Installing hidden hinges on old cabinets is an excellent way to modernize and refresh the look of your kitchen or bathroom without a complete overhaul. Unlike traditional hinges, hidden hinges, also known as European hinges, are concealed inside the cabinet, offering a sleek and seamless appearance.
This guide will walk you through how to install hidden hinges on old cabinets, ensuring a professional finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to tackle a new project, these instructions are easy to follow and will help you achieve a contemporary look with minimal effort.
Benefits of Hidden (Concealed) Hinges
Hidden hinges offer several advantages over their traditional counterparts, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your cabinets. One of the primary benefits is their ability to provide a clean, unobstructed look, which adds to the modern appeal of any kitchen or bathroom.
Without visible hardware, cabinets appear more streamlined and sophisticated, contributing to an overall minimalist design. Beyond aesthetics, concealed hinges also provide functional advantages such as adjustable alignment for a perfect fit and a soft-close feature on some models, which prevents doors from slamming shut and reduces wear over time. This not only extends the life of your cabinets but also keeps them operating quietly and smoothly.
Additionally, the hidden nature of these hinges keeps them protected from dust and dirt accumulation, making maintenance easier and ensuring longevity. By opting for hidden hinges, you bring a seamless upgrade that combines beauty and practicality to your living space.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Before beginning the installation process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient project. The following items are typically required for installing hidden hinges on your cabinets:
- Hidden Hinges (European Hinges): Select the appropriate size and type based on your cabinet doors.
- Screwdriver or Drill: Depending on your preference and the screws used, a screwdriver or electric drill will be necessary for removing old hinges and attaching the new ones.
- Mounting Plate and Screws: These usually come with the hidden hinges, but verify to ensure you have all the components needed.
- Measuring Tape: To accurately measure the placement for the new hinges and ensure proper alignment.
- Pencil: For marking measurements and drilling points on the cabinet and door.
- Level: To ensure your cabinet doors are perfectly aligned and balanced once the new hinges are installed.
- Clamp (Optional): To hold the cabinet door in place while you work, making the installation process easier and safer.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: To protect your eyes and hands during the installation.
Having these tools and materials ready will facilitate a more seamless installation, allowing you to focus on achieving a precise and professional finish with your hidden hinges.
10 Methods How to Install Hidden Hinges on Old Cabinets
1. Choosing the Right Type of Hidden Hinges
The first step in installing hidden hinges on old cabinets is selecting the right type. Hidden hinges come in various styles, such as full overlay, half overlay, and inset. Full overlay hinges allow cabinet doors to cover the entire frame, half overlay hinges allow doors to partially cover the frame, and inset hinges let the door sit flush within the frame.
Measure your cabinet doors and frame to determine the best hinge type. Choosing the correct hinge ensures a proper fit and avoids alignment issues later, giving you a clean, seamless look.
2. Removing the Old Hinges and Hardware
Before installing hidden hinges, you need to remove the existing hinges and any hardware on the cabinet doors and frames. Use a screwdriver or drill to carefully unscrew each hinge and detach the doors from the cabinets.
Save the screws if they are in good condition, as they can sometimes be reused. This step provides a clean slate for the new installation and prevents interference from old hardware. Once removed, inspect the cabinet surface for any rough spots or holes, as these will need to be filled and sanded for a smooth finish.
3. Filling Old Screw Holes for a Fresh Surface
After removing the old hinges, you may find holes left behind on the cabinet door and frame. Use a wood filler to fill these holes, pressing it in carefully with a putty knife.
Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Filling old holes ensures a smooth surface for the new hidden hinges and prevents alignment issues. This step also helps create a more polished appearance, as no visible remnants of the old hinges will distract from the sleek look of the concealed hinges.
4. Marking the Placement for New Hinges
To ensure accurate hinge placement, measure and mark where the new hidden hinges will be installed. Use a pencil and ruler to measure evenly from the top and bottom of each cabinet door. Most concealed hinges are installed around two to four inches from each edge, depending on the size of the cabinet door.
Mark the spots with a pencil for both the door and frame. Precision in marking hinge placement is essential, as it ensures that your cabinet doors will open and close smoothly and align perfectly with the cabinet frame.
5. Using a Hinge Jig for Precise Drilling
A hinge jig is a tool that makes drilling holes for concealed hinges easier and more precise. Position the jig on the marked spots on your cabinet doors, aligning it with the edge.
The jig will guide your drill to create perfect holes for the hinge cups, which are the circular parts of the hinge that fit into the door. Using a hinge jig ensures uniform hole depth and placement, reducing the chances of misalignment or errors. Investing in a jig, especially for multiple cabinets, can greatly simplify the process and produce a professional-looking result.
6. Drilling Holes for the Hinge Cups
Once you’ve marked the locations and positioned the jig, it’s time to drill the holes for the hinge cups. Use a Forstner bit, typically 35mm, to drill the hinge cup holes into the door at each marked location.
Make sure to drill to the appropriate depth—most concealed hinges require a depth of about 1/2 inch. Drilling carefully will prevent the bit from going too deep or damaging the door. Clean out any wood shavings and test the hinge cup in the hole to ensure a snug fit before proceeding.
7. Attaching the Hinges to the Cabinet Doors
With the holes drilled, it’s time to attach the hinges to the cabinet doors. Place each hinge cup into its hole and secure it with screws, typically included with the hinges. Make sure the hinge sits flush in the cup hole, and the screws are tight. This attachment forms the primary connection between the door and hinge.
Aligning the hinges accurately on the door is crucial for proper door movement and alignment with the cabinet frame. Secure each hinge firmly, as any looseness can cause alignment problems later.
8. Installing Mounting Plates on the Cabinet Frame
Hidden hinges consist of two parts: the hinge cup that attaches to the door and the mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet frame. To install the mounting plates, align each plate with the hinge location on the cabinet frame, using your previous marks for guidance. Screw the mounting plates in place with a screwdriver or drill.
Ensure each plate is level and properly aligned with its corresponding hinge cup. Correctly positioned mounting plates provide the structure needed for the doors to close flush with the cabinet.
9. Attaching the Doors to the Cabinet Frame
Once the hinges are attached to the doors and the mounting plates are secured on the frame, it’s time to connect them. Line up each hinge with its corresponding mounting plate and snap or screw it into place, depending on the hinge design. Check that each door opens and closes smoothly, adjusting as needed.
Many concealed hinges have built-in adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune the door’s position after installation. Proper alignment is key to ensuring that the doors sit flush and operate without binding.
10. Adjusting the Hinges for a Perfect Fit
After the doors are attached, you may notice slight misalignments or gaps. Most hidden hinges allow for fine-tuning adjustments with three screws: one for horizontal, one for vertical, and one for depth adjustments. Loosen or tighten these screws to adjust the doors until they align perfectly with the cabinet frame and sit at the desired depth.
Take your time with these adjustments, as they provide the final touches for a seamless, professional appearance. Adjustments ensure that each door fits flush, closes softly, and aligns consistently with adjacent doors.
Conclusion
Installing concealed hinges on your cabinets can significantly enhance both their functionality and aesthetic appeal. By following each step meticulously—from detaching the old doors and filling holes, to precisely marking hinge placements and making necessary adjustments—you ensure a smooth installation process.
The hidden hinges provide a sleek, modern look, free from visible hardware clutter, while also offering smooth, adjustable door movement. Investing time in proper alignment and fit will result in a professional finish, transforming your cabinet doors and contributing to a more polished and stylish kitchen or living space.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to install hidden hinges on old cabinets!
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.