Concealed Hinges as Replacements for Nobilia Kitchens
A suitable replacement hinge for kitchen cabinets is defined by a 35 mm cup diameter, the mounting plate drilling pattern, and the correct overlay type.
When kitchen cabinet doors begin to sag, scrape, or their soft-close mechanism fails after years of intensive use, it is time to replace the fittings. Kitchen manufacturers do not manufacture hinges themselves; instead, they install standardised industrial components. In many cases, furnica fittings serve as a precise alternative to Hettich hinges or other brands fitted in Nobilia kitchens at the factory. This guide explains the technical requirements for identifying and fitting the exact compatible replacement part.
What to Look for Regarding Compatibility
To ensure that a new hinge fits precisely into the existing drill holes as a replacement for Nobilia kitchen cabinets, three technical parameters must match.
1. The Cup Diameter
The core element of a concealed hinge is the cup recessed into the door back. The industry standard for kitchen base and wall units is a cup diameter of 35 mm. Smaller 26 mm variants are practically never found on solid kitchen fronts from standard manufacturers. The drilling depth for a 35 mm cup is typically 11.5 mm to 12 mm.
2. The Drilling Pattern and System 32
Fastening the mounting plate inside the cabinet carcass relies on System 32. This hole-line system functions as a universal coordinate grid in furniture making. It means that the distance between drilling holes is exactly 32 mm, with the front line of holes positioned 37 mm from the front edge of the carcass. If the old hinge uses this grid, the cruciform mounting plate of the furnica replacement hinge can be screwed in without drilling new holes in the carcass.
3. The Door Overlay Type
The position of the closed door relative to the cabinet side panel determines the shape of the hinge arm. Avoid confusing these types:
- Full overlay: The door almost completely covers the front edge of the cabinet side wall. The hinge arm is straight.
- Half overlay (twin / dual overlay): Two doors share a single central cabinet wall. Each door covers only half of the side panel edge. The hinge arm features a distinct crank.
- Inset: The door sits flush inside the carcass, leaving the front edges of the side panels visible. The hinge arm is heavily cranked.
Suitable furnica Fittings for Replacement
When selecting replacement parts, the opening angle determines ergonomics. For standard cabinet doors, Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 110 degrees are the most common choice. They provide wide access to the cabinet interior without the door bumping into adjacent unit fronts.
Specialist kitchen cabinet types require different angles. Corner cabinets with bi-fold doors or carousel units rely on wide-angle hinges to make the carcass fully accessible. In these cases, Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 155 degrees or even Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 165 degrees are the technically correct alternatives to original fittings. For blind corner sink base units, Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges 90 degrees are frequently used instead.
A common reason for replacement is upgrading the closing mechanism. Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges with soft close cushion the momentum of a closing door and pull it shut silently over the final centimetres. This mechanism is integrated into the hinge arm or cup and can be installed without issue to replace older, unsprung or standard Concealed hinges / cabinet hinges, provided the drilling pattern matches.
Tip for kitchen upgrades: When renewing hinges, it is often worthwhile to look at the interior fittings of the units as well. A sticking runner can be replaced with a new kitchen cabinet pull-out 60 cm. A matching kitchen drawer organiser will also help restore order.
Installation and Retrofitting
Replacing concealed hinges is a routine task requiring minimal tools.
Required tools:
- Cordless screwdriver or cross-head screwdriver (PZ2)
- Bradawl or centre punch (optional)
- Folding rule or tape measure
Step-by-step installation:
- Removal: Open the cabinet door and release the hinge from the mounting plate by pressing the rear release button (clip-on mechanism). Loosen the screws holding the cruciform mounting plate to the carcass and remove the plate.
- Cup installation: Unscrew the old hinge from the 35 mm cup hole in the door. Insert the furnica replacement hinge. Ensure it is aligned at an exact 90-degree angle to the door edge, and secure it using chipboard screws (e.g. 3.5 x 15 mm).
- Plate installation: Screw the new cruciform mounting plate into the existing 32 mm system holes in the carcass.
- Clipping on: Hook the hinge arm onto the front edge of the mounting plate and snap it into place at the rear with gentle pressure.
- Adjustment: Use the three adjustment screws on the hinge arm to align the door gaps (height, depth, and side overlay).
FAQ – Common Questions About Compatibility
Can I fit a soft-close hinge in my existing kitchen? Yes. As long as the cup diameter (35 mm) and the mounting plate drilling pattern (System 32) match the carcass, standard hinges can be replaced directly with soft-close variants.
How do I know whether I need a full overlay or half overlay hinge? Inspect the open door and the cabinet side panel. If the door covers almost the entire front edge of the 16 mm or 19 mm thick carcass wall when closed, it is a full overlay. If two adjacent doors share a single divider panel (with a gap down the centre), it is a half overlay.
Are the plinth feet of my Nobilia kitchen standardised as well? Yes, industry standards apply here too. Most adjustable furniture legs used in kitchens are mounted via an adapter plate on the base of the carcass or utilise a thread (M8 or M10). Replacing them to adjust the working height is straightforward at any time.
Why is my door not closing properly despite fitting a new hinge? Check whether you have accidentally installed a half overlay hinge on a full overlay cabinet. Incorrect depth adjustment on the cruciform mounting plate can also prevent the door from sitting flush against the carcass.