Guide to Helping you Find the Right Cabinet Hinge

Although easy to install, cabinet hinges can be tricky to choose. There are three common types of cabinet hinges which include flush, inset and overlay. Each hinge is used to function on a different type of door. In addition to these kitchen cabinet hinges there are specialty styles that branch off of these three basic designs. These tend to include extra amenities such as a self closing function or increased degrees in arc.

Overlay Hinges
An overlay hinge is used on cabinets where the cabinet door is larger than the opening. This is a very common design in cabinetry. Although this type of hinge is named after the overlay style of cabinet it can also be used on a frameless cabinet. You can choose from multiple styles and finishes in this type of hinge.

Flush Hinges
A flush hinge is sometimes also known as a full-inset. The doors on these cabinets sit completely in the opening and are flush with the cabinet frame. These hinges are also compatible with frameless cabinets. As with the overlay design, you can find these in multiple styles and finishes.

Inset Hinges
These are cabinet hinges for doors that are made with an inset. With this design the door overlays the cabinet opening and part of the door has a small inset where the door and face frame meet. These are sometimes known as lipped doors because the door has a small lip on the edge.

Other Considerations When Choosing a Cabinet Hinge

Opening Angle—If you have a specific radius you need your door to open, you will want to be sure to look up the projected degree of opening for the desired hinge. You may have to call our customer service center to obtain this information for some products but many hinges have this specification listed in the “Product Details” section located in the lower left hand corner underneath our product images.

Hardwood vs. Softwood Cabinets—If you have chosen to go with softwood cabinets or a MDF material (medium-density fiberboard or sometimes known as particle board) please be careful when installing your hinges. You may want to pick up plastic or nylon inserts from you local hardware are cabinetry store before you install your hinges. These inserts prevent chipping, cracking and damage to your cabinet door when installed properly. In addition to damage potential, MDF does not have the integral strength to hold a hinge in place for long periods of time. Purchasing these inserts can dramatically increase the holding power on softwood cabinets.