Enhancing the appearance and functionality of cabinet doors often involves installing or replacing cabinet hinges, especially if the doors exhibit sagging, looseness, or incomplete closure. Whether you’re installing new cabinet doors or addressing existing issues, cabinet hinge installation is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
When to Consider Installing New Cabinet Hinges:
- Cabinet doors fail to remain fully closed.
- Doors hang unevenly.
- One or more hinges are damaged.
- Installing new cabinets.
- Installing new cabinet doors.
Additionally, if your surface-mount hinges are visible on the exterior of the cabinet door, you might opt to replace them to alter your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Matching Hinge Types to Cabinet Construction:
To select the appropriate cabinet hinges, determine whether your cabinets have framed or frameless construction, as different hinge types suit each construction method.
For Face-Frame Cabinets:
These are the most common cabinets in the US, featuring a frame attached to the cabinet box edges, partially covering the front opening. Hinges for face-frame cabinets attach to this front frame, requiring face frame hinges for installation.
For Frameless Cabinets:
Also known as European or euro-style cabinets, these lack a front frame covering the cabinet box. Hinges for frameless cabinets attach directly to the cabinet boxes, necessitating frameless or European hinges for installation.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Hinges for Door Fit:
Once you’ve determined the cabinet construction, consider whether concealed or surface-mount hinges best suit your needs, as well as whether overlay or inset hinges are preferable.
Concealed vs. Exterior Surface-Mounted Hinges:
- Concealed hinges: These mount to the cabinet or frame interior and door interior, remaining invisible on the cabinet or door exterior. Though installation requires cutting a mortise in the door for each hinge, concealed hinges offer a sleek appearance and adjustability for minor door fit adjustments.
- Exterior surface-mounted hinges: These attach to the cabinet and door face, offering simpler installation than concealed hinges, as no mortise cutting is necessary. However, adjustments after installation are typically limited.
By understanding your cabinet construction and hinge options, you can ensure a successful cabinet hinge installation or replacement, improving both the look and functionality of your cabinets.
Overlay versus Inset Cabinet Hinges:
Cabinet hinges are categorized as overlay hinges or inset hinges, reflecting how the door fits to the cabinet box. It’s essential to choose hinges that match your door fit requirements. For instance, if your cabinet doors feature a 1/2-inch overlay, ensure you select 1/2-inch overlay hinges.
In cabinets with full overlay, the cabinet door covers the cabinet box edge. Full overlay hinges are designed to allow the door to open without interference from the cabinet box edge.
Inset cabinet doors are installed so that the door faces align flush with the cabinet frames or edges, making this part of the cabinet visible. For inset cabinet doors, inset hinges are necessary to enable the door to pivot without contacting the cabinet.
Partial overlay and partial inset doors are also possible, as depicted in illustrations of exterior surface-mounted hinges. If you have partial overlay or inset doors, hinges specific to that design are required for proper door operation.
Replacing or Installing Cabinet Hinges:
The process of installing cabinet hinges differs based on whether you’re replacing hinges on cabinets with existing doors or installing hinges on new cabinet doors.
Replacing Cabinet Hinges:
When replacing hinges, compatible new hardware should be readily available. For example, replacing concealed hinges with compatible new hinges involves removing the existing hardware, installing the new hinges, and adjusting them to align and fit the door correctly. The placement of the existing hinges can serve as a guide for the new hardware.
Installing Hinges for New Cabinet Doors:
Installing concealed hinges for new doors is slightly more complex, often requiring measurement and boring a hinge cup hole or mortise. A cabinet hinge installation jig simplifies this process.
Installing surface-mount hinges on new doors involves more measurement compared to replacing existing hinges, as there is no existing placement to match.
Concealed Hinge Cup Size:
When replacing concealed hinges requiring mortises, ensure the new hinges have the same cup size as the existing ones. The most common cup size for kitchen cabinets is 35mm, though smaller hinges may feature a 26mm cup.
Installation Steps for Cabinet Hinges:
Below are general steps for replacing concealed cabinet hinges, along with variations for installing new hinges and external surface-mounted hinges. These steps cover common installations, but always follow the instructions provided with your hinges.
Having a helper support the cabinet doors during work is advisable, and ensure you have a suitable workspace to avoid damage. Additionally, empty your cabinets before beginning the installation process.
