Choosing a Cabinet Hinge

Choosing a Cabinet Hinge

A cabinet hinge connects two parts of a cabinet together, allowing them to move and open and close without catching or rubbing against each other.cabinet hinge They are simple mechanical devices that stand up to years of use and abuse, and you can find a wide variety of styles, sizes, and finishes. Knowing the difference between different types of hinges can help you choose the right one for your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom cabinets.

The type of hinge you choose depends on the style of your cabinet door and frame.cabinet hinge If you're working with inset doors, you can choose from a variety of European or concealed hinges that fit inside the door and cabinet frame. For frameless cabinets, you can also select surface mount hinges that attach to the face frame of the cabinet and are not visible from the front of the cabinet.

Before selecting the type of hinge you want to install, measure your cabinet doors and frame.cabinet hinge You'll need to know how much the cabinet door overlaps the frame, known as the overlay, so you can select a hinge that matches in size.

To determine the overlay, measure along the edge of the cabinet door with a tape measure.cabinet hinge Then, using a pencil, make a mark on the hinge side of the door, marking how much the door overlaps the frame. You can use this measurement to identify the size of your hinges and to ensure a perfect fit.

When choosing a hinge, consider the style of your cabinet and how you'd like it to look. European hinges, which can be either full or partial overlay, are a good choice for full-overlay cabinet doors. This type of hinge hides the screw holes, which creates a clean, contemporary aesthetic that allows the hardware to take center stage.

A traditional butt hinge is another option for those who want their hinge to show. These exposed surface-mount hinges can be found in a range of metal colors and finishes to match the cabinetry. They can be a good choice for people who want a rustic or vintage aesthetic or for those who are recreating a period-authentic kitchen on a movie set or in a home that originally had butt hinges.

Another option is a half-crank European hinge, which works well with inset door frames and reveals only 1/2 an inch of the frame when closed. This type of hinge has a small leaf on one side that attaches to the cabinet frame and an angled arm on the other that extends into the door.

If you choose to go with a concealed hinge, it's important to ensure that the mounting plate is the same width as the cabinet door. Otherwise, the hinge won't be able to fit properly in the door frame. To ensure this, you can add up the width of the hinge mounting plate and the overlay and subtract 1/8 inch to get the correct door thickness to match the thickness of the hinge cup.

Tags:35 mm full overlay soft close cabinet hinge | 3d hinge | cabinet accessories