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CABINET DOOR HARDWARE INTRODUCTION

There are a number of pieces of hardware designed to be used on cabinet doors, namely, hinges, catches, and knobs and pulls.

Cabinet hinges are made in a variety of styles, but design dictates upon which type of door they may be used.

There are three types of doors: flush, overlay, and lipped or recessed. The flush door fits within the cabinet frame, its face flush with the cabinet framework. The overlay door slightly overlaps the cabinet opening all around. The lipped door has a rabbet, or recess, cut in the edges.

Hinges come in a variety of finishes as well as metals, and though there are complicated formulas for installing them, the plain fact is that hinges are many times stronger than they need to be. Hence, the best way to get the correct size is by proportion: just pick a hinge size that seems in proper proportion to the door size -- it is certain to be strong enough.

The tips above apply to new hinges. If the hinge is a replacement, simply bring the old one into the store so it can be easily identified.

Most hinges come "carded," a trade term meaning packaged, and most packages have instructions for installing the hinges. The package itself is sometimes used as a template for making the hinge holes.

You should, of course, match the pulls or knobs to the hinges used and cabinet style. This shouldn't be any problem because these items are available in a wide variety of styles and colors that harmonize with hinges.

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