What are the different types of concealed hinges for cabinetry?

Concealed hinges are designed to be hidden from view when a cabinet door is closed. There are several types of concealed hinges available, here are the most popular ones!

  1. European hinges: European hinges are the most common type of concealed hinge. They are designed to be used on both frameless and face-frame cabinets and feature a two-part design consisting of a mounting plate and a hinge cup.
  2. Barrel hinges: Barrel hinges are another type of concealed hinge that can be used on both frameless and face-frame cabinets. They feature a cylindrical barrel that is inserted into a drilled hole in the cabinet and are held in place by a screw.
  • Pivot hinges: Pivot hinges are a unique type of concealed hinge that is installed at the top and bottom of a door or cabinet. They allow the door or cabinet to swing open on a single pivot point and are often used on large or heavy doors.

Each type of concealed hinge has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your specific needs and the type of cabinet or door you are working with.

The Benefits of Using Piano Hinges in Your Woodworking Projects

piano hinge with white background

The piano hinge, also known as a continuous hinge, has a long and varied history. Some sources trace the origins of the piano hinge back to ancient Egyptian times, where they were used to attach doors to tombs and other structures. Others attribute the invention of the piano hinge to Leonardo da Vinci, who is said to have designed a similar hinge in the 15th century.

Despite its ancient origins, the piano hinge as we know it today did not become widely used until the 19th century. During this time, the industrial revolution brought about new manufacturing techniques that made it possible to mass-produce these hinges. The piano hinge became particularly popular in the furniture and cabinetmaking industry, where it was used to attach doors and lids to cabinets and other pieces of furniture.

Today, piano hinges are used in a wide range of applications and have become an essential component of woodworking projects, offering a range of benefits that make them a popular choice among woodworkers. These long, narrow hinges allow doors and lids to open smoothly and stay securely in place, while also providing a sleek and unobtrusive look.

Piano Hinge Strength and Durability

I believe that one of the main benefits of using piano hinges is their strength and durability. These hinges are typically made of metal, and can handle the weight of even the heaviest doors and lids. This makes them ideal for use in applications where the door or lid will be subject to a lot of use or will need to hold heavy items. These hinges are available in pre drilled and also weld-on versions.

Versatility of the Piano Hinge

In addition to their strength, I find that piano hinges also offer a high level of versatility. Piano hinges can be cut to any length and are available in a range of sizes and styles, making them suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. They can be used to attach doors to cabinets, drawers to desks, and lids to boxes, among many other applications.

Installation of Piano Hinges

Another benefit of using piano hinges is their easy installation. These hinges come with pre-drilled holes, making it quick and straightforward to attach them to your woodworking project.

Piano hinges also offer a sleek and elegant appearance that can enhance the overall look of your woodworking project. These hinges are typically made with a narrow profile and are designed to blend in with the surrounding woodwork, creating a seamless and cohesive appearance. This makes them a popular choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry.

Overall, piano hinges offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any woodworking project. Their strength, versatility, ease of installation, and elegant appearance make them a popular choice among woodworkers.

Concealed Cabinet Hinges: The Sleek and Modern Way to Upgrade Your Cabinets

Concealed hidden hinge by Titus brand

Concealed cabinet hinges, also known as European hinges or cupboard hinges, are a type of hinge that are designed to be hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed. This gives the appearance of a seamless, smooth surface on the cabinet and adds a clean, modern look to any kitchen or bathroom.

There are several types of concealed cabinet hinges, including full overlay, half overlay, and inset. Full overlay hinges are the most popular choice because they allow the cabinet door to completely cover the frame of the cabinet, creating a sleek, contemporary look. Half overlay hinges allow the door to partially cover the frame, while inset hinges are installed within the cabinet frame, making them completely hidden when the door is closed.

One of the main benefits of concealed cabinet hinges is their adjustability. They are designed with a small adjustment screw that allows you to fine-tune the fit of the door, ensuring that it is perfectly aligned with the frame. This is especially useful when you are installing new cabinets or replacing old ones, as it allows you to get a precise fit without having to do any additional carpentry work.

Another advantage of concealed cabinet hinges is their durability. These hinges are typically made from high-quality materials, such as steel or zinc alloy, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. They are also designed to be easy to install, with most models requiring just a few hinge screws and a drill.

Overall, concealed cabinet hinges are a great choice for anyone looking to update the look of their kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They offer a sleek, modern look and are adjustable and durable, making them a practical and stylish choice for any home renovation project. This video will explaing a little more informaition about concealed cabinet hinges and how they work.

UnderMount Drawer Slides are top notch!

If you’re in the process of building or renovating your kitchen cabinets, you may be wondering what type of drawer slides to use. One popular option is the undermount drawer slide, which is designed to be installed underneath the drawer rather than on the sides or back. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of under mount drawer slides and how they can enhance the functionality and appearance of your kitchen cabinets.

Blum Undermount drawer slide installed on a drawer in a kitchen

One of the main advantages of under mount drawer slides is their sleek, modern appearance. Because they are installed under the drawer, these slides are not visible when the drawer is closed, giving your cabinets a clean, uncluttered look. This is particularly useful in modern kitchen designs where a minimalist aesthetic is desired.

In addition to their appearance, under mount drawer slides are also known for their smooth and quiet operation. Most under mount slides are equipped with ball bearings, which allow the drawer to open and close smoothly and quietly. This can be a major benefit if you have a busy household with frequent traffic in and out of the kitchen.

Under mount drawer slides are also highly durable and easy to use. They are typically made of metal, which is strong and resistant to wear and tear. And because they are installed under the drawer, they are less prone to damage from spills or other accidents that can occur in the kitchen.

Installing under mount drawer slides is generally a straightforward process, although it may require some basic tools and knowledge of carpentry. The slides are typically attached to the underside of the drawer using screws or other fasteners, and then the other half of the slide is attached to the inside of the cabinet using mounting brackets or screws. Once the slides are in place, the drawer can be placed onto the slides and aligned with the cabinet opening, allowing it to move smoothly in and out.

In conclusion, under mount drawer slides are a popular choice for kitchen cabinets and other furniture applications due to their sleek appearance, smooth operation, and durability. If you’re looking to upgrade the functionality and appearance of your cabinets, consider installing under mount drawer slides for a modern, hassle-free solution.

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How to Add Soft-Close to your Exsiting Cabinets

Cabinet door showing a hinge with an installed sof-close adaptor
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Soft-close cabinet doors are pretty much the new norm. If your cabinets were built without soft close doors, don’t worry, we have a solution for you! Adding soft close adaptors to your existing cabinets can be a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade. You will love the functionality of this simple upgrade to your kitchen or bathroom. These adaptors are designed to slow down the closing speed of cabinet doors, reducing the risk of damage to the doors and the cabinet itself, as well as reducing noise.

To install soft close adaptors, you will need a screwdriver, a drill, and the adaptors themselves. (The adaptors come with screws) You will also need to know if your cabinet door hinges are self-closing or free-swing. If they are free-swing, unfortunately, these adaptors will not work for your cabinets.

How-To Install Soft-Close Cabinet Door Adaptors

Here is a step-by-step guide explaining how to install soft close adaptors on your existing cabinets:

  1. Open the cabinet door and locate the hinges.
  2. Attach the adaptors to the cabinet on the side of the cabinet that the door hinges are located by screwing them in place. Make sure that the adaptors are facing the correct direction, with the soft close mechanism facing outward.
  3. Repeat the process for each cabinet door that you wish to install the adaptors on.
  4. Once all of the adaptors are in place, close the cabinet doors and test the soft close function by gently pushing the doors shut. The doors should close slowly and smoothly.

Overall, adding soft close adaptors to your cabinets is a simple and cost-effective way to upgrade the functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. Not only do they make your cabinets more convenient to use, but they also help to protect the doors from damage.

If you have any issues during the installation process, please send us a message and we will be more than happy to assist.

Here also a video showing you exactly how to install the Grass Uni-soft adaptors on your existing cabinet doors.

What to know about Cabinet Drawers! The Benefits and Options

Cabinet drawers are a convenient and practical addition to any home or office space. There are so many different options and benefits when shopping for cabinet drawers and drawer slides. Whether you are looking to provide a neat and organized way to store a wide range of items, from utensils and dishware in the kitchen, to office supplies or documents in a home office or workspace, choosing the correct drawer and drawer slide combination is something to take serious.

One of the key benefits of cabinet drawers is their ability to maximize storage space. Unlike shelves or cupboards, drawers can be fitted with dividers and organizers to keep items neatly arranged and easy to find. This makes them a great option for small spaces, where every inch of storage is valuable.

Young women opening a cabinet drawer and grabbing a utensil. One of the key benefits of cabinet drawers is their ability to maximize storage space

Another advantage of cabinet drawers is their versatility. Drawers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs and aesthetic preferences. From traditional wood drawers to modern, sleek designs, there is a cabinet drawer option to suit any space.

When shopping for cabinet drawers, it’s important to consider the materials and construction. High-quality drawers are typically made from sturdy materials like wood or metal, and feature smooth-gliding, full-extension slides for easy access to contents.

Additionally, consider the type of drawer that will best suit your needs. For example, soft-close drawers are a great option for a kitchen, as they prevent slamming and potential damage to items inside. Drawers with built-in organizers, such as dividers and compartments, are also helpful for keeping items neatly arranged and you will truly benefit from adding this option.

Overall, cabinet drawers are a versatile and practical addition to any space, providing a convenient and organized way to store a wide range of items. Whether you’re looking to maximize storage in a small space or simply want a neat and organized solution, cabinet drawers are a great option to consider.

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Mondays with Mike…9-12-2022 Edition 31

Matching Sinks, Faucets and Hardware Help to Create the Bathroom of Your Dreams

As is typical for me, I have to rave about the gray tones on display here in this seemingly mirror-less bathroom. I’ve often contemplated replacing my own main floor bathroom’s mirror. You see, it extends all the way down to a level in line with the top of our short faucet fixture, which means without great effort to prevent it, hand washing results in an abundance of water splashing up onto the mirror. It’s such an annoying problem that I sometimes just walk a few step over into the kitchen to wash/dry my hands.

I won’t go too deep here today, but just know that these stunning pulls and matching series knobs are available for purchase at www.WoodworkerExpress.com. Plus, if you want a different look, we’ve got color/finish variety for days, and that’s always a good thing. So, you and I both are disappointed that we don’t carry the missing mirror for this particular bathroom application, but we DO carry an assortment of closet mirrors destined to take your bedroom closet chic to the next level. I realize that is all exciting news, but in your excitement be sure you don’t push past these brilliant acrylic sinks and their accompanying faucets. They complement each other so well while also being essential to the reason this room was walked into to begin with.

Behind the gray cabinet façade, I speculate these cabinets and drawers are mounted with task-specific organizers. Of course, we stock these with a multitude of flexible options…so much so that you’d think they were custom-designed. Care to learn more? Call a www.WoodworkerExpress.com advisor toll-free at:  855-993-4968

Gray themed bathroom with silver faucets and hardware
Photo Courtesy of Houzz

Mondays with Mike…8-29-2022 Edition 29

Create A Closet So Organized that No Doors are Necessary!

No door needed here for this multi-function utility closet, for if there were I could sincerely recommend a barn door in its place. I note ‘multi-function’ to describe this due to the fact that painting supplies (and paint!) are quite close to the ironing supplies, which might only be steps away from the eye care products and toothpaste. While at it, I might also bring the toilet paper down to a lower level…

As I often say in these parts, www.WoodworkerExpress.com carries a handful, if not more of the products that you see here in this utility closet. If you think I’m exaggerating, then take a look at the HandiSOLUTIONS® Wall Panel that is accessorized with baskets to hold cleaning supplies and a mop + paper towels. We don’t sell the mop (…we do sell brooms!), but all the accessories holding baskets that attach to this wall panel we’ve got! The chrome Rev-A-Shelf closet baskets stowed in the lower right bays are in stock at the moment…they’re also available in oil rubbed bronze and satin nickel finishes.

Lucky for me, as you see, I’m prepared…cleanup in Aisle 3!

Cleaning supplies closet organized with slat wall and pull-out baskets
Photo Courtesy of Houzz

Mondays with Mike…8-22-2022 Edition 28

Creating an Unexpected Space-Confessions of a Woodworker…

Confessions anyone? If you are a creative, semi-handy person then you might find this mudroom cabinet here to be a desirable and attainable project for you to take on. I can tell you firsthand that www.WoodworkerExpress.com is loaded with all the hooks, pulls and other components necessary to assemble this stylishly aeriated cabinet.

As alluded to in the beginning, this project resembles confessional. I’m guessing it might’ve been the dark wood combined with the pull and mesh wire grills that triggered me thinking that. That said, once I focused in on the 2nd door (+ the 2 jackets), I realized this indeed wasn’t a (group!) confessional, but rather a great mudroom cabinet design brought to life. Part of that great design is the installed mesh allowing the contents to always be largely obscured, aerating and nearby. On top of that, the wood tone chosen here is fundamental to helping obscure the ‘mud’ you’ll surely expect in these parts.

Speaking of confessions, I believe the floor tiles shown here in the photo are the exact same ones that are in my own home. I know that’s technically unlikely, but I’d almost agree to a substitution to just see if I’m right. However, that sounds like a whole lot of effort for me to prove a point (that I’m wrong!). I’ll also mention that you are well within your whims to design and build your own confessional….

And if you do, could we please see a photo?

Mudroom closet space complete with hooks, handles and mesh screen door inserts.
Photo Courtesy of Houzz

Mondays with Mike…8-15/2022 Edition 27

Opposites Attract-Create Harmony with Contrast.

We’ve all heard the popular saying “Not everything in life is black and white.” However, the designer of this brilliant kitchen/mudroom combo might just beg to differ whilst offering up a substitute for us all: “Opposites attract.”

Here we can see a clear delineation between the countertop/matching matte black hardware choices and everything else here, really. Starting with the matte black hardware, we can see a fabulous and flexible assortment of chosen hardware: door handles and hinges, faucets, hooks, knobs & cup pulls. Even if the flooring here was a different color, there’s no way that the black hardware isn’t the winner in this designer’s game of what ultimately looks best.

WE (www.WoodworkerExpress.com) also has the items that hold this all together organizationally (Base Cabinet Organizers, Lazy Susans, Under sink Drip Trays, Cabinet Door Racks, etc.). When it comes to style, you also have to have substance. Behind the façade, there must be function; I don’t think you can have one without the other. Funny how this all oddly sounds a bit like our initial ‘popular saying’ about black and white. And speaking of color contrast, I do notice a seemingly glowing yellow container of some of the finest hand sanitizer I’ve come across: Lemyn. After all, it’s a kitchen/mudroom, so perhaps the hand sanitizer is the final piece that helps keep the mud at bay.

Kitchen and mudroom combo finished in shades of black and white.
Photo courtesy of Houzz