How Many Hinges Does Your Cabinet Door Need?

“The number of hinges you need per cabinet door varies depending on the door’s size,” says Martin Fischman, Fabuwood product expert. “Two hinges are needed for doors up to 36 inches in height, three hinges for doors 36-60 inches, and four hinges for doors 60-84 inches in height.”

Consider the door's weight, height, and materials when determining the number of hinges per door.

Door Weight

Lightweight cabinet doors weigh up to 13 pounds. These doors will need two hinges for optimal support.

Moderate-weight cabinet doors weigh up to 26 pounds. They require three hinges to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging.

Door Height

For proper support and functionality, doors up to 36 inches high will need two hinges, doors 36-60 inches high will need three hinges, and doors 60-84 inches high will need four hinges.

Quick Tip: Taller and narrower doors will need additional hinges (three or more) to ensure stability, even if they fall within the lower weight range specified above.

Door Materials

The material of your cabinet door will affect the number of hinges you need since each material can add weight to the door and the hinge. Here are the weights of each type of cabinet material:

 MDF door (18 x 24 inches): around 8-12 pounds

 Plywood door (18 x 24 inches): around 6-10 pounds

 Thin wood veneer door (18 x 24 inches): around 5-8 pounds

For even lighter options, hollow-core or lightweight composite materials can further reduce the weight, potentially down to 4-7 pounds for similar dimensions. Calculate how many hinges you need based on the weight of the material of your kitchen cabinet door.

How to Position Hinges

Proper hinge placement and adjustment are crucial to ensure door stability. The general rule is to place hinges every 30 inches of the door. This rule enhances the door's stability and usability. It distributes the weight of the door more effectively, reducing strain on individual hinges and preventing sagging or misalignment over time.

When installing the hinges on the door, place one hinge 2-4 inches from the top and 2-4 inches from the bottom edge of the door. Consider adding a third hinge for doors taller than 40 inches. Place it centered between the top and bottom hinges.

Installing Your Hinges

After positioning your hinges correctly, you can easily install them using these four simple steps:

Mark the Positions: Measure 2 to 4 inches from the top and bottom edges of the door and mark the positions lightly with a pencil.

Drill Pilot Holes: Use a drill to make pilot holes at the marked positions for the screws. This helps prevent the wood from splitting and ensures the screws go in straight.

Attach Hinges to the Door: Align the hinges with the pilot holes and attach them to the door using screws. Make sure the hinges are flush with the edge of the door.

Attach the Door to the Cabinet Frame: Hold the door in the desired position on the cabinet frame and mark the hinge positions on the frame. Drill pilot holes on the frame and attach the door using screws.

Choosing the correct number of hinges per cabinet door is crucial for ensuring optimal functionality and durability of your cabinetry. By considering door weight, dimensions, and materials, you can make informed decisions that enhance the performance and longevity of your kitchen cabinets.

Fabuwood cabinets are equipped exclusively with BLUM hinges, the standard in quality and durability. These hinges meet rigorous standards, enhancing the functionality and longevity of every cabinet.

Enhance your kitchen design planning by visiting your local dealer to see Fabuwood cabinets and BLUM hinges in person. Experience the quality and craftsmanship firsthand and get inspired for your own kitchen.

FAQS

How many hinges do my cabinets need?

This is based on the height and weight of the door. Doors up to 36 inches high will need two hinges, doors 36-60 inches high will need three hinges, and doors 60-84 inches high will need four hinges.

How far apart should hinges be?

Hinges should be placed every 30 inches on a door.

How many soft close hinges do my cabinets need?

Two soft-close hinges will do for doors up to 40 inches tall. For extra-tall or heavy doors, use three.

What is the most common kitchen cabinet hinge size?

The three standard hinge sizes for kitchen cabinets are 45 mm (1.77 inches), 48 mm (1.89 inches), and 52 mm (2.05 inches).