When building or renovating a kitchen, kitchen cabinet hinges are something that should come to your mind. Hinges play a crucial role in ensuring that the cabinets are supported well.
The wrong hinges can affect the functionality of the cabinets since doors will not close properly. As such, they can break off after some time, or even fail to open. This might cause kitchen accidents or delays in your cooking.
So, how do you choose the right kitchen cabinet hinges? Read on to find out.
Types of Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
There are a variety of hinge options available on the market, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Concealed hinges
Concealed hinges are also known as hidden hinges and are very popular in modern kitchens because they are not visible when the doors of the cabinets are closed. For them to be invisible, they are usually installed on the inside of the cabinet box and mounted on the inside of the cabinet door.
Concealed hinges offer a great way that brings out a sleek modern and clean appearance. They are adjustable and you can align them well to ensure that the door closes and opens smoothly. Nonetheless, they can be more complicated to install than other types of hinges and will require a unique type of drill.
2. Surface-mounted hinges
Surface-mounted hinges are another type of hinge that is common for kitchen cabinets. The hinges are usually mounted on the outside of the cabinet door and cabinet box. This means that they can be seen when the door is closed.
Surface-mounted hinges come in a variety of styles such as strap hinges, butterfly hinges, and butt hinges. These hinges are not challenging to install.
Nonetheless, they can obstruct a streamlined view because they are visible when cabinet doors are closed.
3. European-style hinges
European-style hinges are mainly used in contemporary and modern kitchen styles. They are mounted from the inside of the cabinet box and cabinet door. This type of hinge is highly adjustable and you can fine-tune the position of the door to ensure that it opens and closes with ease.
Frameless hinges offer a clean modern look as they are not visible when the door is closed. However, they may require a lot of work to install than other hinges. They might also not be ideal for traditional framed cabinets.
4. Piano hinges
Piano hinges are also referred to as continuous hinges since it is a type of hinge that runs the entire length of the cabinet door. Mainly, they are used for heavy cabinet doors that require more support.
Piano hinges are an excellent way of providing stability and strength because they ensure that the weight of the door is distributed evenly along the length of the hinge. One drawback of piano hinges is that they are not adjustable and before fixing them you have to ensure that the door aligns properly.
When the door is closed or opened, the piano hinges can be seen clearly. If you are open to choosing kitchen cabinet pull size , these hinges will not be ideal, thus limiting your hardware and accessories choices.
Considerations When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Hinges
When choosing kitchen cabinet hinges, there are various considerations that you need to consider, in order to come up with the right match for your cabinet door.
1. Door type and weight
The material that makes the cabinet door is something that you should consider since it influences the amount of weight that the hinges will carry. For instance, a heavy door will require string hinges while a lighter door can use simple hinges.
They are various best kitchen cabinet materials used to make cabinet doors such as glass, metal, and wood. Each one of these will match with a specific type of hinge. It is therefore important to choose the right hinge based on the material of the cabinet door.
2. Cabinet frame type
The cabinet frame and type will also influence the choice of your hinge. For frameless cabinets, having a hinge that will mount directly onto the interior of the cabinet will be ideal. On the other hand, framed cabinets will go well with hinges that fit inside the frame.
3. Functionality and ease of use
Another consideration to prioritize is the functionality and ease of use of the hinges. Your selected choice should provide an easy opening and closing of the cabinet doors and match with kitchen cabinetry hardware.
It should also be strong enough to support the weight of the door without breaking. A smooth and silent operation is also a core element for functionality. Moreover, consider the degree of opening hinges because some can allow a 90-degree while others will offer a 180-degree opening.
4. Budget
When selecting the appropriate hinge for your cabinet doors you also need to consider the budget. Hinges can vary significantly in price depending on the brand, material, and style.
Although it is essential to stick to a budget, you should avoid getting cheap hinges. Investing in a high-quality hinge can save you money in the long run and add the much-needed value that you are looking for because they are durable and last longer and keep you from doing frequent repairs and replacements.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right kitchen cabinet door hinges can influence the appearance and functionality of your kitchen and make all the difference. It is essential to consider the style and design of the hinges based on your needs and preferences too.
Functionality and ease of use should also be critical factors to consider. By evaluating the above factors, there is a high chance that you will select the right hinges that will serve you for a long period without needing any repairs or replacements.
