If you want to give your cabinets a stylish and charming look, Exposed cabinet hinges are an excellent choice. Exposed hinge flushing with the cabinet doors enhances the room’s beauty.
Choosing the best hinge makes the look perfect. When selecting hinges, consider the style of your cabinets and the look you want to achieve. For a classic look, brass or bronze hinges are good to go, while chrome or nickel finishes suit modern kitchens.
Step-By-Step Guide
Installing exposed hinges is a straightforward process. If you are familiar with using tools, you can do it perfectly without any professional help. There is a step-by-step guide that will help you to install exposed cabinet hinges.
Tools and Materials:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Clamps
- Exposed cabinet hinges
- Screws (usually come with the hinges)
- Wood filler (if needed)
- Sandpaper
Prepare the Cabinet and Doors
By using a screwdriver, first remove the old hinges if you are going to replace them with new ones. Carefully unscrew the screws to avoid damaging the screw holes. If, unfortunately, it happened fill the holes with wood putty and sand once dry.
Measure and Mark
Accurate measuring is the key to the perfect installation. Measure and mark the spots on both the cabinet frame and door by using a pencil.
You can easily determine the exact spot by placing an exposed hinge on the cabinet frame. Typically, hinges are placed about 2 inches from the top and bottom of the cabinet door.
Drill Pilot Holes
After marking, pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws you are going to use. Drill pilot holes at the marked spots on both the door and the cabinet frame.
Install Hinges on Cabinet Door
Place the exposed hinge on the door by aligning it with the pilot holes. Use screws of appropriate size to secure the hinge with the cabinet.
By using a screwdriver, start securing the hinge from the center screw and then add other screws. Don’t tighten the screws completely before adding the all screws. Once you are done, then tighten the screws to ensure the hinge is flush against the door and tightly secured.
Install Door on Cabinet Frame
Once the hinges are installed on the doors, it’s time to install the cabinet door on the cabinet frame. By using a clamp, secure the door on the cabinet frame by aligning it with the pilot holes.
Screw the hinges into the cabinet frame by starting with the center screw and then other remainings. Once all screws are tightened, remove the clamps and check the alignment.
Adjust the Hinges
After the installation is complete, check the doors by opening and closing them if they need any adjustments. If the doors are not aligned perfectly or have gaps between doors, lose the screws to align them.
Allignn the door in place and hold the door with the cabinet frame by using the clamps. Once you are satisfied, tight the screws at that point or drill a new screw hole if pre-drilled inaccurately.
Related Post: How to fix a warped cabinet door?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When installing hinges, here are some common mistakes to avoid common mistakes to ensure a proper and functional installation.
Incorrect Hinge Placement: If the hinges are placed too close to the edge or too far from it can cause misalignment. Typically, hinges are placed about 2 inches from the top and bottom of the door.
Misaligned Hinges: Before properly tightening the screws, make sure the doors are allinged. If hinges are not aligned correctly, the door may not set flush with the cabinet frame.
Improper Screw Size: Use of improper-sized screws can cause to split the wood or may also damage the hinge. Usually, screws come with hinges, if not, buy screws of appropriate size.
Over-tightening Screws: Over-tightening the screws can stripe the wood and also may cause to free the screw in the hole.
Not Pre-drilling Holes: If the holes are not pre-drilled, while adding screws the hinge can be misplaced which may cause the misalignment of the door.
Related Post: How to Remove Decorative Molding from Cabinet Doors?
FAQs
What is an exposed hinge?
The Exposed Hinges are visible when the door or cabinet is closed. Exposed hinges are installed on the outside and can be seen. Brass or bronze hinges exposed hinges give a traditional look to the room.
Are exposed cabinet hinges outdated?
Exposed hinges can still be quite popular and stylish, especially when chosen to complement the overall decor of the room. Brass or bronze hinges give a classic look, while chrome or nickel finishes suit modern kitchens.
Should kitchen cabinet hinges show?
Choosing cabinet hinges depends on personal preference and the overall design style you want to achieve in your kitchen. Brass or bronze exposed hinges give a traditional look. However, if you prefer a seamless and streamlined appearance, concealed hinges will be more suitable.
Final Thought
The installation process becomes easy if we have a step-by-step guide to do it perfectly. I hope that, if you have followed that comprehensive guide, you have installed your exposed cabinet hinges like a professional.
Moreover, if you need any assistance with installing exposed hinges, you can ask us by leaving a comment in the comment box below. We will try our best to help you in this regard. GOOD LUCK!
