Introduction
Concealed hinges, also known as European or Euro-style hinges, are a popular choice for modern, sleek cabinetry. Unlike traditional exposed hinges, concealed hinges are mounted inside the cabinet door and frame, leaving only a small gap when the door is closed. This creates a clean, seamless look that complements contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.
Installing concealed hinges may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully as a DIY project. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of installing concealed Euro-style hinges, from choosing the right hinges to adjusting them properly so your doors align just right. We will also provide tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible.
So read on to learn everything you need to know about how to install concealed Euro-style cabinet hinges for a professional look!
Step 1: Choose the Right Concealed Hinges
The first step is selecting the right type of concealed hinge for your cabinet doors. Here are some things to consider:
- Cabinet door type: Concealed hinges are available for framed and frameless cabinet doors. Make sure to get hinges designed specifically for your door style.
- Opening angle: Standard concealed hinges have a 120-degree opening angle. If you need wider openings, choose 170-degree or 110-degree reduced-swing hinges.
- Overlay: This refers to how much the door overlaps the cabinet frame. Choose partial overlay, full overlay, or inset hinges accordingly.
- Mounting type: Concealed hinges are either face-frame mounted or frameless mounted. Choose the right type for your cabinets.
- Adjustability: Look for hinges that allow 3-way adjustability for easy alignment.
- Load capacity: Make sure the hinges can support the weight of your cabinet doors. Standard concealed hinges have a load capacity of about 50 lbs.
Once you select the right hinges, purchase enough for all your cabinet doors, plus a couple of extras in case of mistakes. It’s better to have too many than come up short.
Step 2: Remove Existing Hinges (If Any)
If you’re installing concealed hinges in a kitchen with existing cabinets, you’ll first need to remove the old hinges.
Start by opening the cabinet door and removing any screws securing the hinge to the frame. You may need to pry off any plastic covers first to access the screws.
With the frame side loose, close the cabinet door slowly and support it as you remove the screws attaching the hinge to the door. Set the door aside safely.
Use a hammer and chisel to carefully remove any remaining portions of the old hinge from the cabinet frame. Take your time and work slowly to avoid damaging the wood.
Sand the area smooth and fill any holes or gaps so the new hinge can be mounted flush. Thoroughly clean away any dust before moving on.
Step 3: Mark Hinge Positions on Cabinet Frame & Door
Now you’re ready to mark where the new concealed hinges will be positioned. This step is key for proper door alignment later on.
On the cabinet frame, mark a point 3″ from the top and bottom edges. Then measure the total frame height and divide by the number of hinges you’re using to find the spacing between them. Mark the middle points.
For the cabinet door, allow a 1/8″ gap between the door edge and hinge. Place the top and bottom hinges 2″-3″ from the top and bottom, aligning with the marks on the frame. Space any remaining hinges evenly in between.
Use masking tape or removable adhesive to temporarily affix the hinges in position on the frame and door to check the alignments match up. Adjust if needed before marking with a pencil.
Step 4: Install Hinges to Cabinet Frame
With all your hinge positions marked, it’s time to start installing. We’ll begin with mounting the hinges to the cabinet frame.
Use a drill/driver with the appropriate bit to pre-drill pilot holes at each marked location. Refer to the hinge instructions for proper pilot hole sizing.
Position the hinge portion over the pilot holes and use the provided screws to secure it to the frame. Install all hinges on one door frame before moving on.
Make sure the hinges are mounted flush. Uneven gaps can prevent proper door alignment later on. Take your time and periodically check that the hinges remain aligned with your marks.
Use a utility knife to cut away any excess gasket material flush with the frame. Test the smoothness with your finger. Apply plumber’s putty if small gaps remain around the edges.
Step 5: Install Hinges to Cabinet Door
After mounting all the hinges to the frame side, shift your focus to the cabinet doors.
To allow room for adjustments, drill the pilot holes in the cabinet door slightly oversized. Follow the hinge instructions for proper sizing.
Align the hinge barrel with the pilot holes and attach the hinge to the door using the provided screws. Make sure they are perfectly aligned with your reference marks.
Repeat the installation for all doors, taking care not to overtighten the screws. The hinges need to remain loose enough for aligning in upcoming steps.
Step 6: Hang Doors and Adjust Fit
This is the exciting part where you finally get to hang the cabinet doors and see the results of your work.
Carefully lift and insert the first door onto the mounted hinge barrels. Support the door until you have the barrels fully inserted into all the hinges.
Slowly open and close the door to test operation and see if any adjustments need to be made. Closely inspect the gaps around the door.
Make minor 3D adjustments using the built-in adjustment screws:
- Depth: Move door closer or farther from frame
- Height: Raise or lower the door
- Lateral: Move door left or right
Take your time making gradual tweaks until the door operates smoothly and the gaps are even. Install any remaining doors and make alignments before final tightening.
Step 7: Final Adjustments & Troubleshooting
With all doors hung, take one final pass to inspect fits and make any last tweaks for optimal alignments:
- Ensure even gaps between doors and drawers.
- Check doors do not contact each other when open.
- Confirm proper contact with door activated switches if present.
- Test for rub points by opening/closing doors with paper in between.
- Make sure doors open fully and do not collision with other surfaces.
- Adjust hinges again if needed to perfect alignments.
- Tighten all hinge screws when satisfied to lock in adjustments.
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common concealed hinge issues:
- Sagging doors – Tighten hinge adjustment screws, check for loose mounting screws
- Doors won’t close all the way – Loosen frame-side screws to adjust gap and clearance
- Gaps appear uneven – Align with adjustment screws, shim frame if necessary
- Hinge binds or doesn’t pivot – Check for debris or uneven mounting, loosen screws
Conclusion
Installing concealed Euro hinges is an intermediate skills DIY project, but certainly achievable with some patience and the right techniques. Following this guide will help you successfully mount your new modern hinges for a flawless look.
The key steps to keep in mind are:
- Select proper hinge style and capacity for your cabinets
- Carefully remove old hinges if necessary
- Mark precise hinge positions on frames and doors
- Pre-drill holes and mount hinges loosely at first
- Hang doors, inspect fit, and make adjustments
- Do a final pass to fine-tune alignments
- Tighten all hardware when satisfied
Taking your time and not rushing the process is crucial. But the work pays off once you step back and admire your sleek new concealed hinge cabinetry installation.
We hope this guide has given you everything you need to feel confident installing concealed Euro-style hinges like a pro. You’ll gain great satisfaction in every perfectly aligned door you open and close.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Concealed Euro-Style Hinges
What type of cabinet doors work with concealed hinges?
Concealed hinges work on both framed and frameless cabinet doors. The main requirement is that the door has enough space along the edge for mounting the hinge cups.
Do I need any special tools for installation?
A drill/driver, chisel, hammer, and basic screwdrivers are all that’s needed. Using a drill guide helps create consistent pilot holes. You’ll also want masking tape and a pencil for marking.
What is the best way to remove old cabinet door hinges?
Start by detaching the hinge from the cabinet frame before removing the door portion. Use a hammer and chisel to gently loosen the frame side. Go slowly to avoid splintering.
How precise do my hinge position marks need to be?
Marking the exact hinge mounting points is crucial. Even small deviations from your measurements can prevent doors from aligning right. Take your time and double check.
Should hinges be installed on the frame or door first?
It’s best to attach the hinges to the cabinet frame side first. Having the frame side in place helps keep the hinges aligned when installing the door side for adjustments.
How tight should the hinge screws be when installing?
Keep hinge screws slightly loose at first. This allows small adjustments during alignment. Fully tighten the screws after making final adjustments to lock them in place.
What is the most common concealed hinge adjustment to make after hanging doors?
The depth adjustment screw is most often used to fine tune the gap between the door and cabinet frame after hanging. A few turns is usually all that’s needed.
How can I fix doors that won’t close completely?
Try loosening the screws attaching the hinges to the cabinet frame very slightly to increase the clearance. Don’t detach completely. Make small turns of the screw until the door can close.
Why do my doors sag over time after installing concealed hinges?
Doors that gradually sag are usually due to hinges loosening up. Check for any play or wobble in the mounting screws and tighten them securely.
What is the best troubleshooting tip for concealed cabinet hinges?
Always look to the physical hinge mounting first. Make sure screws are tight, hinges are flush, and operation is smooth. Alignment issues are typically mounted related.