Get Famous Branded Quality at Factory Cost
Pls inquire to sales@danddhardware.com
\\: +86 139 2903 7292
English 
Concealed door hinges offer a clean, modern look by hiding the hinge mechanism entirely when the door is closed. This creates a seamless, flush finish that is perfect for contemporary interiors, minimalist designs, and hidden doorways. While they might seem complex, fitting concealed door hinges is a manageable project for a skilled DIYer with the right tools and a bit of patience.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from selecting the right hinges to making the final adjustments. We’ll cover the tools you’ll need, provide a step-by-step installation method, and share tips to help you achieve aprofessional-quality result. By the end of this article, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to tackle this project yourself.
Before you start, it’s helpful to understand what makes concealed door hinges different from traditional butt hinges. Also known as invisible or Soss hinges, they are installed within recesses (or mortises) cut into both the door edge and the door frame. When the door is shut, the hinge folds into these recesses, becoming completely invisible from either side.
This design not only provides a sleek aesthetic but also offers enhanced security, as the hinges are inaccessible from the outside when the door is closed. They are typically adjustable in three dimensions—height, depth, and width—which allows for precise alignment and a perfect fit.
Gathering the right tools is the first step toward a successful installation. Having everything on hand before you begin will make the process much smoother.
Tools:
· Plunge router with a straight-cut bit
· Jigsaw or hand saw (for creating the mortise corners)
· Power drill with various drill bit sizes
· Sharp wood chisel set
· Combination square or try square
· Tape measure
· Pencil
· Clamps
· Safety glasses and dust mask
Materials:
· Concealed door hinges (ensure they are rated for your door’s weight and thickness)
· Screws (usually included with the hinges)
· The door and door frame
A critical part of the process is the jig that often comes with high-quality concealed door hinges. This template is essential for accurately marking and routing the mortises. If your hinges don’t include a jig, you can purchase one separately or create your own from a piece of plywood. Using a jig is highly recommended to ensure precision.
Follow these steps carefully to install your concealed hinges. Remember to measure twice and cut once. Working slowly and methodically is the key to avoiding mistakes.
First, decide where you want to place the hinges on your door and frame. A common practice is to place one hinge near the top, one near the bottom, and a third in the center for heavier doors.
1.Mark the Door: Lay the door on its side. Measure from the top of the door down to where you want the top of the first hinge to be. A standard distance is around 7-8 inches (18-20 cm). Use your square and pencil to draw a clear horizontal line across the door edge.
2.Use the Jig: Position the manufacturer’s routing template (jig) against the line you just marked. Ensure it is perfectly aligned with the face of the door and clamp it securely in place.
3.Trace the Outline: Use a sharp pencil to trace the inside of the jig. This will give you the precise outline for the mortise you need to cut.
4.Repeat for Other Hinges: Repeat this process for the other hinge locations on the door.
5.Transfer to the Frame: Carefully transfer these measurements to the door frame. The hinge positions on the frame must exactly match the positions on the door for correct alignment. Use the jig again to mark the mortise outlines on the frame.
This is the most critical step. A plunge router is the best tool for this job, as it allows for precise depth control.
1.Set the Router Depth: Adjust the depth of your router bit to match the depth of the hinge body. You can do this by placing the hinge next to the router bit and setting the depth accordingly. It's better to start with a shallower cut and make a second pass if needed than to cut too deep.
2.Rout the Main Area: Put on your safety glasses. Turn on the router and carefully plunge it into the marked area, staying within the traced lines. Remove the bulk of the material from the center of the mortise first, then work your way out to the edges. Let the jig guide your router for a clean cut.
3.Square the Corners: Most concealed door hinges are rectangular, but a router bit creates rounded corners. Use a sharp wood chisel and a mallet to carefully square off the corners of the mortise. Take small, precise cuts to avoid splitting the wood.
4.Check the Fit: Test fit the hinge body in the mortise. It should sit flush with the surface of the door edge and frame. If it’s too tight, carefully chisel away a small amount of material. If it sits below the surface, the mortise is too deep.
Repeat this process for all hinge locations on both the door and the frame.
Once the mortises are cut and the hinges fit perfectly, it's time to drill the holes for the mounting screws.
1.Mark the Holes: Place the hinge back into the mortise. Use a pencil or an awl to mark the center of each screw hole.
2.Select the Right Drill Bit: Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws. This ensures the screws will have enough wood to bite into for a secure hold.
3.Drill the Holes: Carefully drill the pilot holes at the marked locations. Make sure to drill straight and not too deep.
With the mortises cut and pilot holes drilled, you can now attach the hinges.
1.Separate the Hinge: Concealed hinges come in two interlocking parts. Separate them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. One part will be installed on the door, and the other on the frame.
2.Attach to the Door: Place the corresponding hinge part into its mortise on the door. Insert the screws and tighten them until the hinge is securely fastened.
3.Attach to the Frame: Do the same for the hinge parts on the door frame. Ensure they are firmly attached.
Now it's time for the moment of truth: hanging the door.
1.Lift and Align: This is often a two-person job. Lift the door and align the hinge parts.
2.Connect the Hinges: Slide the door-side hinge parts into the frame-side parts. They should interlock smoothly. Secure them with the connecting pin or screw provided by the manufacturer.
3.Check the Gaps: Close the door and inspect the gaps around it. The goal is an even gap all the way around.
4.Adjust as Needed: Most concealed door hinges allow for 3D adjustment. Use the adjustment screws on the hinge to move the door up/down (height), in/out (depth), and side-to-side (width). Refer to your hinge’s instructions for which screw controls which adjustment. Make small, incremental changes until the door hangs perfectly straight and closes smoothly.
Fitting concealed door hinges requires precision, but the result is a clean and sophisticated look that can elevate the style of any room. By taking your time, using the right tools—especially a router jig—and following these steps, you can achieve a professional installation. Your doors will not only look fantastic but will also operate smoothly for years to come.
With your new skills, you can confidently add this high-end feature to your home improvement projects, creating seamless transitions between spaces and a truly modern aesthetic.
