Get Famous Branded Quality at Factory Cost
Pls inquire to sales@danddhardware.com
\\: +86 139 2903 7292
English Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-20 Origin: Site
If you're planning a cabinet refresh, you've likely spent time considering door styles, finishes, and hardware. But what about the hinges? While often overlooked, the right hinge is crucial for both function and aesthetics. Concealed hinges, also known as European hinges, are a popular choice for achieving a clean, modern look because they are completely hidden when the cabinet door is closed.
This leads to a common question for renovators and DIY enthusiasts: can you use concealed hinges on partial inset doors? The short answer is yes, but it requires the right type of hinge and a specific installation process. Unlike standard overlay doors where the hinge mounts flush inside the cabinet, partial inset doors present a unique challenge due to their lipped design.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully install concealed hinges on your partial inset cabinet doors. We'll cover the specific hinges you'll need, the steps for installation, and tips to ensure a flawless finish.
Before we get into the specifics, it's important to understand the differences between common cabinet door styles. The type of door determines which hinge you can use.
Inset doors sit completely inside the cabinet frame, making them flush with the cabinet face. This style offers a classic, high-end look reminiscent of fine furniture. It requires precise measurements and installation to ensure even gaps around the entire door.
Full overlay doors cover the entire cabinet opening and the face frame, creating a seamless, contemporary appearance. When closed, only the door front is visible, which is why concealed hinges are a perfect match for this style.
Partial overlay doors cover a portion of the cabinet frame, leaving some of it exposed. This is a common and cost-effective style, but it means the door doesn't sit flush with the frame.
This is the style we're focusing on. Partial inset doors, also called lipped doors, have a small groove (or "lip") cut around the back edge. This allows the door to fit partially inside the cabinet opening while the lipped edge rests against the face frame. This style was popular in mid-20th-century kitchens and is often found in vintage or traditional cabinetry. The lip creates an offset that makes standard hinge installation more complex.
The main difficulty in pairing concealed hinges with partial inset doors lies in the offset created by the door's lip. Standard concealed hinges are designed for doors that are either fully inside the frame (inset) or fully outside the frame (overlay).
A concealed hinge has two main parts: the hinge cup that sits in a hole drilled into the back of the door, and the mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet frame or side panel. For the hinge to work correctly, the door and the cabinet must be aligned properly. The lip on a partial inset door disrupts this alignment, preventing a standard concealed hinge from closing correctly.
Fortunately, hinge manufacturers have developed solutions for this specific problem. To use concealed hinges on a partial inset door, you need a hinge designed for that "lipped" application.
These specialized hinges account for the offset created by the door's lip. They often feature a different cranking or a uniquely shaped mounting plate that bridges the gap between the door and the cabinet frame.
When shopping for these hinges, look for terms like:
· Concealed hinge for lipped doors
· Partial inset concealed hinge
· Hinge for 3/8" inset doors (or whatever the depth of your lip is)
Brands like Blum, Salice, and Grass are well-regarded manufacturers that offer a range of specialty hinges, including options for partial inset applications. It is crucial to measure the depth of your door's lip (the most common is 3/8 inch) to ensure you purchase the correct hinge.
Once you have the correct hinges, the installation process is straightforward, though it requires precision. You will need a few tools, including a drill, a hinge cup drilling jig or a Forstner bit (typically 35mm), a screwdriver, and a measuring tape.
First, determine the placement of your hinges on the door. A general rule is to place one hinge 3-4 inches from the top of the door and another 3-4 inches from the bottom. For taller doors (over 30 inches), you may need a third hinge in the center.
Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the center point for each hinge cup on the back of the door. The distance from the edge of the door to the center of the cup (the "boring distance") is critical and is usually specified in the hinge instructions (typically 3-6mm). A drilling jig can make this step much easier and more accurate.
With your door securely clamped, use a 35mm Forstner bit or a dedicated hinge jig to drill the holes for the hinge cups at your marked locations. Be very careful not to drill all the way through the door. The typical cup depth is around 11-13mm, but always check your hinge's specifications. A piece of tape on your drill bit can act as a handy depth gauge.
Once the holes are drilled, press the hinge cups firmly into place. They should sit flush with the surface of the door. Secure them with the screws provided.
Now it's time to work on the cabinet frame. The position of the mounting plate is just as important as the hinge cup. The instructions that come with your specialized concealed hinges will provide the exact measurements for placing the mounting plates on the face frame.
Hold the door up to the cabinet frame in the closed position to help visualize where the plates will go. Mark the screw holes for the mounting plates according to the hinge instructions, pre-drill the holes to prevent the wood from splitting, and then screw the plates into place.
Most modern concealed hinges are a two-part system, allowing you to easily clip the hinge arm onto the mounting plate. Attach the door by aligning the hinges with the plates and snapping them together.
After hanging the door, it will likely need some fine-tuning. Concealed hinges are highly adjustable. You will see three screws on the hinge that allow you to adjust the door's position:
· Side-to-side (lateral): Moves the door left or right to even the gap between doors.
· Up and down (vertical): Raises or lowers the door for vertical alignment.
· In and out (depth): Moves the door closer to or further from the cabinet frame, ensuring it closes flush.
Take your time with these adjustments until the door hangs perfectly straight and operates smoothly.
Upgrading your cabinet hardware is a powerful way to transform the look and feel of your space. While partial inset doors have a traditional feel, pairing them with concealed hinges can create a unique, updated look that merges classic and modern styles.
The key to success is using the right hardware. By selecting a concealed hinge specifically designed for lipped or partial inset doors and following the installation steps carefully, you can achieve a clean, professional finish. Your cabinets will not only look great but will also benefit from the smooth, quiet operation that modern concealed hinges provide.
Ready to start your project? Explore our range of specialty concealed hinges to find the perfect fit for your partial inset doors.
Click here for additional details on concealed door hinges.
Now contact us.
Contact information for David Jian
Contact number: 0086-139 2903 7292
Email address: sales@danddhardware.com
