Concealed Cup Hinges as Replacements for IKEA Faktum

A suitable replacement hinge for older kitchen systems requires a 35 mm cup diameter and a cross mounting plate designed for the established line-hole system.

The Faktum kitchen system was the standard across countless households for many years. After a decade or more of daily use, moving components inevitably show signs of wear and tear. Doors hang crookedly, no longer close flush, or the soft-close mechanism fails completely. As original parts from the manufacturer are often no longer available, fitters and DIY enthusiasts look for a matching alternative for IKEA Faktum. Furnica offers precisely matched fittings that integrate seamlessly into existing carcasses.

Technical Requirements: What to Consider for Compatibility

For a new concealed cup hinge to be fitted as a replacement for IKEA Faktum without issues, the drilling patterns on the door and carcass must match the fitting precisely. The hinge acts as the joint of the cabinet – when the cartilage wears out, a precise implant is required that matches the existing bone structure exactly.

The Cup Diameter

The standard for kitchen fronts is a cup hole with a diameter of 35 mm. Smaller 26 mm variants are not used for standard kitchen doors. The drilling depth into the MDF or chipboard is usually 11.5 mm to 12 mm. A compatible hinge from furnica fits directly into this existing recess.

The Mounting Plate and the Line-Hole System

Fixing to the cabinet carcass is achieved via a cross mounting plate. Older kitchen systems rely on the standardised System 32. This means the distance between the pre-drilled holes in the carcass side panel is exactly 32 mm, and the front row of holes is 37 mm from the front edge of the carcass. When choosing replacement parts suitable for IKEA Faktum, you can use the existing 5 mm holes in the carcass directly for the new plates.

Selecting the Correct Mounting Type

A common mistake when replacing hinges is choosing the wrong crank height. There are three main types:

• Full overlay: When closed, the door covers almost the entire thickness of the carcass side panel. This is the standard for most single base units.
• Half overlay: Two doors share a single central carcass divider. The hinge has a higher crank so both doors have room to operate without colliding.
• Inset: The door does not sit over the carcass edge, but rests flush inside the cabinet openings between the side panels.

Matching Fittings for the Faktum System

Replacing hinges often presents a great opportunity to technically upgrade the functionality of older cabinets.

Opening Angle and Soft-Close

An opening angle of 110° is sufficient for standard doors. However, if there are internal drawers behind the hinged door, a wide-angle hinge of 155° or 165° is required. Only then does the door swing clear of the internal carcass width, ensuring the full-extension runner of the drawer does not scratch against the inside of the door.

Additionally, older fronts can easily be upgraded with a soft-close mechanism. Unlike older designs that required an add-on or drilled-in damper, modern furnica hinges feature an integrated damping cylinder directly inside the hinge arm.

New Use Cases for Existing Carcasses

Old kitchen units are often repurposed rather than disposed of. With suitable replacement parts compatible with IKEA Faktum, old wall units or base cabinets can be adapted for living spaces. Two base units screwed together side-by-side with new, soft-close hinges and a continuous worktop create an excellent Sideboard for TV. Removing the legs or replacing them with low furniture glides creates a minimalist Lowboard for TV.

Installation and Upgrading Concealed Hinges

Fitting replacement hinges is straightforward, provided the dimensions have been checked correctly beforehand.

Required Tools

• Cordless drill/driver
• Screwdriver with Pozidriv drive (PZ2)
• Folding rule or tape measure
• 5 mm wood drill bit if required (if old holes are stripped and need redrilling)

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Removal: Loosen the screws of the old mounting plate on the carcass. Then remove the screws securing the hinge cup to the door.
2. Insert the Cup: Press the new hinge cup into the 35 mm hole in the door. Ensure the hinge sits at an exact right angle to the door edge. Secure it with two 3.5 mm or 4 mm wood screws.
3. Fix the Mounting Plate: Screw the new cross mounting plate into the carcass. For existing 5 mm holes, use dedicated Euro screws.
4. Mount the Door: Modern fittings feature clip-on technology. Place the hinge arm onto the front edge of the mounting plate and press down lightly at the back until it audibly clicks into place.
5. Adjustment: Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge arm to fine-tune the door alignment in height, depth, and side overlay to the exact millimetre.

If you are already working on kitchen wall units and replacing hinges, it is worth reviewing the internal fittings as well. To ease congestion around a wet sink area, the cabinet directly above can be fitted with a Dish Drying Rack for Wall Units. For top-hinged lift-up wall cabinets, changing the hinges alone is often not enough. If the flap fails to stay open, the lift mechanisms should be replaced with new Gas Struts for Heavy Flaps. Ensure you select the correct rating in Newtons to match the weight of the front panel.

Upcycling: Reimagining the Kitchen Cabinet

The modular build of Faktum units allows them to be used well beyond the kitchen. An old 60 cm wide tall unit offers generous storage space. With new hinges, a refreshed door front, and a sturdy hanging rail, it quickly becomes a practical Wardrobe for 2 People in a guest room or workshop.

Base units also make a sturdy foundation for a DIY desk. Placing a solid worktop over two carcasses creates a resilient workstation. To route power cables cleanly for laptops or tools, install a Desk Cable Grommet into the desktop. This keeps all power leads neatly hidden behind the units.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I simply replace old kitchen hinges with soft-close models? Yes, this is straightforward provided the 35 mm cup diameter and the mounting plate hole spacing (typically 32 mm apart) match. Modern hinges feature the soft-close mechanism integrated directly inside the hinge arm, requiring no extra drilling on the carcass.

What opening angle do I need for a standard kitchen unit? For standard base and wall cabinets with shelves, an opening angle of 110° is the technical norm. Only cabinets with internal pull-outs or specific corner solutions require wide-angle hinges of 155° or 165°.

What should I do if the screw holes in the carcass are stripped? If Euro screws no longer grip in the chipboard carcass, drill out the holes to 8 mm and glue in wooden dowels. Once dry, cut them flush and redrill the System 32 hole pattern using a 5 mm drill bit. Alternatively, use a mounting plate with offset fixing positions to screw into undamaged material.

How do I correctly adjust a concealed cup hinge? 3D adjustment is carried out via the screws on the hinge arm. The front screw regulates the lateral overlay (the gap width between two doors). The rear screw adjusts the depth (the gap between the door and carcass). Height adjustment is made by loosening the fixing screws on the cross mounting plate.