So, you notice one of your cabinet doors is leaning to the left or won't close when you try to shut it. If you don't try to fix this problem, it can impact the cabinet functionality and the overall aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.
Thankfully, installing and adjusting cabinet door hinges is relatively straightforward. In this article, we'll walk you through how to adjust cabinet hinges and discuss some common issues you may face with your cabinets.
Here's everything you need to know:
Understanding Cabinet Hinges
Hinges are a functional necessity for your kitchen cabinet doors. Without hinges, it's virtually impossible to open and close your cabinets.
Before buying the first set of hinges you find online, it's good to know the differences between the cabinet hinges commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Concealed: Commonly refreshed to flush hinges. These hinges are completely hidden, and the hinge is installed inside the cabinet.
- Surface-Mounted: These hinges don't need any holes to install. They are mounted directly on the door and are visible from the front.
- Inset: These are installed on the interior of the cabinet door and are typically paired with cabinet door knobs.
- Half Overlay: These are installed on the interior or exterior of the cabinet door. When the cabinet door is closed, it covers the entire cabinet frame. Half overlay hinges are an idea when two cabinet doors are mounted on opposite sides, and you need to install two hinges in the overlay.
- Full Overlay: Full overlays can also be stalled on the interior or the exterior, and the cabinet door covers the entire door frame.
When to Adjust Cabinet Hinges
There are many reasons to make a cabinet hinge adjustment. Some common reasons to learn how to adjust your cabinet hinges include:
- Misalignment: Notice your cabinet doors are sagging or aren't lined up with the cabinet door frame? Your hinges may be misaligned.
- Doors Don't Close Properly: If your cabinet doors aren't closing, you may need to realign your hinges or tighten a few screws. This will ensure your cabinet doors stay shut and it doesn't impact the visual appeal of your kitchen.
- Loud Noises: There's nothing worse than constantly hearing the sound of banging cabinet doors when they close. If you notice an abnormal sound when you shut the cabinets, you may need to realign or lubricate the hinges.
What You'll Need Before You Begin
Before you start adjusting cabinet door hinges, you'll need three things:
- Screws
- Phillips Head ScrewDriver
- Hammer
You'll also want to identify the type of hinges you currently have installed in your cabinets. The entire process shouldn't take you more than 5-10 minutes. If you're struggling to follow the step-by-step guide provided below and you ordered hinges from Cabinet Door Factory, we recommend watching our how-to video on how to install blum soft-closing hinges.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Adjusting Cabinet Door Hinges
Adjusting cabinet door hinges
Here's how to adjust cabinet hinges in a few easy steps.
Step One: Get to The Root Of The Problem
Are there issues with the door depth? Did you notice one of your cabinet door sags or leans to one side? Maybe, the cabinet door won't shut all of the way. Understanding the issue will dictate which screw needs to be adjusted.
Step Two: Check the Screws
Most hinges have 2-3 screws. Before you grab your screwdriver, you'll want to first check if any of the screws are loose or missing. Each screw serves a purpose and can impact the functionality of the cabinet doors.
Each screw also serves a different function. One will help the cabinet move in, one will keep it in line with the cabinets, and the other will move it up and down.
Step Three: Make Small Adjustments to the Screws
Next, you'll want to start making small adjustments to each screw on the hinge. Grab a screwdriver and rotate each screw. Pay attention to how the door moves when you adjust. You'll need to make small adjustments until the cabinet door is aligned with the frame and you get your desired look. Since all hinges are made differently, you may need to screw them clockwise and counterclockwise until you find what works.
Step Four: Repositioning The Hinge
If the screws aren't the problem, you may need to adjust the hinge position. Here's how to adjust cabinet hinges accordingly:
- Up or Down: Unscrew the hinge from the base plate. Move the door until it's leveled, and lock the hinge back in place.
- Right or Left: If you need to move the hinge to the right or left, adjust the screw that's closest to the cabinet door and adjust accordingly.
- Cabinet Depth: To move the cabinets further or closer to the cabinets, you'll want to unscrew the screw that's furthest from the doors and adjust accordingly.
Other Quick Cabinet Door Hinge Adjustments
Are you not pleased with the results of your cabinet door adjustment? If the cabinet door adjustment didn't work, there are some alternatives you'll want to consider:
- Lubricate the Hinges: This will help minimize friction, eliminate sounds, and reduce the resistance you feel when opening your cabinet doors.
- Replace the Hinges: Another option is to completely replace the hinges. Hinges need to be replaced the same way your cabinet doors do. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, it may be time to invest in new hinges entirely.
- Switch to Soft Close: Soft close hinges are a high-end, modern alternative to traditional hinges. They are designed to "catch" your cabinet door before it closes, minimizing sound and reducing wear and tear.
- Clean Your Cabinets Regularly: Did you know a build-up of dirt and grime can impact the functionality of your hinges? If it's been a while since you've cleaned the inside of your cabinets, consider wiping them down with a gentle cleanser.
Upgrade Your Hinges With Cabinet Door Factory
Hinges are a key component in any kitchen. If you find that adjusting cabinet hinges didn't provide the desired look, consider replacing your hinges with a soft-close hinge from Cabinet Door Factory. We have two different options available. Both are easy to install and maintain. We also have high-end custom-made cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
Shop now to get started!
Why are my cabinet doors still not closing properly after adjustment?
If the cabinet doors are still not closing properly, the cabinet doors may be warped. Warping is caused by humidity and changes in the weather. If you check to see if your cabinet is warped, look for water damage like bubbles and dark spots.
Why are the hinges not holding position?
It is possible that the hinges have a broken latch or they are still misaligned. We recommend inspecting the hinges for general wear and tear.
