How to Install Cabinet Hinges: Step-by-Step
Fitting cupboard doors accurately requires precision, but the process is straightforward once you understand the core principles. Whether you are replacing worn hardware or building a bespoke kitchen unit from scratch, learning how to install cabinet hinges properly ensures doors hang straight, close smoothly, and avoid rubbing against the carcass. This guide walks you through the essential tools, measurements, and adjustment steps needed for a professional finish.
Tools and Hardware You Will Need
Before you begin, gather the correct fittings and tools for the job:
- Concealed hinges (standard or soft-close variants)
- Matching mounting plates
- Correctly sized wood screws (typically 3.5 mm x 16 mm for 18 mm board)
- Cordless drill and a 35 mm Forstner bit (if drilling new hinge cups)
- Pozi screwdriver (PZ2) for adjustments
- Tape measure, combination square, and sharp pencil
- Bradawl or centre punch for pilot holes
Step 1: Marking and Drilling Hinge Cup Holes
Concealed hinges—often called European or cup hinges—sit inside a circular recess drilled into the back of the cabinet door. If your doors are not pre-drilled, precision is vital.
As a rule of thumb, mark the centre of each hinge hole between 70 mm and 100 mm from the top and bottom edges of the door. The standard distance from the side edge to the edge of the cup hole (the drilling margin) is usually 4 mm to 5 mm, depending on the specific hinge overlay.
Using a 35 mm Forstner bit, drill the recess to a standard depth of 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm. Take care not to drill through the front face of the door. Once drilled, insert the hinge cup and ensure the hinge arm is perpendicular to the door edge using a square before securing it with wood screws.
Step 2: Positioning the Mounting Plates on the Carcass
If you are wondering how do you install cabinet hinges when the carcass has no pre-drilled holes, the 32 mm system standard is your best guide. Mounting plates attach to the inside of the cabinet carcass.
- Measure the door setback: Transfer your vertical hinge centres from the door onto the carcass wall, factoring in any top or bottom door reveal.
- Set the depth: For standard full-overlay doors, the mounting plate screw holes are typically set 37 mm back from the front edge of the carcass.
- Mark and pilot: Mark the hole centres with a bradawl and secure the mounting plates firmly with screws, keeping them level.
Step 3: Mounting the Door to the Cabinet
Once the plates and hinges are in position, it is time to install cabinet hinges together:
- Offer the door up to the cabinet carcass.
- For clip-on hinges, align the hinge arm with the front of the mounting plate and push firmly until you hear a solid click.
- For slide-on hinges, slide the hinge arm over the plate and tighten the retaining screw lightly.
- Check that the door swings freely without catching on the frame or adjacent doors.
Step 4: Aligning and Fine-Tuning the Door
Concealed hinges feature three-way adjustment screws that make it simple to perfect the door alignment:
| Adjustment Axis | Screw Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Side-to-Side (Lateral) | Front screw on hinge arm | Corrects gaps between doors and aligns vertical edges. |
| Height (Vertical) | Top and bottom plate screws | Shifts the door up or down to level it with neighbouring units. |
| Depth (In/Out) | Rear screw on hinge arm | Adjusts how close the door sits against the carcass face. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hinges do I need per door?
Doors up to 900 mm high and under 5 kg generally require 2 hinges. For taller doors (up to 1600 mm or around 10 kg), use 3 hinges. Large larder doors or heavy integrated doors may require 4 or 5 hinges to prevent warping.
Can I install soft-close hinges on existing cabinets?
Yes. As long as the cup diameter (usually 35 mm) matches your current cut-outs, you can easily swap standard hinges for soft-close alternatives using the existing mounting holes or drilling fresh pilot holes.