Choosing The Right Cabinet Hinge: A Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing kitchen cabinet hinges can be a confusing and challenging task, especially when it comes to ordering the correct replacement hinge to ensure a proper fit and functionality. There are multiple factors to consider when choosing a replacement hinge, such as the hinge's dimensions, type, material, and finish. Accurate measurements and a basic understanding of the different types of hinges and their applications are crucial to selecting the perfect replacement hinge for your kitchen cabinet. This introduction will provide a step-by-step guide to help you identify the correct hinge type, measure the necessary dimensions, and choose a hinge that matches your cabinet's design and functionality.

Measure the existing hinge's dimensions

To measure the existing hinges, start by removing the hinge from the cabinet door. Then, open the hinge out so that both sides lie flat on the surface. Now, you can measure the width of the hinge. Stretch a tape measure between the outer edges of the leaves and measure the hinge at its widest point. Ensure that you hold the tape measure over the pin in the middle of the hinge. This measurement is the most common one used when shopping for replacement hinges, but it is a good idea to keep track of other measurements as well.

Next, determine the width of each leaf on the hinge. The leaf width is the distance from the central pin to the outer edge of the leaf. You can also measure the corner radius of the hinge to ensure you choose a correctly-sized replacement. To do this, rest a straightedge along the top of the hinge, without letting it rest on the head of the hinge pin. Then, measure the distance from the beginning of the curve to where the corner of the hinge would be if the hinge were square. The hinge corner radius is typically either 1/4 or 5/8 of an inch.

If your cabinet has hinge grooves, you will also need to take size measurements of the grooves to ensure that the new hinges fit in them. To measure the overlay dimension, start by closing the cabinet door and marking the hinge side of the door vertically with masking tape or a pencil. Once you have done this, open the door and you will see that part of the mark is now visible inside the cabinet. Use a tape measure to determine the width of the overlay from the end of the tape to the inside edge of the frame.

Finally, check the diameter of the hole in the door that the current hinge sits in. These are usually 26mm, 35mm, or 40mm for larger hinges. It is important to measure the hole in the door and not the hinge itself, as the hinge may be slightly smaller.

Identify the type of hinge needed

To identify the type of hinge you need for your kitchen cabinet, you must first identify what type of cabinet you have. There are two main types: framed and frameless. Framed cabinets are the more traditional style of American-built cabinets, featuring a frame around the face of the cabinet, like a picture frame. Frameless cabinets, on the other hand, have no frame, allowing you to feel around the entirety of the cabinet opening smoothly. The hinges on framed cabinets are installed on the frame, whereas the hinges on frameless cabinets are installed directly on the inside of the cabinets.

The next step is to determine the overlay type of your cabinet doors. There are two main styles: inset doors and overlay doors. Overlay doors come in two types: partial overlay and full overlay. In partial overlay, the cabinet door partially covers the cabinet box when closed, and the inside wood edge of the cabinet box is exposed when the door is open. For full overlay doors, the entire cabinet opening is covered when the door is closed, and the inside wood edge of the cabinet box is exposed when the door is open. Inset doors, on the other hand, are flush with and on the same plane as the cabinet frame, and the frame surrounds the entire cabinet door.

Now that you know the overlay type of your cabinet doors, you can match them to specific hinges of various dimensions. The most common are 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2". Overlay doors can use demountable hinges (single or double), face mount, flush mount, and full and partial wrap hinges. For full overlay doors, the most common hinges are full and partial wraparound, flush mount, surface mount, and full overlay European. Partial overlay doors use the same types of hinges as full overlay doors. For inset doors, the most common hinges are butt hinges or surface mount, and inset European. Variable overlay hinges are designed for overlay doors on framed cabinets, and they come in three types: partial wrap, full wrap, and butt hinges.

Another factor to consider when choosing a hinge is the opening angle of the cabinet door. The most common opening angles are between 95° and 110°. They may be larger, up to 170° for corner units, or smaller, 40°-50° for half doors that close into a corner.

Finally, you should check the thickness of both the door and the carcass of the cabinet. This will determine the size of the mounting plate needed for the hinge. The most common sizes are 15/16mm or 18/19mm, but various other sizes exist, including plates for glass and plastic doors.

By considering the factors mentioned above, you can identify the type of hinge needed for your kitchen cabinet.

Consider the material and finish

When choosing a replacement hinge for your kitchen cabinet, it is important to consider the material and finish. The material of the hinge can affect its durability, ease of installation, and overall appearance. Here are some common materials used for kitchen cabinet hinges:

• Metal: Metal hinges are a popular choice due to their strength and durability. They are typically made from steel, brass, or aluminium and can be finished in various ways, such as polished, brushed, or painted. Metal hinges are suitable for most kitchen cabinets, but ensure they are rust-resistant, especially in humid environments.
• Plastic: Plastic hinges are lightweight and often more affordable than metal options. They are usually made from durable nylon or polyoxymethylene (POM) and can be found in various colours to match your cabinet style. While plastic hinges may not be as strong as metal ones, they are less likely to cause damage to the cabinet surface if they come into contact.
• Stainless Steel: For a more premium option, stainless steel hinges offer superior corrosion resistance and durability. They are ideal for kitchens located in coastal areas or places with high humidity, as they can withstand moisture without rusting. Stainless steel hinges often have a sleek, modern appearance and can be paired with various cabinet designs.
• Brass: Brass hinges offer a more traditional or vintage aesthetic to your kitchen cabinets. They develop a natural patina over time, which some people desire for an antique look. However, if you prefer the shiny appearance of new brass hinges, you can treat them with a lacquer coating to slow down the patina process.

In addition to the material, consider the finish of the hinge. The finish can impact the hinge's appearance, corrosion resistance, and overall style. Some common finishes include:

• Polished: A polished finish provides a shiny, reflective surface and is often used for metal hinges. It can enhance the natural beauty of the metal and make it easier to clean. Polished hinges are commonly used for exposed hinges to create a decorative accent.
• Brushed: A brushed finish, also known as a satin finish, gives the hinge a subtle sheen without being too reflective. It is created by brushing the metal surface with a fine abrasive, resulting in a soft, smooth texture. Brushed finishes are popular for kitchen cabinets as they hide fingerprints and water spots better than polished finishes.
• Painted: Painted finishes offer a wide range of colour options to match your kitchen cabinet style. They can be applied to metal or plastic hinges and provide an opportunity for customisation. Just ensure that the paint is of good quality and suitable for the material to ensure durability and a smooth finish.
• Antique: An antique finish is designed to mimic the patina of aged metal, giving the hinge a vintage or rustic appearance. It is commonly used on brass or bronze hinges to create an old-world charm. Antique finishes can vary in colour, adding a unique touch to your kitchen cabinets.

When considering the material and finish of your replacement kitchen cabinet hinge, it is important to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Choose a material and finish that complements your cabinet style, but also ensures durability and ease of use. Additionally, don't forget to consider the type of hinge (such as concealed, semi-concealed, or exposed) and the proper fit, as mentioned in the previous sections.

Check the hinge's specifications

When checking the hinge specifications, it is important to note that hinges come in a variety of sizes and types. The type of hinge you need will depend on the application, frequency of use, how the hinge will attach to the surface, the door's construction, and the hinge's finish.

The most common type of hinge used on doors is the butt hinge, which is mortised into the door and frame, allowing the two to butt up against each other. Other types include the ball bearing hinge, spring-loaded hinge, rising butt hinge, barrel hinge, knife hinge, and pivot hinge.

• Width: This is the distance from the end of one leaf to the end of the other leaf when the hinge is fully open. To measure the width, open the hinge fully and measure the distance from the outside of one end to the outside of the other.
• Length or Height: This is the distance from the bottom of the leafs to the top of the leafs. It is also known as the height, as it reflects the height of the hinge. Most hinges have two leaves of equal size.
• Knuckle Length: This is different from the hinge length and refers to the length of each individual section of a hinge's knuckle.
• Pitch: The pitch represents the width of the hinge's knuckle. It is measured by determining the distance across the knuckle.
• Gauge or Thickness: The gauge refers to the thickness of the hinge. A higher gauge indicates a thicker hinge, which is typically stronger and can accommodate heavier objects.
• Corner Type: Hinges can have either square corners or radius corners. Radius corners are more curved, while square corners have a sharp angle.

It is important to take accurate measurements of the hinge specifications to ensure proper fit and functionality. Double-checking your measurements and comparing them to the hinge specifications can save time and effort in the long run.

Identify the existing hardware

Identifying the existing hinge hardware in your kitchen cabinet can be a tricky task, as kitchen cabinet hinges are rarely referred to as "kitchen hinges". They are instead chosen for their special characteristics. Here are some factors to consider when identifying the existing hinge hardware:

Overlay Type

The overlay type refers to how the cabinet door aligns with the cabinet box when closed. The three main types of overlay are full overlay, half overlay, and inset overlay. A full overlay door covers the entire cabinet opening when closed, with the inside edge of the cabinet box exposed when the door is open. Half overlay hinges are for cabinets where the door side edge isn't flush with the cabinet's outer edge, creating a small corner space when the door is closed. Inset overlay doors sit flat against the cabinet side's interior, resulting in a cleaner appearance as the corners are concealed.

Opening Angle

The opening angle is the angle at which the door opens outwards from the cupboard. Common opening angles are between 95° and 110°. However, for corner units, the angle may be larger, up to 170°, while for half doors that close into a corner, the angle may be smaller, around 40° to 50°.

Mounting Plate Connection

Most hinges are either Clip-On or Slide-On. Clip-On hinges are commonly found in kitchens as they simply 'clip' onto the mounting plate when attaching them to the cupboard side, without the need for screws. Slide-On hinges, on the other hand, 'slide' onto the mounting plate and then need to be screw-fixed into position. The thickness of the door and cabinet will determine the size of the mounting plate required.

Hinge Hole Size

Check the diameter of the hole in the door where the current hinge sits. Common sizes are 26mm, 35mm, or 40mm for larger hinges.

Cabinet Frame and Door Thickness

The thickness of the cabinet frame and door will impact the choice of hinge. Concealed hinges, for example, are often chosen for kitchen cabinets to achieve a particular aesthetic.

If you are still unsure about identifying the existing hinge hardware, consider seeking expert advice or using online resources and tools offered by hardware retailers.

Frequently asked questions