Selecting European Hinges
European (concealed/cup) hinges are the standard for modern cabinetry. This guide covers the key factors in selecting the right hinge.
Cup Diameter
Standard cup diameter is 35mm. Some compact hinges use 26mm cups for smaller doors or lighter applications. Always check your door thickness — minimum 14mm for 35mm cups.
Overlay Selection
Full overlay (straight arm) for doors covering the entire frame. Half overlay (half-cranked) for center stile sharing. Inset (full-cranked) for flush-mounted doors.
Opening Angle
Standard: 95°-110°. Wide angle: 155°-170°. Extra wide: 270° for corner cabinets. Choose based on accessibility needs and adjacent structures.
Soft-Close Options
Integrated soft-close hinges have the damper built in. Clip-on dampers attach to standard hinges. Choose based on budget and door weight requirements.
Mounting Plates
Mounting plates (base plates) attach to the cabinet and connect to the hinge arm. Available in various heights (0mm-18mm) to adjust door offset. Choose plate height based on your overlay calculation.