Choosing the right cabinet hardware and installing it correctly can make using your cabinets easy. Incorrect installation, on the other hand, can cause issues with added stress on the cabinet, more wear and tear, and an experience that’s less than smooth.
At Eagle Woodworking, we want to help you install cabinet hinges easily, so you can get the most out of your cabinet performance. This cabinet door hinge guide will walk you through how to install cabinet hinges correctly.
Understanding Cabinet Hinge Types and Their Applications
There are lots of different types of cabinet hinges, but they fall into three general categories—concealed, overlay, and inset. The hinges can be used with both frameless and face-frame cabinets, so your choice will depend on how hard it is to install them and the final look you want to achieve.
|
Hinge Type |
Best For |
|
Concealed |
Sleek and simple designs, modern cabinetry with hidden hadware |
|
Semi-Concealed |
Framed cabinets that want to show off some hardware for decorative purposes |
|
Exposed |
Older cabinet styles, heavy door applications |
Hinges will be specific to frameless or face-frame cabinets and inset or overlay doors. Before you choose your hinges, you’ll need to know the type of cabinet and doors you have because face-frame hinge installation will differ slightly from frameless hinge installation.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Forstner drill bit or concealed hinge jig
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Preferred hinges
- Pencil
- Painter’s tape
How to Install Cabinet Hinges: 4 Easy Steps
These general steps walk you through installing concealed hinges. Before drilling any holes, make sure you’ve gone through each step and read through the manufacturer’s instructions to get any information specific to the type of hinge you chose.
Installation will be a bit different depending on the door placement and whether the cabinets are frameless or face-frame. This may take a bit of trial and error, so read through these directions and figure out how they apply to your cabinets and hinges.
Step 1: Measuring and Marking Hinge Placement
The first step in this project is to measure and mark the hinge placement. The installation instructions will include a cabinet hinge placement guide that will show the hinge boring distance. Hinges are usually spaced about 3 inches from the top and bottom of the cabinet door. You can adjust this measurement if there are any obstructions, like a drawer inside the cabinet, or if the door is large and needs additional hinges to support its weight.
You can fit the hinge into place to get an idea of what it will look like and where the best placement is. Then you can double check your measurements with the instructions and make you marks for where to drill pilot holes. Make sure to record your measurements, so you can install the hinges in the same location on all of the cabinets.
Step 2: Drilling Pilot Holes or Using a Hinge Jig
After you measure for the hinge location, start to fit the hinge into place by drilling pilot holes. Use a hinge jig or a 35 millimeter Forstner drill bit set to ½ inch depth to bore the hinge cup hole into the door.
When this is done, place the hinge in position and drill pilot holes where the screws will go. A 5/16 inch bit will work with some hinges, but always refer to the instructions to be sure. Pre-drilling the holes will stop the wood from cracking or tearing out when you start the screws. When you predrill the holes, make sure that you don’t go too far and poke out through the front of the cabinet face.
Step 3: Mounting Hinges to Doors and Frames
When it’s time to mount the hinges, mount the hinge to the door first. Set the torque on the drill low, so you don’t strip or overtighten the screws. You can increase the torque if necessary, but the low setting should work.
Once the cabinet door hinges are installed, measure where the cabinet door will sit and mark the location of the cabinet side of the hinge. If the hinge separates into two pieces, you can install the cabinet side and then attach the door later. If they don’t come apart, make sure the door is centered on the cabinet and install the cabinet side.
Step 4: Adjusting and Aligning Doors
Concealed hinges include the ability to adjust the door vertically, horizontally, and in-and-out by simply turning a few screws. Getting the door aligned the right way will decrease stress on the door and make sure it looks even from the outside. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions to see what each screw does, and then you can use a screwdriver to make small adjustments until the door is positioned correctly.
Installing Concealed vs. Surface-Mounted Hinges
Concealed, or European-style, hinges create a sleek and streamlined look because they are completely hidden when the cabinet doors are closed. Surface-mounted hinges are visible when the doors are closed and create a different look. They’re simple to install and don’t require boring a hole into the cabinet door. Typically, they don’t include adjustability in the way that concealed hinges do. If you need to adjust the door, you’ll have to remove and then replace the hinge.
Common Installation Mistakes
Installing hinges is a relatively easy project once you get used to the steps, but common installation mistakes can still happen. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Misaligned doors: If this happens with concealed hinges, all you have to do is adjust the hinge until the door is aligned properly. To prevent it in the first place, make sure to measure (and then remeasure) to make sure you’re putting them in the right spot. If you install exposed hinges, you’ll have to remove and then screw them into the correct spot if there’s an alignment issue.
- Stripped screws: To prevent stripping the screws, lower the torque on the drill and start each screw slowly.
- Wood tear-out: Pre-drilling the screw holes can stop wood tear-out before it starts.
If you’re dealing with high end cabinets or a large cabinet installation, professional installation can help you avoid these common mistakes. Because skilled professionals have lots of experience installing cabinet door hinges, the project will also go quickly.
Achieving Reliable Cabinet Door Performance
Installing cabinet hinges correctly results in smooth cabinet door operation and long-lasting hinges. Improper installation, however, can lead to additional wear and tear on the cabinet and the hinges and be a continual headache as you try and fix the issue.
Meticulous measurements and triple-checking that the doors are aligned correctly will uphold the quality and reliability of custom cabinetry. And if you need help, we’re ready and willing to work with you on a custom cabinet installation project. At Eagle Woodworking, we offer a selection of cabinet door hinges and cabinet hardware to complement your installation. We also have short lead times of between one and two weeks for custom face-frame hinge drilling to help your project go smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard hinge boring distance for European concealed hinges?
The standard hinge boring distance for European concealed hinges is between 3 millimeters and 5 millimeters. This allows enough room for the hinge to swing freely and close completely. The distance may vary depending on the door or frame thickness, so it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and measure accurately before starting to install them.
Can I purchase cabinet doors with hinge holes pre-drilled?
Yes, most cabinet doors manufacturers offer hinge boring as an option. To add hinge holes to your order with Eagle Woodworking, simply select your hinge boring type when you fill out your order form.
Can I install cabinet hinges without a jig?
Yes, you can install cabinet hinges without a jig, but a jig will increase your accuracy and reduce the number of mistakes you can make. If you don’t have a jig, you can mark the location of the hinge and use a Forstner bit to bore the cup hole. You may even be able to make your own template with paper or wood to indicate where you should drill.
How do I fix a sagging cabinet door after hinge installation?
If the door appears to be sagging after you install the hinges, first check to make sure the screws are all tight. If that doesn’t fix the issue, use the alignment screws to adjust the door vertically or horizontally or move it in or out from the cabinet.
What screw size should I use for cabinet hinges?
To install cabinet hinges to the cabinet door, you should use #6 wood screws (⅝ inch). You can use a 5/16 inch drill bit (or the size indicated in the instructions) to drill the pilot holes. To make sure you don’t drill the pilot holes too deep, you can place a piece of painter’s tape about a half inch up the bit, so you know exactly when to stop drilling.
How much space should I leave between the cabinet door and frame?
Standard reveal dimensions are either 1/16 inch or ⅛ inch depending on your particular cabinet. To make sure that these dimensions are consistent across your hinge installations, you can use a shim—a small piece of wood—that is the correct size and place it between the cabinet door and the cabinet.
