Cabinet Hinges Buyer Guide

Cabinet hinges buyer guide

Cabinet hinges are simple yet essential components, which play a key role in the fabrication of cabinets, cupboards and storage systems. Irrespective of the nature and complexity of the job, there’s an appropriate hinge (or series thereof) to suit all requirements.

The type of hinge selected for any given application will have a marked impact on the quality and safety of the final result.

What is a cabinet hinge?

At its core, a cabinet hinge is simply a mechanical bearing device used to connect a cupboard door and carcass to allow a certain amount of movement. Different hinges allow for different amounts of rotation in accordance with the requirements of the project. Some allowing a very limited movement and others offering up to 360° of freedom.

Cupboard hinges are used for an extensive range of purposes around the house and in commercial premises of all shapes and sizes.

Selecting the appropriate cabinet hinge means taking into account load capacity, freedom of movement required, material quality and so on. There are also dozens of hinge types to choose from, which fall into a range of primary hinge categories.

Types of cabinet hinge

The vast majority of cupboard hinges can be classified under one of the following headers:

Butt hinges

This is the most common of all types of hinge, generally measuring no more than 6 inches in length. Butt hinges are the most popular choice for doors and fabricated panels, comprising two rectangular metal plates which are joined with a rod or pin. Butt hinges are almost always used in multiples, and also make ideal exterior door hinges.

Barrel hinges

Designed primarily for shutters, folding doors and cabinets, barrel hinges are named after their inventor, rather than their physical properties.

Barrel hinges are exceptionally strong and completely invisible when the door is closed, though can be more challenging to install successfully.

Concealed hinges

As the name suggests, this is another type of hinge that is designed to be 100% invisible when the door is closed. Concealed hinges consist of pivots and brackets, which are ideal for furniture doors and certain types of cabinets.

Continuous hinges

This type of hinge is also referred to as a piano hinge, available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. Continuous hinges are also manufactured both with and without holes, in accordance with requirements.

Flush hinges

A popular choice for light-weight kitchen and bedroom cabinet doors, these hinges allow the door to sit closely to the cabinet casing. Flush hinges are easy to install as they do not require a recess. However, they are not suitable for heavier doors.

European hinges

The European hinge is one of the most popular choices in the design and manufacture of bespoke kitchen cabinets, where a hidden internal hinge keeps the door firmly closed and can be enhanced with soft closing or automatic closing technology.

Spring hinges

The tension in a spring hinge enables the door to be held securely in any position when opened, which can be particularly useful for cupboards and cabinet doors that open vertically.

How to choose a cabinet hinge

Choosing the right hinge is primarily a case of evaluating the requirements of the project.

There are four basic types of cabinet doors, which require different types of hinges to achieve the required effect:

  • Overlay cupboards – This is where the door is larger than the opening and extends beyond its horizontal size.
  • Full inset cupboards – This is where the door fits completely in the opening.
  • Offset cupboards – Similar to full inset, only in this instance the hinge is mounted to the exterior surface and is therefore visible.
  • Partial inset cupboards – Part of the door is positioned inside the opening and partly overlays the cabinet face.

The position of the cabinet door must be taken into account when selecting a hinge. Remember to consider must the number of hinges required, as every hinge has its own unique maximum weight capacity (check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more.)

It’s also worth factoring material choice into the equation. Some of the most common materials used in the fabrication of hinges are:

  • Stainless steel – Stainless steel is one of the strongest and most corrosion-resistant hinge materials available, which is also comparatively inexpensive.
  • Aluminium – Exceptionally lightweight and relentlessly durable. Aluminium provides superior long-term value for money for a slightly higher initial price.
  • Steel – Significantly cheaper than a premium quality stainless steel with excellent overall strength, though slightly reduced corrosion resistance.
  • Galvanised steel – This is a special type of steel that undergoes an electrochemical finishing process, resulting in a highly durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
  • Brass – Another hugely popular material for the manufacture of home hardware, brass is both exceptionally durable and highly attractive.
  • Copper – Similar in appearance to brass, with the added benefit of enhanced formability and outstanding corrosion resistance.
  • Titanium – The ultra-premium choice for the manufacture of everyday hardwearing components. Titanium is fantastically lightweight, incredibly durable and temperature resistant.

Again, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before buying, in order to ensure the viability and compatibility of the hinges you select.