Cabinet Door Overlay on European Cabinets

“Overlay” simply defined is the part of the side panel (for “European” frameless cabinets) that is covered by the cabinet door. Three factors influence door overlay:

1. Cranking of the Hinge: This is a measurement of left/right offset built into the hinge arm. There are three hinge crankings: 00, 08, and 15. Overlay is reduced 8mm with an 08 cranking hinge, 15mm with a 15 cranking hinge utilizing a 00 mounting plate. Using this scenario, 00 would be considered neutral or flat with a full overlay. We offer 00 cranking hinges so this will not be a factor when purchasing hinges from McFeely’s™
2. Plate Thickness: This is the relative thickness of the mounting plate. The mounting plate also controls left/right position of the door. Using a thicker mounting plate moves the hinge inward toward the opening which reduces overlay. Generally, use the shortest plate possible which results in a cleaner application and less stress on hinges.
3. Distance Between Edge (DBE): This is defined as the distance between the edge of the door to the edge of the hinge cup hole. Cup hole placement and mounting plates are directly related. Note: There are often factors that must be considered when placing hinge cup holes. For instance, a decorative door edging would be a good reason to avoid a narrow cup placement. If the cup is place too closely it could perforate the doors decorative edge. Conversely, avoid wide placements on narrow stiles to avoid perforating the door panel.

*After determining your overlay style, select that styles image to see hinge angle and cup hole placement charts.

Frameless Cabinet With Inset Door

Inset doors are recessed into the cabinet carcass so that the door fronts are flush with the front faces of the cabinet sides. This method provides a clean lined look; however, it is critical that the cabinet carcass as well as the door be square to alleviate any out of parallel condition between the two elements which would detract from the look of the installation. Overlay distance for inset hinges is expressed as a negative since this amount is actually clearance between the door edge and cabinet carcass. Gap between the door and the cabinet carcass is of extreme importance. To see a gap chart for this application, click here.

Frameless Cabinet With Half Overlay Door

The hinges on frameless cabinets are attached to the side of the cabinet carcass. The amount of overlay (the amount that your doors overlap the cabinet sides) will determine the hinge mounting plates you will need for your application. If your cabinet doors partially overlay the cabinet sides (usually about half way) you will need a hinge mounting plate that will allow your door to overlay the carcass edge approximately half way. (commonly referred to as half overlay) This is typical when two doors open back to back. It is worthy of note that the europeans consider half and full overlay as relative terms since overlay is determined by hinge crank, distance between the edge, and mounting plate thickness — each of these factors being dependent on on the other.

Frameless Cabinet With Full Overlay Door

The hinges on frameless cabinets are attached to the side of the cabinet carcass. The amount of overlay (the amount that your doors overlap the cabinet sides) will determine the hinge mounting plate you will need for your application. If your cabinet door completely overlays the cabinet sides (usually 3/4") it is commonly referred to as a full overlay door. It is worthy of note that the europeans consider half and full overlay as relative terms since overlay is determined by hinge crank, distance between the edge, and mounting plate thickness — each of these factors being dependent on on the other.