Determining What Kind of Cabinet Hinge You Need

With the endless range of options, it can be challenging to know what kind of hinge you need for your new kitchen cabinets. Despite that, the door and cabinet style type will help you narrow down your choices. That said, the focus of this article is to give you a few tips on determining what kind of cabinet hinge you need.

Consider the Type of Door

There are four main types of doors: overlay door, partial inset door, full inset door, and offset door. Each one has its own unique hinge choice. Overlay doors have their back edge flush with the cabinet’s front face. Partial inset doors leave an opening in the front face of the door that allows access to the cabinet’s interior while still allowing the door to close completely. Full inset doors allow access to the inside of the cabinet without any openings at all. Offset doors are those that sit slightly off-center from the centerline of the cabinet.

Do You Require Concealed or Exposed Hinges?

The location of the hinge’s installation will determine whether you should leave them hidden or visible. If you want the hinges to be invisible, you’ll need a concealed hinge. People typically use concealed hinges when installing over-the-door cabinets because they provide a more finished look. However, if you don’t mind having the hinges exposed, you can choose from two other common styles: surface mount or mortise hinges.

Do You Want Surface Mount or Mortise Hinges?

Surface mount hinges are those that attach directly to the surface of the cabinet. These are usually on drawer fronts and are typically for decorative purposes. Mortise hinges are generally less expensive than surface mount hinges. They have two plates that attach to the edges of the cabinet and its door and require you to create recesses for them to fit in those edges. The swiveling section is visible when the cabinet doors close.

Do You Need Motion Features?

Motion features include both swivel and tilt. Swivel hinges allow the door to swing open and closed, and tilt hinges allow the door to rotate up and down. Both of these features are great for adding functionality to your cabinetry.

Find the Right Dealer

Find someone who sells high-quality products. Look for a company that offers warranties, free shipping, and returns. Also, make sure that they offer wholesale cabinet hinges, as Craft Supply does. This way, you can get what you need.

Determining what kind of cabinet hinge you need isn’t always easy. But by using the above guidelines, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect hinge for your project.