How to Install Inset Hinges for Face Frame Cabinets Like a Pro

You want your kitchen cabinets to look neat and work smooth, right? Installing inset hinges for face frame cabinets can be tricky if you don’t know how to do it. But once you learn it the right way, it can change how your cabinets open and look. In this article, you will learn exactly how to install inset hinges for face frame cabinets using simple tools and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re doing this for the first time or fixing old cabinets, this full guide will help you do it perfectly.

Measure and Mark the Right Spot

Before you start anything, you need to measure and mark where the hinges will go. This part is very important. If your marks are wrong, the cabinet doors will not sit flat. The hinges might not work right. Inset hinges are special because the door sits inside the cabinet frame. That means your measurements need to be perfect.

First, you need a measuring tape, a pencil, a small square, and some painter’s tape if you want to mark without drawing on wood. Place the cabinet door in the exact spot where it will sit inside the frame. Make sure the gaps are equal on all sides. That little gap between the door and the frame is called a reveal. It should be about 1/16 inch all around. Use shims or playing cards to hold the door in place if needed.

Now, take your measuring tape and mark about 3 inches down from the top and 3 inches up from the bottom of the door. These are good spots for the hinges. Use a square to draw straight lines across the edge of the door and frame where the hinge will be placed. Make sure both marks on the door and frame line up.

If you’re using two hinges, you’re set. But for tall doors, you might need a third hinge in the middle. Just space it evenly between the top and bottom hinge marks.

Here’s a big tip: Always mark both the cabinet door and the frame while the door is in place. That way, you know everything will line up. Also, mark where the screws will go. Use the hinge as a guide and trace around it. This will make drilling and placing easier.

Use light pencil lines or tape so you can erase them later. It helps to write ‘Top’ and ‘Bottom’ on the door and frame too so you don’t get confused.

• Measure 3 inches from top and bottom of door
• Use square to draw straight lines
• Make sure reveal gap is even
• Mark hinge spots on both door and frame
• Use hinge as guide to trace holes
• Add a third hinge if door is tall

Drill Holes and Mortise the Hinge Space

Now that you have all the marks ready, it’s time to make space for the hinges. This part is called mortising. A mortise is a small cut or hole where the hinge sits inside the wood. Inset hinges need this so the door can sit flat and move without bumps.

Start by checking the thickness of your hinge leaf. Most inset hinges need a cut about 1/16 inch deep. If you don’t cut the space, the hinge will sit on top of the wood and the door won’t close right.

You can do mortising with a chisel and hammer, or use a router with a hinge jig. If you’re new, start with a chisel. Take it slow and careful. Place the hinge on the mark you made earlier and trace around it with a pencil. Then use a utility knife to cut the pencil line lightly. This keeps the wood from tearing.

Use a sharp chisel to remove the wood inside the lines. Tap the chisel with a hammer gently and chip away a little at a time. Test the hinge often to see if it fits. You want the hinge to sit flat in the hole, not too deep and not sticking out.

Once the mortise is done on both the door and the frame, you can drill the pilot holes for screws. Use a drill bit smaller than the screw size. This helps the wood not to split. Hold the hinge in place, and use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Then drill just a small hole, deep enough for the screws.

Be very careful when drilling. If your drill slips, it could ruin the wood or your marks. Always wear safety glasses and use a clamp to hold the door or frame if it moves.

• Trace hinge on door and frame
• Use utility knife to cut lines
• Chisel or route out wood 1/16 inch deep
• Make sure hinge sits flat
• Mark and drill pilot holes
• Always test hinge fit before screwing

Attach Hinges to the Cabinet Door

Now it’s time to fix the hinges to the cabinet door. This is where your project starts to come together. Make sure you’re working on a flat surface like a table or workbench. Keep your screws ready and use a small screwdriver or drill. If your hinge has two or three screw holes, make sure to screw them all in tight.

Place the hinge inside the mortise cut you made on the door. Check again if it sits flat and lines up with the marks. Now screw in one screw first. Check if the hinge is straight. If everything looks good, add the rest of the screws. Don’t over-tighten or you might strip the wood.

Do the same for the bottom hinge and any middle hinge if your door has one. Make sure all hinges face the same direction and are placed at the same depth. If your hinges are adjustable, you can fine-tune them later. But for now, try to make everything even.

If you’re using soft-close inset hinges, some may have clips or parts that go into the door. Make sure you read the instructions that come with the hinge. Follow the same basic idea, but add any extra steps for that hinge type.

After all hinges are attached to the door, double check that the screws are snug. Loose hinges make the door wobble or sag.

• Place hinge in mortise on door
• Screw one hole first and check alignment
• Add rest of screws once straight
• Repeat for all hinges
• Make sure hinges sit at same depth
• Tighten screws but don’t overdo it

Fix Hinges to the Cabinet Frame

Now that your hinges are on the door, it’s time to attach them to the cabinet frame. This part can be a little tricky, especially if you’re working alone. Ask someone to help hold the door or use clamps and shims. This keeps the door steady while you fix the screws.

Start by holding the door in place inside the frame. Use shims or playing cards to keep the reveal gap even on all sides. You want about 1/16 inch gap around the door when it’s closed. Make sure the top and bottom gaps look the same.

Once you’re sure the door is sitting right, open the hinge leaf that goes into the frame. Line it up with the marks and holes you made earlier. You can use a pencil to trace around the hinge again if you need to.

Now drill small pilot holes in the frame. Use a drill bit that is smaller than your screw size. Be gentle and careful not to drill too deep. Once the holes are ready, screw in the top hinge first. Check if the door moves smoothly. Then screw in the bottom hinge. If everything looks good, add screws to the rest of the holes.

If the door is not sitting even or is rubbing, you may need to adjust the hinge slightly. You can remove the screws, shift the hinge a little, and try again. Some inset hinges have adjustable screws that let you move the door without removing the hinge. Use a screwdriver to adjust the height or angle.

Check the swing of the door. Open and close it a few times. It should move smooth without rubbing the frame.

• Use shims to hold door in frame
• Keep reveal gap even all around
• Drill pilot holes for hinge screws
• Screw top hinge first, then bottom
• Adjust if door is rubbing or uneven
• Test swing and close of door

Adjust and Test the Cabinet Door

After installing the hinges, it’s time to make sure the door works perfectly. You want the door to open and close smoothly, sit flat in the frame, and not rub or sag. This part is called adjustment. Even if you did all the earlier steps right, small changes might still be needed.

Open and close the door a few times. Watch how it moves. Does it close all the way? Does it swing too far open? Does it look crooked when closed? If anything looks off, now is the time to fix it.

If the door is rubbing on the top or bottom, you can adjust the position of the hinges. Some inset hinges have special screws called cam screws or adjusting screws. These can move the door left, right, up, or down. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw slowly and see what changes.

If your hinge does not have adjusting screws, you may need to remove it and re-drill the holes a little to one side. This is more work, so be sure before you do it. Always make small changes and test after each one.

Also check the door gap. The reveal should be the same all around. If the gap is too big or small on one side, adjust the hinges until it looks even.

Finally, make sure all screws are tight. Loose screws can make the door sag over time. If a screw hole feels stripped, fill it with a wood plug or toothpick and glue, then drill again.

• Open and close door to check swing
• Adjust hinges if door is uneven
• Use cam screws to fine-tune position
• Fix rubbing or crooked doors
• Make reveal gap even all around
• Tighten all screws fully

Add Finishing Touches

The last part of your project is to add the final touches. This makes the cabinet look great and last longer. You’ve already done the hard work of installing the hinges. Now it’s time to clean up and check everything.

First, erase any pencil marks or remove painter’s tape. Use a soft cloth to clean the wood. If any wood got scratched, you can touch it up with a wood marker or filler. Check that the cabinet doors are flush with the frame. That means they sit even with no part sticking out.

You can now install door bumpers. These are small rubber dots that stick to the inside corners of the door. They help the door close quietly and softly. If you installed soft-close hinges, check if they work. Push the door gently and see if it closes on its own.

Also, check if the screws are still tight after testing the door a few times. If you see any wiggle, tighten again. Look at the hinges. Are they clean and free of dust? Wipe them down with a dry cloth.

If you want, you can add cabinet knobs or handles. Use a template or ruler to place them straight. Drill holes and screw them in. This gives your cabinets a finished look.

• Clean marks and dust from door
• Touch up scratches if needed
• Add rubber bumpers to door corners
• Check soft-close function
• Wipe hinges clean
• Install knobs or handles

Final Thoughts

Installing inset hinges for face frame cabinets may look hard at first, but when you take it step by step, it becomes easier. You learn a lot along the way and the final result feels great. Your cabinets look clean and work smooth. Take your time with each part and check your work often. It’s okay to adjust as you go. With patience and the right tools, anyone can do this job and feel proud of their work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it hard to install inset hinges on face frame cabinets?

Installing inset hinges is not too hard if you follow each part carefully. The most important thing is to measure and mark everything the right way. Since the door sits inside the cabinet frame, small mistakes in marking or drilling can cause problems. But if you take your time and double-check your work, it becomes easier. It also helps to use simple tools like a chisel and screwdriver. With patience, anyone can install these hinges, even without much experience.

Can I use regular hinges instead of inset ones?

No, regular hinges will not work for inset cabinet doors. Inset hinges are made to let the door sit inside the frame. Regular hinges are for overlay doors that sit on top of the frame. If you try to use regular hinges, your door won’t fit right and it might not even close. You must use the right kind of hinge for inset cabinets. There are different types like butt hinges or European inset hinges. Pick the one that fits your cabinet style.

Do I need to chisel for inset hinges?

Yes, you usually need to chisel or route a mortise for inset hinges. This helps the hinge sit flat inside the wood so the door can close properly. If you skip this step, the hinge will stick out and the door will not sit flush with the frame. It takes a little time, but you only need to remove a small bit of wood, about 1/16 inch deep. A sharp chisel or a small router works best for this.

Can I install inset hinges without removing the cabinet doors?

No, you cannot install inset hinges without removing the cabinet doors first. Inset hinges are attached both to the door and to the frame. This means you need to hold the door and line it up inside the frame. To do this right, the door must be off the cabinet so you can measure, mark, and drill. After the hinges are on the door, then you can attach it back to the frame.

Is it okay to use power tools for this job?

Yes, you can use power tools like a drill and a router, and they can help you work faster. But if you’re new to DIY or don’t feel safe using power tools, you can also do everything with hand tools like a chisel, screwdriver, and hammer. Power tools can speed up mortising and drilling, but be careful. Always wear safety glasses and go slow to avoid mistakes.

Do I need special screws for inset hinges?

Inset hinges usually come with their own screws. These screws are made to fit the holes in the hinge and match the strength needed to hold the door. If you lose a screw or need extras, make sure to use flat-head wood screws that are the same size. Don’t use drywall screws or big screws, because they can split the wood. Also, always drill a small pilot hole first to help the screw go in smooth and straight.

Can I use soft-close inset hinges?

Yes, you can use soft-close inset hinges, and they work great for kitchen cabinets. These hinges have a built-in spring and damper that helps the door close slowly and quietly. When installing soft-close inset hinges, the steps are mostly the same. You may just need to make sure the hinge is aligned exactly, because soft-close hinges need a clean movement to work properly. They are perfect if you want your cabinets to feel more modern.

Do I have to paint or stain the cabinets again after installing?

You don’t always have to paint or stain again, but sometimes small touch-ups are needed. If you made pencil marks or small scratches while installing, you can use a touch-up marker or filler. These are made to match cabinet colors. If you had to drill new holes or chisel too deep, some paint or wood finish can help cover the area and make it look clean. But in most cases, careful work won’t need full repainting.