If you want to create or redo some cabinets, you need to get the right supplies, and when it comes to the cabinet doors, you need to make sure the door will stay on safely. Without enough hinges, the door can come off, and someone might get hurt.
The number of hinges per cabinet door depends on a few factors. First, the taller the door, the more hinges it will require. Also, the weight of the door can affect the number of hinges, so it’s important to think about the door materials and shape as well. Either way, strong hinges are crucial.
Making or remaking cabinets can be a rewarding project, but it takes work. You need to plan for everything from the door itself to the hinges. Keep reading to learn how many hinges to use on a cabinet door.
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1. Door Height
One of the most important things to consider when choosing the number of hinges to use is the door height. A short cupboard will require fewer hinges than a full-length pantry. Because the door is bigger, it needs more support so that the door won’t get crooked or even fall off.
- Doors less than 40 inches tall (101.6 cm) need 2 hinges. This option is perfect for cabinets that go under drawers or over the sink.
- If a door is 40 to 60 inches high (101.6 to 152.4 cm), you should use 3 hinges to keep it stable. This is probably one of the more common sizes.
- For doors that are 60 to 80 inches tall (152.4 to 203.2 cm), you will need to use 4 hinges for enough support.
- A door that’s 80 to 85 inches high (203.2 to 215.9 cm) will require 5 hinges so that it can stay on and secure.
While extremely tall doors are rare, you may have a floor-to-ceiling cabinet. If you don’t want to separate the cabinet into multiple sections, you will need a longer door. That way, you can spread out the hinges enough so that they provide structure and support for the door.
As you install your cabinet door, remember to space the hinges evenly. That will help spread the weight over the entire door, which can further help with stability.
2. Door Weight
Along with the height, you should think about the door weight. The weight can depend on things like the materials and whether the door is hollow or solid. You may also want to consider how wide the door is.
- If the door is less than 11 lbs (5 kg), you can use 2 hinges, and it should be fine. But don’t forget to compare this with the door size.
- A door weighing 13 to 20 lbs (6 to 9 kg) will need 3 hinges, regardless of the size. The extra hinge will help support the weight.
- Doors that weigh 29 to 33 lbs (13 to 15 kg) require 4 hinges. That way, the individual hinges can work together to support the whole door.
- If your door weighs 40 to 48 lbs (18 to 22 kg), you should use 5 hinges on it. That way, it can get more than enough support to stay up and on the hinges.
You should consider both door size and weight. Even if you have a shorter door, if it uses a dense material, you may need more hinges. And if you have a tall, lightweight door, you’ll need to use more hinges to make up for the height.
While it may seem like height and weight go together, that’s not always the case. You may have a wide cabinet door that weighs a lot but isn’t very tall. In that case, an extra hinge can’t hurt.
3. Hinge Types
When deciding how many hinges to use per cabinet door, you may want to consider the hinge type. Depending on your home and aesthetic, you have a couple of options. If you don’t want to show off your hinges, you can use concealed hinges.
You install the hinge on the inside of the cabinet door, so it will only be visible when you access the cabinet. These hinges can be good for doors that will be flush with the cabinet.
If you have a larger cabinet door, concealed hinges can be a good choice. You can use as many hinges as necessary without affecting the exterior design.
Another hinge to consider is a decorative hinge. You can find hinges that fit all kinds of styles, so you can find one that matches the other furniture.
Some decorative hinges mount directly to the surface of the cabinet frame and door. Others are semi-concealed, and these hinges have one part on the inside of the door, but the other part is on the outside of the cabinet frame.
A semi-concealed hinge is a nice compromise for doors that sit in front of the frame. They look sleek, and you can use them with your cabinet.
Related: How to Fix the Screw Holes in Your Cabinets
Final Thoughts
Designing a cabinet requires a lot of thought and planning. You have to consider how the cabinet will look and how big it will be. But you also need to determine how many hinges each door will need to remain stable. Keep these factors in mind when working on your cabinets.
