Cabinet Hinges come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. It’s important to pick the right hinge type to get the final look you want for your cabinet project.
There are two main factors to consider when choosing a cabinet hinge – the cabinet construction type and the cabinet door overlay. This article will discuss how to determine each of these characteristics so that you can choose the correct hinge.
Inset Hinges:
When it comes to cabinet hinges there are a lot of options. Knowing what type of hinge you need can help narrow down your options. Knowing the specific cabinet door style you are working with can also help. This can help hone your hinge selection choices to special features and finishes based on your design needs and tastes.
For instance, if you are working with a face frame cabinet, you must choose inset hinges. These are hinges that have one side that attaches to the frame and the other to the cabinet door. This type of hinge is available in a range of sizes and styles to fit different types of cabinets. Some inset hinges even have decorative designs to match the style of your cabinet doors.
In addition, if you are working with a frameless cabinet, you must choose a concealed hinge. These hinges are not visible from the front of your cabinet and can be used with frameless and face frame cabinets. In order to find the right concealed hinge for your cabinets you will need to know what your overlay size is.
This can be determined by laying a piece of tape across the face of the cabinet door (without a center divider) and measuring from the edge of the tape to the edge of the opening of the cabinet.
There are several other types of hinges that can be used with either face frame or frameless cabinets, including surface mount and mortise hinges. Surface mount hinges are attached to the surface of the cabinet and do not require a hole to be drilled. Mortise hinges are recessed into the cabinet and can require some time and attention to detail when installing them.
Surface Mount Hinges:
Choosing the right hinges for your cabinet doors is important because it can help ensure that they open and close smoothly and securely. These little pieces of hardware come in many different sizes and styles to fit your needs, and knowing how each type works can help you choose the right ones for your project.
The first thing you’ll need to consider is the size of your door overlay. Overlay refers to how much of the door sits on top of the cabinet frame when it’s closed. The best way to measure your door’s overlay is to lay a piece of tape on the face of the door (without the center divider) and then use the tape to mark where it meets the cabinet frame opening.
Next, you’ll need to decide whether you want your hinges concealed or surface mounted. Concealed hinges mount on the partition between the cabinet door and frame, meaning they won’t be visible from the outside when the door is closed. They also come in a variety of finishes and decorative designs to match your cabinet doors.
Surface mount hinges are a quick and easy option, as they don’t require you to recess them in the frame or door. They’re also available in a variety of finishes and can be used with either frame or face frame cabinet doors.
If you’re planning on using your hinges with a frameless cabinet, you may need to purchase flush hinges. These are similar to butt hinges, as they also attach to the partition between the cabinet door and frame, but they don’t require a mortise in the frame or door. They also take up less room inside the door, so you can choose a hinge with a smaller profile to fit your space.
Butt Hinges
Butt hinges are a popular option for cabinet doors because they can be used on both overlay and inset styles. They do not require the recessed or mortise hole needed for surface mount hinges and work best on wood cabinet doors with an overlay of 1/4 to 1 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm).
Butt hinges consist of two mounting plates (also called leaves) that are held together by a hinge pin. One leaf is attached to the door, and the other is mounted to a fixed part, such as a cabinet jamb or door frame.
To determine which type of butt hinge you need, measure the door’s overlay with a tape measure and mark where the hinge will be placed. Next, add the hinge plate’s width and pin size to find the right cabinet hinge for your doors. To avoid overbuying, take the hinges with you to your hardware or furniture store so employees can recommend a matching pair.
Hinges come in a wide variety of finishes and can be found at most hardware stores. Many manufacturers also offer custom hinges for specific applications. They are easy to maintain, but be sure to lubricate them regularly with lightweight oil like WD-40. This will prevent metal-to-metal friction that can cause squeaks or binding.
The different types of cabinet hinges can seem overwhelming, but once you know your cabinet design and door overlay style you can narrow down the options based on special features, styles, and finishes that fit your space.
Choosing the correct cabinet hinges will help to ensure that your door opens and closes smoothly without dragging or sticking. Remember to inspect your hinges periodically for loose screws and other signs of wear or damage.
Flush Hinges:
Cabinet hinges come in a variety of styles, sizes, and finishes. The right hinge can greatly affect your cabinets’ look and functionality. The two main characteristics that determine what kind of hinge you need are your cabinet construction type and the style of your cabinet door. Once you know both of these, choosing the correct hinge becomes much easier.
Your cabinet construction type will determine the size of the hinge you need to purchase. If you have face frame cabinets, you’ll need to use butt or inset hinges, while if you have frameless cabinets, you’ll need a surface mount or concealed hinges.
When determining the size of the hinge you need you should also consider what kind of overlay your cabinet doors have. Overlay refers to how much the cabinet door overlaps the frame when closed, and you can measure this using a tape measure.
You can also look at the mounting plate that comes with your hinges to see what size overlay they have and then compare this to the overlay of your cabinet doors to ensure you’re getting the correct hinges for your project.
When fitting flush hinges, it’s important to take the time to mark up and drill guide holes before you start fastening the hinges in place. This will help ensure your hinges are fitted correctly and don’t cause any issues down the line.
Lastly, it’s always recommended that you test your hinges to ensure they open and close easily and smoothly. The last thing you want is for your hinges to become squeaky or sticky, which can often be resolved with a little lubrication.
Wrap Around Hinges:
The hinge is a small piece of hardware, but it can make a big difference in the look and functionality of cabinet doors and drawers. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and finishes, making it important to know what you’re looking for before buying your cabinet hinges.
There are a few broad categories of hinges: surface mount, mortise, and wrap-around. Surface mount hinges attach to the surface of the cabinet door or frame and are typically a flat color. Surface mount hinges are easy to install and do not require a mortise hole or mounting block in the cabinet.
A butt hinge is a traditional style of cabinet hinge that is visible and often used for more rustic or vintage-style cabinets. They have two sides that fan out and connect to the joint, and they are available in many different colors, textures, and finishes. They can be used with face frames or frameless cabinets and can hold a range of door weights.
Strap hinges get their name from the way they look — they have long wings that wrap around where a door meets the cabinet frame. They also have a variety of colors, textures, and finish options to match the look of your cabinet doors. They can be used with face frames and frameless cabinets, but they are best for use with face frame cabinets with a full overlay door.
The wraparound design of the hinge spreads out the weight of the cabinet door over a larger area, which makes them a good choice for heavy or large doors. There are both full and partial wraparound hinges, so you can choose the one that works best for your situation.
