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How To Pick Cabinet Hinges |
Tips for Picking Cabinet Hinges
Repairing or redesigning cabinets can be a satisfying way to improve home décor. There are many options when selecting a set of hinges that will match new cabinets or provide greater utility than the previous set did. Whether paying for a professional installation or attempting the job yourself, comparing different styles of hinges to find one suitable to the particular cabinets you have in mind is a useful step in the renovation process. Aesthetic quality and functionality are two significant considerations for cabinet work. Installing new molding, painting, and refurbishing cabinet doors are typical redecorating procedures, but mounting new hardware may be just as crucial to the project. If the cabinet design changes, say from a dark surface to a lighter polished veneer, the hinges may need to be changed as well in order to be consistent with the new look. Likewise, cabinets that are exposed to moisture or heavy use may benefit from corrosion- and wear-resistant hinge materials. Types of CabinetsCabinet hinges come in a wide variety of materials and dimensions, but choosing a specific style often depends on complementing the cabinet design. A framed cabinet usually has a visible front casing aligned with the doors, making the hinges visible as well. In addition, the doors themselves can have a lip running along the edge, be attached over the frame, or lie flush against the frame. Unframed or full access cabinets have doors that cover the storage area entirely and cannot display their hinges. Cabinet Hinge DesignMost cabinet hinges have a handful of standard design features. A hinge door wing is the segment that is fastened to the cabinet door, and the frame wing can be fastened to the frame or the cabinet wall. The circular joint, or knuckle, forms a bridge between the two wings, while an internal joint pin enables the hinge to swing back and forth. These hinges can also be grouped according to the parts that remain visible when the cabinet door is closed. Some of the common types of cabinet hinges used today include:
Cabinet hinges can be made from a range of materials and treated with a number of different finishes to achieve a specific decorative effect. Steel is a common hinge material and its sturdiness is beneficial considering standard hinges are designed to have eight to ten times the durability of their average physical load. Stainless steel’s corrosion-resistance makes it a helpful choice for cabinets that are exposed to moisture. Other common materials, such as bronze, copper, brass, or iron, are popular choices for matching hinge and cabinet appearance. Applying a bright polished finish to brass or installing burnished bronze can help create aesthetic consistency between cabinet and hinge. The variety of other treatments, such as oil rubbed, brushed, matted, or satin finishes helps ensure that a hinge can be made to complement nearly any type of design. For more industrial information, check out the ThomasNet Need to Know Guides!
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