Cabinet Hinges
Cabinet hinges connect doors to cabinet frames or face frames. Available in concealed (European cup), semi-concealed, and surface-mount styles with self-closing, soft-close, and free-swinging options.
Fast Facts
- What Is It?
- Hardware that allows cabinet doors to pivot open and closed. Modern kitchens predominantly use concealed (European-style) hinges; traditional cabinetry uses exposed or semi-concealed types.
- Common Uses
- Kitchen and bath cabinets, built-in furniture, entertainment centers, closet organizers, garage cabinets.
- Cost Range
- Concealed soft-close: $2–$6 each; Surface-mount decorative: $3–$15 each; Specialty (heavy-duty, glass door): $8–$25 each.
- Durability
- Quality concealed hinges rated for 80,000–200,000 cycles. Soft-close dampers typically last 50,000+ cycles.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Types | Concealed (35mm cup), butt, surface-mount, pivot, barrel, knife |
| Cup Diameter | 35mm standard (European); 26mm compact for narrow stiles |
| Opening Angle | 95° standard; 110° wide-opening; 165° bi-fold/special |
| Overlay Types | Full overlay, half overlay, inset (flush) — controls door-to-frame relationship |
| Mounting | Face-frame (clip-on plate); Frameless (cross mounting plate); Euro screw-on |
| Adjustment | 3-way: height ±2mm, depth ±2mm, lateral ±2mm (concealed) |
Concealed (European) Hinges
The 35mm cup hinge revolutionized cabinetry by hiding all hardware behind the door. A cylindrical cup bored into the back of the door connects to a mounting plate on the cabinet frame. Three adjustment screws allow precise door alignment after installation — height, depth, and lateral. Soft-close damping is built into premium models, eliminating door slamming.
Choosing the Right Hinge
Start with the cabinet construction: face-frame or frameless (European). Then determine the door overlay: full, half, or inset. Finally, choose the closing mechanism: soft-close (standard in modern kitchens), self-close (spring-loaded), or free-swinging. Quality brands include Blum, Hettich, Grass, and Salice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between full overlay and half overlay hinges?
Full overlay hinges position the door to cover the entire face frame opening with minimal gap (typically 1/8" between doors). Half overlay hinges position the door to cover half the frame width, allowing two doors to share a center stile. Inset hinges position the door flush within the frame opening.
How many hinges does a cabinet door need?
Doors up to 40" tall: 2 hinges. Doors 40"–60": 3 hinges. Doors over 60": 4 hinges. Heavy doors (solid wood, glass) may need an additional hinge. Space hinges 2"–3" from top and bottom edges, with additional hinges evenly spaced between.