Determining the correct soft close hinge for your cabinet doors primarily depends on measuring the door's overlay. The overlay dictates the type and size of hinge you need to ensure proper fit and function.
What is Overlay?
Overlay refers to the amount that a cabinet door covers or "lays over" the cabinet frame or opening when the door is in the closed position. Different cabinet styles (like face frame or frameless) have varying overlay types. Understanding overlay is crucial for selecting the right hinge.
Measuring the Overlay
Based on the information from the reference "Determine Your Overlay":
To measure the overlay:
- Close the cabinet door completely.
- Locate the edge of the cabinet frame and the edge of the cabinet door.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the frame to the edge of the door.
This measurement reveals how much the door overlaps the frame.
Important: This measured distance is what will determine the specific size or type of hinge you require for that particular door and cabinet configuration.
Why Overlay Matters for Hinge Size
Soft close hinges, like standard cabinet hinges, are designed to accommodate specific overlay dimensions. Hinges are manufactured with different bends or offsets that correspond directly to standard overlay sizes (e.g., 1/2" overlay, 1-1/4" overlay).
- Incorrect Overlay Measurement: Using a hinge designed for a different overlay size than your door and cabinet frame will result in the door not closing properly, potentially binding against the frame, or not aligning correctly with adjacent doors or drawers.
- Correct Hinge Selection: By accurately measuring the overlay using the method described above, you can select a hinge specifically manufactured for that overlay size, ensuring smooth operation and proper alignment, including the soft-close function.
Therefore, when people ask how soft close hinges are "measured" in the context of installation or selection, the key measurement is the overlay of the cabinet door on the frame.
