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Cabinet Door Overlay on Traditional Cabinets

“Traditional” Face Frame Cabinets: Determining Door Overlay

“Overlay” simply defined is the part of the cabinet door that (for “Traditional” face frame cabinets) lies on top of the cabinets face. 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 8 mm with an 08 cranking hinge for half overlay applications. Overlay is reduced 15 mm with a 15 cranking hinge utilizing a 00 mounting plate for an inset application. Using 00 cranking would be considered neutral or flat with a full overlay.
2. Plate Height: This is the relative height 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. For use with McFeely's™ hinge/plage combinations, the DBE is always 5 mm.

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

Face Frame Overlay

Face Frame Cabinet
With Overlay Door

Section Face Frame
Most traditional cabinetry will require face frame overlay mounting plates for doors that overlay their frames. If your cabinet door lies completely on top of the cabinet face, and the door is not rabbetted, you will need a face frame overlay mounting plate. Since hinge overlay is determined by hinge crank, distance between the edge, and mounting plate height, overlay is a relative term when selecting hinges for face frame cabinets.

Face Frame inset

Face Frame Cabinet With Inset Door

Face with inset
Inset doors are recessed into the cabinet carcass so that the door fronts are flush with the front faces of the cabinet face frame. 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 that would detract from the look of the installation. When using our hinges for a face frame inset door application, it is necessary to use spacer blocks to support the cabinet hinges. Gap distance between the door and the cabinet carcass is of extreme importance using inset doors. For McFeely's™ hinge/plate combinations, the gap will always be 3 mm.