How to Install Hidden Cabinet Hinges

Older cabinets had exposed hinges which mounted on the outside of the face plate of the cabinets. Nowadays, most cabinets have hidden hinges which, in the cabinet industry, is called a European hinge or a hidden hinge. These hidden cabinet hinges are a little more complicated to install than the older type.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what type of hidden hinge you need when you install hidden cabinet hinges. They come in ½-inch overlay and full overlay hinges. A ½-inch overlay means the cabinet door is 1 inch bigger than your opening, thus giving you a ½-inch lap on your opening at the top, bottom and sides. A full overlay hinge means your door covers the opening with only about 1/8-inch of your face plate showing.

2. Consider the different heights of your cabinets, such as your wall cabinets. They come 12 inches high, up to 42 inches high. Your 12-inch high cabinets take two hinges per door and your 42-inch high cabinets take three hinges per door. Base cabinets normally take two hinges per door.

3. Lay your door face down. Measure down 3 inches from the top and bottom side of your door where you want your hinges installed. This gives you your center line for your hinge. Drill a hole 1 ¼ inches in diameter, leaving a ¼-inch reveal on the outer edge of your cabinet door. To drill this hole, you must use a "forstner" bit (a European bit) that drills a flat hole. It prevents the hole from going through to the other side of the door.

4. Install your hidden cabinet hinges by sliding the hinge into your 1 ¼-inch hole. Take the two screws provided to secure the hinge to your door. Repeat this process on the bottom hinge. If you use a framed cabinet, hook your hinge over your 3/4-inch frame and secure with one screw at the top and one screw at the bottom of your hinge. This secures the hinge into your face plate.

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