When planning a home renovation or upgrading your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, one of the most important choices is the type of hinge to use. Among the many options available, soft-close hinges are a popular choice for modern homes as they prevent doors from slamming shut. 

However, how do you know what size soft-close hinge you need? Choosing the wrong size can lead to issues like misalignment or improper door closing.

So, to provide you with complete information on soft close hinge, we are here with this guide. With this comprehensive guide, you will be able to get the right-sized soft close hinges. Here we go!

Soft-Close Hinge- Explained

Soft-close hinges are designed to slow down the door as it closes, allowing it to shut quietly and gently. This is thanks to a built-in damper mechanism. Unlike regular hinges that can cause the door to slam shut, soft-close hinges protect your cabinetry, prevent damage, and offer a more luxurious feel to your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space with cabinets.

They’re ideal for families with small children, as they reduce the risk of pinched fingers, and they simply make using your cabinets more enjoyable.

Varied Soft-Close Hinges

Soft-close hinges come in various sizes and types. Each type is designed to work with different kinds of cabinets and doors. Before you figure out what size you need, it’s crucial to understand the various. Commonsoft-close hinges include:-

1. Overlay Hinges

Overlay hinges are the most common type used in modern cabinetry. These hinges allow the cabinet door to sit on top of the cabinet frame. You must select a hinge with the right overlay size based on how much the door overlaps the frame.

2. Inset Hinges

Inset hinges are installed so that the cabinet door sits flush with the frame. This type of hinge is commonly used for more traditional cabinetry and requires precise measurements.

3. Full-Overlay Hinges

Doors covering the entire cabinet frame are intended to use full-overlay hinges. They’re often found in frameless cabinets, where the door completely covers the opening.

4. Half-Overlay Hinges

Half-overlay hinges allow two doors to share the same cabinet partition. They are usually smaller and utilized in cabinets with several doors.

5. Angle Hinges

If your cabinet door opens at an angle (for example, in corner cabinets), you’ll need an angle hinge. These hinges come in various degrees, such as 30°, 45°, or 90°.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Size Soft-Close Hinge

Steps include:-

1. Measure Your Cabinet Doors

The first step in determining the right size hinge is to measure your cabinet doors. You need to know both the width and height of each door. If your door is wide or tall, it may require a larger hinge to support the weight and ensure smooth operation.

• Width: Measure the distance across the door from one side to the other.
• Height: Measure the distance from the top to the bottom of the door.

It's crucial to take the door's thickness into account. Thicker doors will need hinges with larger cups (the part that sits inside the door).

2. Determine Your Overlay

Your overlay is the distance that the door covers the cabinet frame. To measure the overlay, close the cabinet door and measure from the edge of the frame to the edge of the door. This measurement will determine what size hinge you need. Three popular kinds of overlay are as follows:

• Full Overlay: The door completely covers the cabinet frame.
• Half Overlay: The frame is largely hidden by the door.
• Inset: The cabinet frame contains the door.

For full-overlay doors, you’ll need larger auto hinges soft close than you would for half-overlay or inset doors.

3. Consider the Door’s Weight

The weight of your cabinet door is another critical factor. Heavier doors require larger, more robust hinges. Most hinge manufacturers specify the maximum weight a hinge can support, so be sure to check these specifications.

If your door is particularly heavy, you may need to use multiple hinges to distribute the weight evenly. For example, a tall, heavy door might need three or four hinges, rather than the standard two.

4. Check the Degree of Opening

Cabinet doors open to different angles, and the hinge you choose must accommodate this. Most soft-close hinges open to a standard 110°, but if your doors need to open wider, you may require a 170° or 180° hinge. Measure how far you want your cabinet doors to open and choose the corresponding hinge.

If you have corner cabinets or other unusual layouts, you may also need hinges that allow for angled opening.

5. Hinge Cup Size

The hinge cup is the part of the hinge that fits into a hole drilled in the door. The standard cup size is 35mm, but smaller or larger hinges may have different cup sizes. Make sure the hinge cup size matches the hole size on your cabinet door. If you are retrofitting new hinges onto existing cabinets, the cup size is especially important.

Read Also:- How To Choose Soft Close Hinges?

6. Test the Soft-Close Feature

Once you’ve chosen the right size and type of soft-close hinge, it’s always a good idea to test the hinge to ensure it works smoothly. Install one hinge and check how the door closes. If the door doesn’t close properly or feels too heavy for the hinge, you may need to upgrade to a larger size or install additional hinges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Soft-Close Hinges

To Sum Up

Choosing the right size soft-close hinge might seem like a small detail, but it’s essential for ensuring your cabinet doors function smoothly and last for years to come. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently select the perfect soft-close hinge for your project.