The difference between a half overlay hinge and a full overlay hinge lies in how much they cover the cabinet door. A half overlay hinge covers only half of the cabinet door, while a full overlay hinge covers the whole cabinet door.
This means that when the cabinet door is closed, the full overlay hinge leaves no gap between the cabinet door and the frame. A half overlay hinge, on the other hand, will leave a small gap in between the cabinet door and the frame.
From a practical perspective, the main advantage of a full overlay hinge over a half overlay hinge is that it allows for more storage space. The absence of a gap between the cabinet door and frame provides more space for items to be stored in the cabinet, as opposed to a half overlay hinge which allows for a little bit of storage space.
Additionally, when the entire cabinet door is covered, this design also helps make the cabinet look seamless and seamless aesthetics can transform the overall look of a kitchen or bathroom.
On the other hand, a half overlay hinge is generally less expensive than a full overlay hinge and is easier to install and adjust. Additionally, some people prefer the traditional look of a half overlay hinge with a gap between the cabinet door and frame, as opposed to the seamless full overlay hinge design.
Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal preference and design choice. Both half overlay hinge and full overlay hinge designs have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and both can be used to achieve a certain design look depending on the preferences of the user.
What is the overlay on a hinge frame?
The overlay on a hinge frame refers to the distance between the cabinet opening and the edge of the face frame. This distance is determined by the size of the hinges and the overlay desired. The overlay of the hinge frame is determined by the type of cabinet door the hinges are mounted on.
A full overlay will have an overlay of the entire edge of the face frame while an inset overlay will have a smaller distance, allowing some of the face frame to be seen around the edges of the cabinet door.
The overlay can also be adjusted depending on the desired look for the overall project. Adjusting the overlay can help create different design styles such as a traditional look or a more contemporary look.
What is considered full overlay?
Full overlay is a type of cabinet door construction in which the door covers most, if not all, of the frame opening. A full-overlay door may have an exposed edge, or it may be “full inset,” meaning that the door is completely hidden within the frame opening.
Full overlay is popular because it provides a completely flat surface with no unsightly gaps between the door and the face frame. This means the whole unit looks like one continuous surface, making for a more sleek and modern look for the cabinets.
Full overlay is more commonly used on frameless cabinets (with no face frame) than on framed cabinets, but can be used for both. With frameless cabinets, full overlay provides more strength, support and stability.
When used in framed cabinets, it gives a more contemporary and clean look that emphasizes the cabinetry’s style.
How do I know my overlay hinge?
To determine what type of overlay hinge you have, there are several key features that can help you identify it. Firstly, compare the profile of the hinge to a picture of 10 most common European hinge types.
If they match, you should be able to properly identify it. Secondly, if you have access to the back of the hinge, examine the mounting plate to determine the amount of overlay. Most European hinges made after 1987 will feature a three-screw mounting plate, allowing for some flexibility when adjusting the door overlay.
Thirdly, check the hinges for any markings. As different overlay hinge types require different corner and cup sizes, manufacturers often imprint logos and codes on the hinges to help identify which type it is.
Finally, you can also check for numbers on the barrel – barrel numbers range from 75 to 115 and indicate the distance between the door edge and Euro-hinge cup center. This number will help you to assess the type of overlay hinge more precisely.
Are inset cabinets more expensive than full overlay?
In general, inset cabinets are more expensive than full overlay cabinets due to the level of customization that is required to fit them in a kitchen. Inset cabinets must be constructed with precision in order to fit within the exact dimensions of the opening.
Additionally, specialty hardware must be used to install them, which will further add to their cost.
Full overlay cabinets, on the other hand, can be installed with traditional, off-the-shelf hardware, making them less expensive. Additionally, they don’t require the same level of precision during construction, since they will be covering the majority of the cabinet opening.
Another factor that affects the cost of both cabinet styles is the material used to construct them. Full overlay cabinets tend to be less expensive than inset cabinets when made with lower-cost materials.
However, if the same material is used for both inset and full overlay cabinets, then inset cabinets will typically be more expensive.
In summary, inset cabinets tend to cost more than full overlay cabinets due to their labour-intensive installation, the need for specialty hardware, and the often higher-cost materials used to make them.
How do I know what cabinet hinges to buy?
When deciding which cabinet hinges to buy, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you will want to determine what type of hinge you need, since there are surface mounted, semi-concealed and full-concealed hinges.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider what style of hinge best suits your needs, since there are various overlay, inset, full wrap and half wrap hinges available. You should also take size into account, since door thickness, reveal and width are all important in properly fitting the hinge to your cabinet door.
Finally, when purchasing a hinge, materials should be taken into consideration. Common materials used in hinges include stainless steel, steel and brass, with some finishes such as powder coatings and plating available.
When purchasing a hinge, it’s important to make sure that it meets the appropriate regulation standards such as ANSI or BHMA, as well as checking any other certifications that may be listed. Taking these considerations into account can help to ensure that you will purchase the right cabinet hinges for your needs.
Why are inset cabinets so expensive?
Inset cabinets are more expensive than regular cabinets because they are more complex and require more labor to install due to the precise measurements needed for each cabinet. The installation is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than surface mount cabinets, which require less exact measurements and involve fewer parts.
In addition, because inset cabinets require more precise construction, a larger variety of woods and materials can be used as opposed to surface mount cabinets, which are typically made from standard materials.
Furthermore, since inset cabinets are more intricate, they require more detailed installation, which adds to the total cost. The final cost of inset cabinets also depends on the type of wood or material chosen; as wood and other materials are more expensive, the cost of inset cabinets increases accordingly.
Can inset hinges be soft close?
Yes, inset hinges can be soft close. This type of hinge is designed to close drawers, cabinet doors, and other openings slowly and quietly using a built-in damping mechanism. This mechanism also helps to prevent drawers and cabinet doors from slamming shut, which can help to extend the life of the hinges.
Inset hinges usually require a slightly different installation than regular hinges, as the damping mechanism requires a small hole to be drilled into the material the hinge is being installed on. Inset soft close hinges are available in a variety of materials, including steel and plastics, and in a range of sizes and finishes to best match the particular application.
What hinges to use for inset doors?
When selecting hinges for inset doors, it is important to keep in mind that the hinges should be able to fit within the rabbet (or rebate), the shallow groove that is cut into the edges of the cabinet door and frame for the door to sit within.
Depending on the thickness of the door, you should select hinges that have a shallow opening size, as well as a shallow leaf and knuckle size, to ensure a proper fit. Some common types of hinges that are suitable for inset doors include:
1. Paumelle Hinges – These hinges are often used for more rustic, traditional designs and they can typically be used with doors that are up to 1-3/8” thick.
2. Butt Hinges – Butt hinges are one of the most common types of hinges and they typically have an opening size of 1/8”. For thinner inset doors, butt hinges should work well as they can can handle doors as thin as 3/4”.
3. Half-Mortise Hinges – These hinges offer a more modern aesthetic, with a minimal protrusion. The opening size of these hinges varies from 1/4” to 5/8” and the door thickness can range from 3/4” to 1-1/4”.
4. Full-Mortise Hinges – This style of hinge is designed for even thicker doors, with a door thickness of 1-3/8” to 1-3/4”. The opening size of these hinges usually ranges from 5/8” to 1-1/4”.
In addition to selecting the correct hinge for the door, it is also important to make sure that the screws are countersunk and positioned properly to ensure a secure fit. To provide the best look, you can also consider hinges with a concealed or semi-concealed design.
Ultimately, when selecting hinges for inset doors, it is important to take into account the thickness of the door, the opening size of the hinge, and the design of the hinge itself to ensure a secure and aesthetically pleasing fit.
Can you put soft close hinges on existing cabinets?
Yes, you can put soft close hinges on existing cabinets. This is a relatively straightforward process, although the exact steps depend on the type of cabinets you have and the type of soft close hinges you want to install.
Generally, all you need to do is remove the existing hinges and replace them with new soft close hinges. Make sure to measure the existing hinges and purchase new hinges of the same size, as well as the appropriate screws for attaching them.
Once the hinges are installed, use the adjusting screws on the hinges to make sure the doors are closing properly and softly. If you have any trouble, you can consult the instructions that came with the soft close hinges, or consult a professional for help.
Why is my soft close hinge slamming?
The first thing to check is that the appropriate soft close adapter was installed. Soft close hinges rely on special adapters to adjust the tension of the door and create a cushioning effect when closing.
If the proper adapters were not used, then the door is simply being pulled shut with no cushioning and makes sudden stops when the hinges reach their full opening angle, causing it to slam.
Another possible cause of the issue could be that the door is misaligned. If the soft close hinges are not properly attached, they will be unable to evenly distribute the door weight, making it more difficult to close.
As a result, the door will be heavier than expected and slam when it reaches the end of its range of motion.
Finally, if the door is installed incorrectly, it may be too heavy for the hinge to handle. In this case, the adaptation of the hinge’s tension may be necessary to reduce the force of the door when closing.
If none of these suggestions address your issue, it is recommended that a professional take a look at it, as the issue could be more complicated than a simple hinges adjustment.
