Cabinet & Furniture Hinges

Select hinges based on door overlay (full, partial, inset), opening angle, mounting style (concealed/European, surface-mount, butt, or inset), cabinet material and door thickness; check manufacturer specs for compatible door thickness and screw hole patterns

Measure door thickness, overlay or inset amount, and desired opening angle; verify hinge cup diameter and depth for European hinges, screw hole spacing, load capacity per hinge, and backset/centering dimensions in the product sheet

Small cabinet doors typically use two hinges, taller or heavier doors may need three; calculate total door weight and divide by number of hinges, allowing a safety margin—choose hinges rated above the per-hinge load requirement listed in specifications

Stainless steel and brass offer strong corrosion resistance for humid environments; zinc-plated steel is common and cost-effective but less corrosion-resistant, while powder-coated or plated finishes provide aesthetic variety—match finish to hardware and environment

Soft-close hinges use dampers to slow and quietly close doors, reducing wear and slamming, while self-closing hinges use spring tension to pull doors shut; choose soft-close for quiet operation and higher-end feel, and self-closing for consistent shut without damping

Follow hinge mounting template and use pilot holes for screws; for European hinges use the built-in adjustment screws to fine-tune depth, height, and side-to-side alignment, and check gap uniformity and door swing during adjustment

Periodically tighten mounting screws, clean away dust and grime, lubricate moving parts with a light machine oil or silicone lubricant if recommended, and replace worn screws or damaged hinge cups to prevent sagging and misalignment