Measuring Kitchen Cabinet Hinges

Measuring Kitchen Cabinet Hinges: A Comprehensive Guide

Kitchen cabinet hinges play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and proper functioning of your cabinets. Measuring these hinges correctly is essential for achieving a perfect fit and optimal performance. Here's a detailed guide to help you accurately measure kitchen cabinet hinges:

Materials You'll Need:

Measuring tape or ruler
Pencil or pen
Notepad (optional)

Steps to Measure Kitchen Cabinet Hinges:

Step 1: Identify the Hinge Type: Determine the type of hinge used in your cabinets. Common types include concealed hinges, semi-concealed hinges, and butt hinges.

Step 2: Determine the Hinge Overlay: Measure the overlay of the cabinet door. This refers to the amount of the door that overlaps the cabinet frame. Standard overlays range from full overlay (the door completely covers the frame) to half overlay (the door overlaps the frame by half its width).

Step 3: Measure the Hinge Hole Spacing: The distance between the mounting holes on the hinge cup (which attaches to the cabinet frame) is crucial. Measure this distance vertically and record it as the "Hinge Hole Spacing." For concealed and semi-concealed hinges, also measure the distance between the mounting holes on the hinge plate (which attaches to the cabinet door).

Step 4: Measure the Hinge Depth: Determine the depth of the hinge cup. This is the distance from the front edge of the hinge cup to the center of the mounting holes. Record this measurement as the "Hinge Depth."

Step 5: Measure the Hinge Plate Offset: For concealed and semi-concealed hinges, measure the distance from the edge of the hinge plate to the center of the mounting holes. This is known as the "Hinge Plate Offset." It determines how much the door will overlap the cabinet frame when closed.

Step 6: Record Your Measurements: Note down all your measurements in a notepad or on a sketch of the cabinet door. These measurements will ensure that you purchase the correct hinges for your cabinets.