-exposed environments.
• 4″ Thickness Adaptability: Extender options for tube frames, offsets, or deep gate profiles.
• Temperature: Mechanical spring system (no hydraulic fluid) ensures dependable closing in sub-zero climates.
• Adjustable Tension: Fine-tune based on seasonal changes or operational needs.
• Heavy Duty: Tested to 1,000,000 cycles to BHMA A156.17 Grade 1 performance.
• Low Maintenance: No hydraulic fluid, no leaks, minimal service over long-term use.
• Wide Application: Performs reliably in hotels, hospitals, schools, transit facilities, and cold-exposed commercial entries.

Waterson Heavy Duty Side Mount Self Closing Gate Hinges

Waterson side mount gate 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 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.

Recent Post