The rising popularity of soft close concealed cabinet hinges among homeowners and design aficionados reflects their blend of functionality and visual appeal. These hinges gracefully blend functionality with aesthetics, creating an elegant silhouette for modern kitchens and bathrooms. This article delves into the unique advantages of these hinges, providing insights into the procedure for installing them, along with the plethora of options available in the marketplace. Additionally, it offers solutions to common complications experienced during usage to guarantee the longevity and style of your cabinets.
1. The Advantages of Soft Close Concealed Cabinet Hinges
Soft close concealed cabinet hinges offer myriad benefits compared to conventional hinges. Major advantages highlighted include:
a. Aesthetic Value: The sleek, understated design of soft close hinges complements virtually any kitchen or bathroom aesthetic.
b. Sturdiness: Crafted to endure everyday use, these hinges pledge longevity for your cabinets.
c. Silent Operation: The quieter operation of hinges minimizes noise emanating from cabinet closures, thereby enhancing ambiance.
d. Safety Enhancement: Their slow yet steady closure mitigates the risk of finger entrapment, thus making them an ideal choice for families with young children.
2. Installation Procedure
Though initially daunting, installing soft close concealed cabinet hinges may prove rewarding for do-it-yourself enthusiasts or seasoned professionals. Herein lies an outline of the installation process:
a. Dimensional Assessment: Employ a tape measure to determine the distance between the uppermost and lowermost points of the cabinet.
b. Spotting the Center: Ascertain the midpoint of each hinge hole’s circumference on the cabinet’s framework and door.
c. Hole Drilling: Engage a drill to fabricate holes for hinge screws on the cabinet frame and door.
d. Attaching the Hinge: Align the hinge with the pre-drilled holes, and secure it to the cabinet frame and door via screws.
e. Fine Tuning: Execute any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth and silent closure of the door.
Numerous varieties of soft close concealed cabinet hinges exist in the market. Among the most sought after are:
a. Full Overlay Hinges: These hinges offer a pristine, contemporary appearance when the door is shut, being entirely concealed upon door opening.
b. Half Overlay Hinges: These hinges, though partially concealed when the door is open, strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
c. Full Overlay with Soft Close Mechanism: This hybrid hinge combines the unadorned look of full overlay with the added convenience of a soft close feature.
d. European Concealed Hinges: Designed especially for European-styled cabinets, these hinges maintain a fully concealed appearance when the door is open.
4. Common Problems and Solutions
Despite their inherent advantages, soft close concealed cabinet hinges might occasionally face minor challenges. Read on to discover some probable problems and potential solutions:
a. Door Refusal to Close: Verify whether the hinge screws are adequately tightened and if its alignment with the cabinet frame is correct.
b. Slower Than Expected Closure: Modify the hinge’s tension by rotating the adjustment screw anti-clockwise.
c. Door Lapses into Open State: Ensure that the hinge is firmly affixed to the cabinet frame and door, and scrutinize for gaps emerging due to imperfect alignment.
d. Risk of Finger Entrapment: Optimize the angle at which the hinge sits such that the door swings away from the hinge, mitigating the chances of contact injury.
