How to choose the right cabinet hinges
When it comes to the style and functionality of cabinets, a lot of responsibility lies with the hinges.
They have a bigger impact than you might realise on the overall appearance and performance of your client’s cabinets and doors, arguably more than the type of wood or finish of the door itself.
At Quest, we supply a plethora of cabinet hinges that are perfect for all your professional projects, but with so many different types available, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right ones?
Learn more about the different types of cabinet hinges in this article, and everything you need to consider to complete a high-quality, long-lasting installation for all your clients.
Types of cabinet hinges
As we touched on above, there are several different types of cabinet hinges available.Just some of the hinges we supply at Quest include:
Butt hinges
Butt hinges are one of the most commonly used hinges around the home.
These hinges are composed of two identical leaves – or wings, as they’re also commonly referred to – with one attached to the moving part and the other to the fixed part of the hinge. The wings are fixed by a curved barrel, i.e., the knuckle, which allows the hinge to open and close smoothly.
There are several types of butt hinges available, from standard and ball-bearing butt hinges, to rising and fire-rated butt hinges.
Our SELECT cabinet hinge is a premium cabinet butt hinge, that’s manufactured from solid drawn brass to provide a strong, long-lasting solution, and enhanced aesthetics.
There’s a variety of finishes available, including:
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Satin and polished chrome
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Satin and polished brass
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Antique brass
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Satin and polished nickel
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Ebony
All SELECT hinges come with matching coloured screws, so you’ll be able to complete a seamless installation for all your clients.
Flush
Flush hinges are another common type of hinge, and are often used to install lightweight doors and cabinet fronts, and are the ideal option for your clients who need a cost-effective, reliable alternative to butt hinges.
These hinges, as their name suggests, are mounted flush with the surface of a door or cabinet. This creates a seamless appearance when closed, making them a great choice for installations that require a clean finish.
Piano hinges
Piano hinges, also known as continuous hinges because of their length, are long, straight hinges that can be attached to various different types of doors.
Named after their original use in pianos, where they were used to support the heavy lid of the piano, allowing it to be easily opened and closed, these hinges provide unmatched support for your client's doors.
Being mounted along the full length of the door, piano hinges allow for an even and effective weight distribution and a smooth opening and closing motion, making them one of the most durable types of hinges on the market and perfect for a range of professional projects.
Concealed hinges
For your clients wanting a more understated, uncluttered look in their homes, make concealed hinges your top recommendation.
As their name suggests, these hinges are hidden from view when cabinet doors are closed, and provide clean, minimalistic finish wherever required.
Concealed hinges, like the Blum Blumotion Blind Corner 95° Hinge for example, are also perfect for tight spaces, where traditional cabinet hinges would protrude and, potentially, interfere with objects inside the cupboard.
Things to consider when choosing cabinet hinges
Now that we’ve discussed some of the different types of hinges available, let’s discuss the most important things you should consider when choosing cabinet hinges for your next professional client project.
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The type of cabinet you’re fitting
There are two main types of cabinet doors, inset and overlay.
Inset cabinet doors sit flush with the cabinet sides or face frame when closed, whilst overlay doors sit on the outside of the frame.
The hinges you choose will depend on the type of cabinet door you’re installing for your client, as the hinge must provide the correct amount of clearance.
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Whether your client needs hidden or exposed hinges
Before ordering cabinet hinges, ask your client whether they’d prefer exposed or hidden hinges.
They’re both incredibly popular options in modern kitchen design, and the choice solely comes down to your client’s personal preferences.
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Surface mount vs mortise
Surface mount hinges are, as the name suggests, mounted directly to the surface of the door and jamb, and don't require any holes or mortises. They can be installed quickly and easily with a drill and screws.
Mortise hinges, on the other hand, are installed in a shallow groove or cutout that must match the size and shape of the hinge exactly to create a flush finish.
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Does the client need motor function?
Different types of hinges can provide different motor functions, and one of the most popular is soft-close hinges.
These hinges prevent the door from slamming by pulling the door slowly and gently closed. At Quest, we supply a range of soft close hinges, like the Salice soft-closing hinges, that are perfect for all projects that require this motor function.
Before ordering hinges for your clients, check to make sure your clients are interested in any of these mechanisms and choose the most appropriate hinge based on their requirements and preferences.
Order high-quality cabinet hardware from Quest
Here at Quest, we’re proud to deliver a range of high-quality cabinet hinges and other hardware that are perfect for all your professional installations.
We’ve been a specialist supplier to the joinery and carpentry industries for many years, and support the success of your business not only with our top-grade products, but with expert technical advice whenever you need it, too – helping you achieve the best results for your clients.
To find out more about our range of cabinet hinges, or for help selecting the perfect hardware for your next project, get in touch with our team today by calling 01280 822 062 or emailing [email protected] and we’ll be in touch to answer your questions.
