A Simple Guide for Choosing the Right Cabinet Hinges
Cabinet hinge overlay is one of the most important measurements when replacing or upgrading cabinet hinges. If the overlay is incorrect, cabinet doors may not align properly, leave uneven gaps, or fail to close smoothly.
This guide explains exactly how to measure cabinet hinge overlay, how overlay types work, and how to choose the correct hinge for your cabinets.
What Is Cabinet Hinge Overlay?
First, make sure what type of cabinet you have, frameless or face frame.
Frameless cabinets—also known as European-style cabinets—do not have a front frame. If your cabinet are frameless cabinets, you can accroding to the situation of your cabinets to choose full overlay, half overlay or inset hinges.
Face frame cabinets are most commonly found in traditional American kitchens. Face frame cabinets require hinges that can accommodate the extra thickness of the frame. If your cabinet is face frame cabinet, you need to measure the overlay of the cabinet door on the cabinet frame to select the hinges you need.
Cabinet hinge overlay refers to:
The amount a cabinet door covers the cabinet frame or cabinet side panel when the door is closed.
For example:
A full overlay door covers almost the entire cabinet side panel.
A half overlay door shares space with another door on the same panel.
A Inset doors sit flush inside the cabinet frame rather than covering it.
A 1/2" overlay means the cabinet door covers 1/2 inch of the cabinet frame.
How to Measure Cabinet Hinge Overlay
Measuring overlay is easier than most people think.
Method 1: Measure With the Door Closed
Step 1: Close the Cabinet Door
Make sure the cabinet door is fully closed in its natural position.
Step 2: Mark the Door Edge
Use a pencil to mark where the cabinet door covers the frame.
Step 3: Open the Door and Measure
Open the cabinet door and measure the distance from:
- the edge of the cabinet opening
to - the pencil mark.
That measurement is your cabinet overlay.
Example:
- If the distance is 1/2", you need a 1/2" overlay hinge.
Always verify your measurement before purchasing hinges.