A recessed hinge is a type of hinge designed for doors, cabinets, and other applications where a conventional type of hinge would be visible from the outside. Rather than attaching to the face or side of a door, this type of hinge is mounted into the edge of the door so that it is not visible from the outside.
Including steel, brass, and stainless steel. They provide a more aesthetically pleasing and discrete look and can also help to provide additional security in areas that demand it. Recessed hinges are often seen in the doors of public buildings, such as churches and libraries, where they give the entrance an air of distinction while also serving to protect the contents of the building from theft or damage.
What is the difference between an inset hinge and an overlay hinge?
An inset hinge is a type of door hinge that is used to mount the door into the inner side of the cabinet frame. It is designed to sit flush with the cupboard face and so is invisible when the door is closed, providing a neat and stylish finish.
An inset hinge is usually used with cabinet doors that open inwards.
An overlay hinge, on the other hand, is a type of door hinge that allows the door to fit over the frame of the cabinet. This type of hinge is visible on the outside of the cabinet when the door is closed.
It provides a classic look, as well as more adjustability and a looser close than an inset hinge. Overlay hinges are usually used with cabinet doors that open outwards.
What are the different types of cabinet door hinges?
Cabinet door hinges come in several different designs, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Some of the most common types include:
1. Invisible Hinges: These are the most commonly used type of cabinet hinge, providing a seamless, nearly invisible look. Typically, these hinges are mounted within the cabinet itself and open outward, making them ideal for corner and full-access cabinets.
They are relatively easy to install and highly adjustable.
2. Concealed or Euro Hinges: These types of hinges offer a similar look to invisible hinges, but offer greater adjustability and a larger range of motion. They are also easier to install, since they are mounted on the outside of the cabinet frame and door.
3. Framed Hinges: These are the most traditional type of cabinet hinges and typically have a centered, skeleton look. They are normally used to mount one door to a single frame and usually offer less adjustability than other types.
4. Self-Closing Hinges: These hinges are typically used for cupboards and other storage pieces, and use a spring mechanism to automatically close the door when it is pushed shut. These are convenient for busy households, but can be noisy and require regular maintenance.
5. Bi-Fold Hinges: These hinges are similar to self-closing hinges but have a slightly different mechanism that allows kitchen cupboard doors to fold outwards. This can save space and are fairly easy to install.
6. Pivot Hinges: These hinges come in a variety of styles, but all are designed to rotate on a fixed point. They can be used to create a wide range of cabinet door styles, and tend to be the most expensive out of all the hinge types.
How do I know what type of cabinet hinges I have?
To identify the type of cabinet hinges you have, first take a picture of the hinges in question and examine the shape and design. Look for any identifying markings or symbols on the hinge itself, or on the packaging or instructions that may have come with the hinge.
If you’re able to match the design to a specific product or manufacturer, this will usually give you an indication of the type of hinge you have. If you can’t find any additional markings or product numbers, try looking up the hinge based on the physical characteristics (such as size and materials).
Another way to identify the type of hinge you have is to remove the hinge and measure it. Measurement can be more accurate than relying on physical characteristics alone and can help narrow down the type of hinge you have if you haven’t been able to find product information.
Measure the width of each hinge leaf as well as the arm distance, mounting plate size, and any other important dimensions that can help with identifying the hinge.
Finally, consider the apparent role of the hinge. Some hinge designs are only used for specific tasks, such as using mortised hinges for doors or self-closing hinges for drawers. Examining the hardware and noting what kind of action it imposes (or allows for) can help narrow down the type of hinge you have.
What does a full overlay hinge mean?
A full overlay hinge, sometimes referred to as a concealed hinge, is a type of hinge that allows a cabinet door to be completely flush with the cabinet. This means that the door completely overlays or covers the cabinet face when it is closed.
These hinges are great for providing a seamless look to any kitchen, bathroom, or other cabinet space. The hinges are generally available in various sizes, depending on the way they mount to the cabinet and door, whether it is a face-mounted, full-wrap, or 90° opening.
They also provide support to the cabinet door, allowing the door to move freely while ensuring it is securely fastened to the cabinet. Full overlay hinges are a popular choice in high-end kitchen and bath designs, allowing the doors to blend seamlessly, while also creating a sleek, modern look.
How do you use overlay hinges?
Overlay hinges are a type of self-closing hinge that are used to connect cabinets or doors to the frame. To use an overlay hinge, you will need to measure the height and width of the door or the face frame so you can determine which size hinge will be needed.
Once you have the measurements, you’ll need to decide the placement of your hinge. Overlay hinges can be used on either one-piece doors or face frame doors and will usually be placed on the side of the door/frame that is in contact with the wall.
You will also need to decide which type of overlay hinge to use. You can choose from full overlay hinges, partial overlay hinges, or half overlay hinges. Full overlay hinges will require you to rout out a shallow pocket in the frame for the hinge, a partial overlay hinge will require some modification to the frame or door to make the hole deep enough for the hinges, and a half overlay hinge will require a 3/8″ deep hole in the frame.
After you have chosen the type of overlay hinge you need and have the measurements, you can now begin to assemble your hinges. To do this, start by drilling a pilot hole in both the door and frame where the hinge will go and then insert the screws into the holes.
The screws should fit snugly so the hinge will stay in place. Then, fasten the hinge onto the door by firmly tightening the screws. Once the hinge is in place, you can now attach it to the frame by lining it up and maneuvering it into the drilled out pocket until it is secure.
You should now be able to use your newly installed overlay hinge!
Are inset cabinets more expensive than full overlay?
Inset cabinets are generally more expensive than full overlay cabinets because they take more skill and time to build. Inset cabinets also require very precise fitting and installation and the doors and drawers must fit together exactly.
Full overlay cabinets generally take less skill and time to build and the doors and drawers can have a slight gap between them, spaying the need for the precise fitting and installation of the inset cabinets.
Further, inset cabinets require specialty hinges which tend to be more expensive than those used with full overlay cabinets. Finally, compared to full overlay cabinets, inset cabinets use more material since the doors and drawers actually sit inside the cabinet frame.
This increased material cost is often transferred to the consumer in the form of additional cost.
Do you lose space with inset cabinets?
Inset cabinets use recessed compartments within the cabinetry to make them flush with the cabinet frame or wall. While this means the cabinets look beautiful and seamless, it can mean you lose out on some interior space.
Because of the recessing, it’s harder to fit deep shelves, and the framing of the cabinet will also reduce some space. However, there are downsides to having standard overlay cabinets, like filling gaps between the cabinet and wall and having more visible hardware.
Often homeowners with larger kitchens opt for inset cabinets to add a luxe look and feel, but these cabinets will come with the trade-off of some reduced internal storage space.
What is the use of a butterfly hinge?
A butterfly hinge, also known as a parliament hinge, is a type of hinge that is commonly used to connect two panels or doors together. It is distinguished from a regular hinge in that it is made up of two large hinges with a pin in the center that facilitates easy folding.
The butterfly design is easily recognizable as its wings are used to attach the two doors or panels together.
This type of hinge is beneficial in a variety of situations since it allows for easy opening and folding of elements, as well as a smooth, aesthetically pleasing result. In terms of furniture and cabinetry, butterfly hinges are often used in places where space is limited, as they can easily fold flat when not in use, optimizing the space available.
They are also frequently used in the construction of concertina doors and partitions, providing an easy and seamless way to divide rooms or open a room up.
In addition, butterfly hinges are very sturdy and durable, typically lasting up to 10 years or more, meaning that they are often a cost-effective choice for fixtures as they seldom require repairs or replacements.
What is the strongest type of hinge?
The most common and strongest type of hinge is the butt hinge. This type of hinge utilizes two rectangular plates that are connected by a pin or rod and have knuckle-like loops that allow the hinged panels to open and close.
Butt hinges are available in materials such as steel, stainless steel, brass, and plastic, with various sizes and finishes. Due to their wide range of applications, and simple but strong design, butt hinges have become the most popular and strongest type of hinge for most industrial and commercial uses.
How many types of hinges are there?
There are a wide variety of hinges available for different applications, so it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of different types of hinges. Generally speaking, there are four main types of hinges which can be further classified into several different subtypes and styles.
The four main types of hinges are butt hinges, pivot hinges, strap hinges, and specialty hinges.
Butt hinges are the most popular type of hinge and can be divided into two subcategories: surface mounted and mortised butt hinges. These hinges offer versatility, as the two leaves (or flaps) of the hinge are able to rotate around a shared pin.
Butt hinges are available with different types of finials, including ball, knob, acorn, button, and more.
Pivot hinges are similar to butt hinges in that they utilize leaves and pins. The major differentiator between the two is that pivot hinges are longer than butt hinges, and the leaves are separate from each other and only attached at one point, making this type of hinge ideal for doorways with deep reveals.
Strap hinges, also known as T-hinges, feature an outward-bending strap with two leaves that connect to it on either end. They offer greater stability than butt hinges, and are great for heavy-duty applications such as barn doors and other outdoor applications.
Finally, specialty hinges are designed for more specific purposes, such as self-closing, continuous, spring-loaded, offset, and more. Specialty hinges are available in various sizes and finishes and are designed for specific applications and conditions.
In conclusion, there are numerous types of hinges available depending on the application and environment. It is difficult to determine an exact number of different types, but the four main categories are butt hinges, pivot hinges, strap hinges, and specialty hinges.