2024-03-05
What Are The Three Types of Concealed Hinges?
Concealed cabinet hinges, commonly referred to as hidden cabinet hinges or European style cabinet hinges, offer an economical and straightforward solution for installation while providing unparalleled adjustability. Concealed cabinet hinges are positioned flush on the interior side of a cabinet door and the cabinet surface, creating a sleek and seamless outer appearance. These concealed kitchen cabinet hinges cater to a wide range of scenarios, accommodating face frame or frameless cabinets, as well as inset, partial, or full overlay doors. Some variants even come equipped with integrated soft close mechanisms.
Concealed hinges come in various forms, featuring distinct leaf designs, pin sizes, and lengths. Specifically designed for industrial purposes, these hinges exhibit the capability to support doors ranging from 50 lbs up to 90 lbs, enabling the installation of short wide panels.
Modern soft close hydraulic cabinet hinges are designed for versatility, accommodating different door types, and incorporating various features such as soft close mechanisms, adjustable arms, and effortless dismounting. They are crafted from a range of metals, including steel, zinc, stainless steel, and aluminum. Heavy duty hinges, suitable for withstanding the weight and stress demands of industrial applications, are typically constructed from aluminum, stainless steel, and cold rolled steel. These hinges may feature finishes such as zinc plated, passivated, or electropolished, further enhancing their durability and resilience.
One aspect of these concealed kitchen cabinet hinges that is frequently mentioned but not often clarified is the degree of opening. The degree of opening signifies the cabinet door's extent of movement, ranging from a closed position (0°) to a fully open position (anywhere between 90° to 170°). When selecting a hinge, consider this range of travel and choose accordingly based on the specific application.
Low Angle: 90° to 100°
These hinges are frequently employed to restrict the range of motion in a cabinet door. If there's a need to limit the angle for only a select few hinges, Blum offers restriction clips at approximately $1 each, designed to attach to their 107° hinge and constrain its travel to 86°. Additionally, when dealing with cabinet doors thicker than 3⁄4 inch mounted on standard angle hinges, there's a likelihood of binding as the door swings open. To counteract this issue, certain companies provide "thick door" hinges, typically featuring 94° or 95° opening angles. These hinges ensure clearance for doors ranging from 7⁄8 inch up to 11⁄2 inches in thickness. The 95° hinges open just enough to access the cabinet, offering a cost effective solution.
Standard Angle: Between 105° and 120°
This segment represents the most widely used category within the European style hinge market, with popular options available at 105°, 107°, 110°, and 120°. While certain companies offer hinges with only slight variations in degrees, many choices within this range are essentially interchangeable. The distinction between a 107° and 110° hinge, for instance, is often imperceptible. However, it's worth noting that some 110° hinges might feel a bit snug, potentially leading to hyperextension. In such cases, opting for a 120° hinge provides a slightly better alternative.
Wide Angle: Beyond 120°
Wide angle hinges, such as the 170° variety, are suitable for any space where they can freely open without obstructions. However, due to their bulkier build and higher cost, I reserve their use for situations where the door genuinely requires a greater opening to move out of the way. These hinges are commonly employed in corner cabinets, particularly when combined with a bifold hinge positioned at the center of two doors.
Types of Concealed Hinges
In specifying cabinet door design and concealed hinge specifications, the terms overlay and reveal are paramount. These dimensions significantly impact the door position and the overall aesthetic of the cabinet doors.
Overlay refers to the extent to which the door covers the edge of the cabinet or cabinet frame. Conversely, reveal indicates the portion of the cabinet edge or frame left exposed by the door.
The various combinations of overlay and reveal give rise to three primary classifications of concealed hinges.
Full Overlay Concealed Hinge
This style of full overlay concealed cabinet hinges finds application in cabinets where the door is situated at the forefront of the cabinet box or frame. When shut, the rear perimeter of the door aligns with the edges of the cabinet panels.
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