Cabinet hardware is not something you usually consider until you have to install or replace it, particularly when it comes to hinges. There are many types of cabinet hinges to choose from, each with their own installation methods, designs, or features. Read this guide to find the best type of hinges for your DIY needs.

What Are Cabinet Hinges?
Before You Choose Your New Hinges
Types of Cabinet Hinges
Cabinet Hinge Mounting Types
Cabinet Hinge Installation Types
Cabinet Hinge Features

What Are Cabinet Hinges?

Hinges may seem like a basic hardware item, but they are a vital component in the proper functioning of cabinet doors. They comprise two pieces of interconnecting metal that join together with a pin. Though there are many different types of hinges for cabinets, they all work in the same way – the hinge connects the door to the cabinet frame, allowing for it to open and close. It is worthwhile to note that no matter what type of cabinet hinges you choose, due to the hinges' size and design, they can only support the weight of a cabinet door.

Why Replace Cabinet Hinges?

Hinges deteriorate over time, which causes them to sag, squeak, stick, or open and close poorly. Depending on the type of cabinet hinges you have, you may also want to update them to a more modern aesthetic or upgrade to hinges that have special features, like a soft-closing function. You will likely be limited to using the same type of hinges as the originals on your cabinet due to the way they function and were installed. If you are adding an entirely new cabinet system, there will be more freedom with which cabinet hinges you can choose.

Before You Choose Your New Hinges

Review this section to determine which cabinet hinge types will work best with your existing cabinet designs.

Understand Types of Cabinets & How They Impact The Hinge You Choose

An additional component that comes into play when choosing your hinges is the style of cabinet you have. There are two types of basic cabinet constructions to choose from – face frame and frameless cabinets. Some types of hinges can only function with one or the other.

Face Frame: Face frame cabinets are the most common style. They are built with a frame attached to the front edges of the cabinet, and the hinges are mounted to the face frame itself.

Frameless: Frameless cabinets have an open front with exposed raw edges covered in edge banding. The hinges mount to the interior of these cabinets as there is nothing on the exterior to mount them to.

Types of Cabinet Hinges

When choosing the type and design of cabinet hinges for your cabinets, you should also consider the mounting options, installation options, and features.

Cabinet Hinge Mounting Types

Although there are many types of hinges for cabinets, there are several factors you will need to bear in mind before your purchase. These will help to narrow down the selection as some will not be suitable for your needs or for your existing cabinets. Your first consideration is the mount. If you choose the incorrect mount type, you could prevent the correct functioning of the hinge and possibly damage or break the hinge or the door.

Concealed Hinges: Concealed hinges – also known as European or flush hinges – are mounted to the inside of the cabinet door. This conceals the hinges from the outside, thus creating a clean and modern look. The biggest advantage of this type of hinge is that you can place it anywhere inside of the cabinet without affecting the exterior aesthetic. Additionally, if your measurements are not entirely accurate, inside hinges can be used to correct any imperfections while remaining out of sight.

Semi-Concealed Hinges: As their name suggests, semi-concealed hinges only show a portion of the hinge on the exterior frame or door edge of the cabinet, leaving the main mechanism hidden and attached to the back of the door. These types of cabinet hinges vary in size due to the different door thicknesses they need to accommodate. They are usually used on face frame cabinets.

Exposed Hinges: These types of hinges are always visible and therefore come in an array of styles, shapes, and colors. Exposed hinges are commonly found on traditional American and vintage-style cabinets, and are often used when replacing the hinges on old cabinet doors. Due to the fact that they are visible, these cabinet hinges do not provide the same clean and modern look nor the adjustability that concealed hinges do.

Cabinet Hinge Installation Types

When shopping for the best hinge types for cabinets, you will need to choose between a surface or a mortis hinge installation. For a smooth replacement of old hinges, it is best to choose the type of cabinet hinge with the same functionality as your existing hinges to avoid new considerations and adjustments. For a new installation, you have more freedom to choose your types of hinges, but still need to ensure it will work for your cabinet.

Surface-Mount: Surface-mounted hinges – also called frameless mount hinges – are mounted on the interior door and the cabinet frame. They offer the easiest installation method as they don't need a hole or mortise, but are instead mounted on the top surface of the cabinet material. These types of hinges for cabinet doors are best used on face frame cabinets with lightweight doors. They are thinner than standard hinges in order to limit the gap between the door and door frame, while still allowing the door enough room to swing without hitting the frame.

Mortised Hinge:Mortised hinges, also known as inset hinges, are recessed into the surface of the door frame and sit flush with the closed cabinet door. When installing new cabinet doors, mortised hinges require additional and precise measurements for an exact fit. These types of cabinet hinges make the connection between the moving parts more durable and secure, which is why they are the ideal choice for doors that are heavy and/or frequently used. Whether you choose to have your mortised hinges concealed or exposed, they will require a door knob in order to open and close the cabinet.

Cabinet Hinge Features

The final factor in determining which cabinet hinges are for you relies on the features you prefer. In the many types of hinges for cabinets, there are a variety of features that make them function differently, mostly for ease of use.

Self-Close: Self-closing cabinet hinges function by using either hydraulic pressure or spring-loaded hinges to close. Hydraulic spring hinges contain a vacuum of air that causes the hinge to close by itself. Spring-loaded hinges function by way of a spring that uncoils when you open the door and recoils when the pressure holding the door open is gone. It is worth knowing that these types of cabinet hinges can wear down or malfunction, resulting in a door that cannot open until you replace the hinge.

Soft-Close: If you wish to avoid door slamming, a soft-close hinge is ideal. These surface-mounted hinges use hydraulics to create a vacuum that slowly closes the door and prevents banging no matter how hard you shut the door. You'll need to manually push the cabinet closed, but once the door reaches a certain position, the soft-close hinges will take over and allow the door to silently glide shut. It is important to know that these types of hinges for cabinets are usually best installed by a professional due to the precise measurements required.

Demountable: Demountable hinges are particularly ideal in kitchens due to the fact that they allow you to remove the cabinet doors without unscrewing the hinges entirely. They come apart in the middle, allowing you to easily lift the door off and put it back in place without the use of tools. This is advantageous for cleaning, painting, or repairs as you can take down the door for easy access.

Using this guide, you should now be able to choose the best type of cabinet hinges for your needs.