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Many varieties and forms of replacement hinges can be found, each suited to a specific purpose. However, these variations strongly relate to where the furniture will be used. That is, a certain style might work better in an outdoor setup than indoors and vice versa.
Some common types of hinge replacements are
Concealed hinges
Also known as the cup hinge, the cabinet door hinge is common in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. It provides a sleek and clean look since it is only mounted on the internal section of the door. This characteristic makes it more visually appealing to those who prefer contemporary design styles. Specifically, it is most accommodating of frameless cabinet designs.
Continuous or piano hinges
Aren't the same as concealed hinges. Also known as piano hinges, these comprise a long strip of hinge metal. How it was designed allows it to run the entire length of the door. This feature is good since it distributes weight and provides a sturdy and reliable mechanism for heavy doors. Other than this, it is easy to install or replace. But, unlike the concealed hinges, it does not offer a clean design. It is mostly suited for industrial cabinets and heavy-duty applications.
Bi-fold hinges
As suggested by the name, such hinges allow doors to fold in two. These types are commonly used in bi-fold closet doors. What these hinges do is save space and provide easy access in places where width is an issue. They enable the doors to glide and fold, thus necessitating the need for a narrow cabinet design.
.Edge or knife hinges
The edge hinge comprises two plates with attached blades. These blades are inserted into the door edge. These types of hinges are used in knife-edge style cabinets. Its major selling point is that it is easy to install as it occupies a small space and is ideal for light doors.
Wraparound hinges
A wrap around hinge spans both the door and the cabinet frame. It is mostly ideal for overlay cabinets since it provides an accurate door alignment. These are very helpful, especially in adjusting the door since they can be adjusted.
Swing door hinges
These are the most common type used on normal doors. Like all other swing doors, these hinges support the door on the cabinet's front. Windows and doors swing open. That's what clients call them.
A cabinet door replacement hinge is a small yet important part of how a cabinet system works. As much of the situation is about functionality, other variables must be factored in when considering the design of these hinges.
Understanding the details of modern-day materials and designs also helps assess the situation better and avoids the pitfall of obsolete solutions that cabinet hinge replacement might offer.
Functionality and motion
Different types of hinges have different functionalities. Concealed hinges are the most classic because they offer motion. It can also be said that they provide an automatic soft close, which is an added functional feature. In simpler words, it means that the doors are closed softly without slamming. Other hinges such as pivot or continuous are capable of allowing the door to swing 180 degrees.
Materials and finishes
Cabinet or hinges for furniture are made of steel, brass-coated, or polymer plastic. Plastic polymer is typically used for light doors or applications that require no rust. Much of the time, brass or goldtone is used in the jewelry and antique shop business so that the hardware will look good. Steel is often used in contemporary or industrial designs because of its strength and durability.
Installation of hinges
To make the cabinet hinge replacement easy, manufacturers are designing them to be rimmed or recessed for the easy fixing and drilling of the cabinet hinge replacement. The outcome of this design is that the doors can be easily aligned for installation.
Aesthetics and invisibility
One of the main features of the concealed hinges is that they offer a smooth finish. This quality makes them suitable for modern or minimalist interior designs. On the contrary, other hinges like the wraparound are rather clunky and industrial. This not only adds to the space but also beautifies the space.
Adjustability and flexibility
Some types of hinges have a replacement for cabinet door adjustment screw. This is important for making on-the-spot alignments with the help of the hinge designer. There are two types of hinges: the wraparound and the concealed, ideal for correcting door misalignments.
The goal of a buyer's cabinet hinge replacement is to provide the buyer with what they demand and how they can distinguish it from others. Several factors help in choosing which type of hinge replacement to adopt. The following are some of the most influential criteria when selecting a hinge replacement for cabinetry.
Cabinet door style and design
A cabinet door's primary hinge replacement factors are style and design. There are several types of hinges, and it's always best to choose one that blends in with the overall decor of the room. For instance, concealed hinges offer a sleek, modern appearance, while decorative hinges suit an old-fashioned or country-styled interior.
Cabinet door weight and size
The weight and size of the cabinet doors should also influence the choice of hinge. Heavy doors will need sturdy hinges like a continuous or piano hinge. Such a hinge is generally used on large or heavy cabinet doors. Alternatively, light doors can do with edge or knife hinges, which are lightweight but durable enough for smaller applications.
Functionality and motion
How the cabinet doors are supposed to function is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right hinges. Bi-folding hinges take up space and are utilized in doors that require folding. This client closet space door doesn't want to be crammed. On the other hand, soft-close hinges prevent slamming and, sparingly used, add to the serenity of the area.
Cabinet hinge replacement
The material of the hinge is also an important factor. Steel or brass hinges are the most commonly used for the kitchen or industrial type of area. These include in the service of plastic for the areas that are rarely visited, like the storage cabinets. Moreover, the finish is really important as it affects the luster and precision of the entire kitchen.
Budget and quality
There is always a budget category when making any product decision. There are several types of hinges, ranging from very cheap to expensive, where cheap here means quality. Ideally, investing in quality brings strength, corrosion resistance, and the beauty of a good design.
Hinge overlay
Understanding the kind of cabinet door overlay is important in the selection of hinges. The overlay refers to how much the cabinet doors will overlap the frame. Hence, for full overlay cabinets, wraparound hinges are the only ones suitable. They are only 0.5 inches from partially overlay or inset cabinets.
There are many situations that one may encounter in everyday life, necessitating the replacement of cabinet hinges. Apart from normal wear and tear, which is self-realizable, there are many situations that can beget the need to replace hinges. Here are some common situations regarding cabinet hinge replacements.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Poorly designed and installed kitchen and bathroom hinges last for decades due to the environment they are subjected to. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets bearing extreme moisture, temperature, and volume usage often undergo wear and tear.
In this regard, soft-close hinges and stainless steel corrosion-resistant options are often recommended in these spaces. Stainless steel and soft-close hinges were deliberately chosen for their rigidity and anti-corrosive properties, which best suit kitchens and bathrooms.
Residential living rooms and bedrooms
In spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, hinges may not wear out as quickly as in more functional areas like the kitchen or bathroom, but they do experience regular use. Here, decorative or soft-close hinges might be preferred for a more aesthetic and functional approach. Thus, over time, houses with older constructions or those with high traffic experience hinge replacements as they tend to fail, and in achieving that, a rectifying solution is sought.
Commercial and industrial settings
Commercial environments such as retail stores, offices, or industrial warehouses often have heavy-duty cabinets that require continuous or piano hinge replacements. These hinges provide the required amount of strength and durability. In addition, the frequent opening and closing of doors in these settings necessitates the need for bush bearing hinges with adjustable screw sets in their design.
Renovation projects
In remodeling situations, the preference for certain types of hinges depends on the prevailing style and needs. Most people want concealed hinges to provide a smooth, uncluttered look in their remodeling process. Even though replacing the old hinges with new continuous or piano hinges during the remodeling process can be rather intrusive, it is necessary, especially when the cabinets are heavy or in high-traffic areas.'
Outdoor cabinets
Cabinets installed outdoors in patios, kitchens, or barbecue areas require hinges that can withstand the elements. In such instances, corrosion-resistant metals such as marine-grade stainless steel or brass are necessary for the hinges used.
It is very critical, especially for a newly replaced cabinet drawer hinge , to be maintained so that it can serve the intended purpose for as long as expected. The hinges, made of stainless steel and brass, are fully maintenance-free. Other hinges may require maintenance, especially painted ones, to avoid rust or wear and tear.
Lubrication
Certain kinds of hinges, like the concealed types, do not require a lot of lubrication. However, there should be a little amount of lubrication on continuous or piano hinges, pivot hinges, and bi-fold hinges. This helps avoid rust and wear and tear, mainly around the pin area. Grease or oil-based lubricants ought to be used at least once every six months.
Cleaning
Cleaning is another area of maintenance typically ignored. Cleaning hinges probably once a month or as frequently as dirt or dust adheres to them will be enough. This is the period when the dirty will cause trouble on the hinges. A damp cloth can be used to remove particles from the surface of the hinges. Doing this will also have the same effect on the cabinets. Use a moisture-wicking fabric for those made of stainless steel to avoid glares.
Inspection and tightening
It is also important to always check the hinges regularly. A simple regular inspection of the hinges should also be part of their maintenance plan. Will the screw holding the hinge in place constantly need to be tightened as it becomes loose after some time? Apart from this, one should be keen to check if there is any sign of rusting or physical deformation. In this case, only the rusted or damaged hinges should be replaced.
Humidity control
One of the basic reasons hinges fail is because of rusting. This is most common in places where the level of humidity is high. To ensure that the level of humidity does not affect the quality of the hinges, one should consider installing a dehumidifier in such areas. This will keep the humidity at a standard level and also increase the lifespan of the hinges.
Corrosive environment precautions
Aside from regular cleaning, inspection, and lubrication, extra precautions should be taken for hinges in corrosive environments like seaside homes or pool houses. In such cases, using a corrosion-inhibiting lubricant more frequently and replacing rusty screws is advisable. There is also a need to check the hinges periodically for signs of rust or wear.
The common indications of wearing hinges are the cabinet doors misaligning, dragging, or making squeaky sounds when opening or closing. Other signs include visible rust or corrosion, damage either to the hinges or the door, and difficulty in operating the doors.
Yes, it is possible to replace cabinet hinges without replacing the cabinet. One can either get the same type of hinge or a different one with the same hole additional overlay or by using a different style, such as a wrapper around or concealed pivot. It is also possible to get a fresh set of cabinet doors in accordance with the new hinges.
They can't be classified as too hard or easy to understand. Installing soft-close hinges is easy and difficult for those who have previously done a similar replacement task using regular hinges. For those without previous experience, it could be a little difficult at first. However, numerous resources online are detailing the process of replacing cabinet hinges.
There are seven major cabinet hinges, and they include concealed, continuous, bi-fold, and edge folding. Others are wraparound and piano hinges and hinge knuckles.
Yes, tools like hinge jigs allow easy and accurate drilling for the installation of concealed soft-closing hinges.
