Are Cabinet Hinges Metal?

Cabinet hinges are commonly made of metal, though other materials like plastic are sometimes used as well. Metal hinges tend to be more durable and longer-lasting than plastic ones. Some of the most common types of metal used for cabinet hinges include:

Brass

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. It has an attractive golden color and provides a good balance between strength and ductility. Brass is one of the most popular metals used for cabinet hinges. It is corrosion resistant but can develop a patina over time. Brass hinges provide a classic, high-end look.

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron with carbon and other elements. There are many different grades and finishes of steel used for hardware. Steel hinges are very strong and durable. They resist rusting and can have a brushed, satin, or polished finish. Stainless steel contains chromium for extra corrosion resistance. Steel hinges come in a range of colors like black, pewter, nickel, and chrome.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and an excellent conductor of heat. Aluminum hinges are lightweight yet still quite strong. They can have a brushed satin or polished finish. Anodized aluminum hinges have a protective oxide coating for extra wear and scratch resistance. The anodized layer allows aluminum hinges to be dyed different colors.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron is nearly pure iron with very low carbon content. It has some slag inclusions that give it a grainy texture. Wrought iron hinges have an antique, Old World look. They develop a rustic patina over time. Wrought iron is found in decorative hinges for high-end furniture reproductions and historic restorations.

Zinc

Zinc hinges provide a bright silver finish. Zinc hinges are corrosion resistant and more affordable than brass or stainless steel. Die-cast zinc hinges can be chrome plated for a mirror-like finish. Zinc alloy hinges are also strong yet lightweight.

So in summary, the most common metals used for cabinet hinges are brass, steel, aluminum, wrought iron, and zinc. Each material provides different properties in terms of strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic look. But generally, metal hinges are preferred over plastic for their durability. Now let’s look at some specific types of cabinet hinges and the metals they are made from.

Common Types of Metal Cabinet Hinges

Butt Hinges

Butt hinges are the most basic type of cabinet hinge. They are composed of two rectangular leaves joined by a pin. Butt hinges are usually made of brass, steel, or aluminum. Brass provides a classic look, while steel is very strong. Aluminum butt hinges are lightweight.

Concealed Hinges

Concealed cabinet hinges have a pin and arm system that hides from view when closed. Concealed hinges are commonly made of steel but are also available in brass or zinc. Steel provides the most strength, while brass gives a decorative look. Zinc concealed hinges are affordable.

Knife Hinges

Knife hinges are shaped like a butterfly and go on the outside of a cabinet door. Traditional knife hinges are forged from wrought iron. Wrought iron has an antique black finish. Knife hinges can also be found in aluminum or zinc for lighter weight options.

Piano Hinges

Piano hinges are long hinges with an extended knuckle. They are mortised into the cabinet frame and door. Piano hinges are usually made of steel or stainless steel. The long steel hinge pin allows for smooth motion. Stainless steel piano hinges have high corrosion resistance.

European Hinges

European style cabinet hinges have an adjustable cam and mounting plate system. Brass, zinc, or steel are commonly used for European hinges. Brass provides a warm finish while zinc is affordable. Steel European hinges offer the greatest durability.

T-Hinges

T-hinges have a strap with double knuckles, giving them a T-shape. Common metals for T-hinges include aluminum, steel, and brass. The lightweight aluminum minimizes door sag. Steel T-hinges are very strong, while brass provides a classic drawer look.

Quadrant Hinges

Quadrant hinges open cabinets in a smooth, piston-like motion. They are usually made of zinc or powder-coated steel. Zinc provides a chrome-like shine, while powder coating on steel comes in various finishes. The smooth metal mechanics allow a soft open and close.

So in summary, common cabinet hinge types like butt, concealed, piano, and European hinges favor steel and brass metals. Decorative hinges like knife and T-hinges use more wrought iron, aluminum, and zinc. The metal selection depends on the desired look, cost, and functionality.

Benefits of Metal Cabinet Hinges

There are several important benefits that make metal the preferred material for most cabinet hinges:

Strength

Metals like steel, brass, and aluminum have high tensile strength. This allows metal cabinet hinges to handle the repeated opening and closing of cabinet doors over years of use without fatiguing, bending out of shape, or breaking. The strong metal parts are durable and stable.

Security

The sturdy construction of metal hinges helps keep cabinet doors securely closed. Properly installed metal hinges aligned with the cabinet frame provide a tight closure. This helps prevent doors from sagging, coming off, or pulling away from the cabinet over time.

Stability

Metal’s rigidity prevents hinge loosening and misalignment. Plastic hinges are more susceptible to warping and flexing under strain. Metal hinges maintain their precise fit. This provides smooth motion and consistent door alignment for the life of the cabinetry.

Appearance

Polished or finished metal hinges enhance the decorative appearance of cabinetry. Satin nickel, antique bronze, and matte black metal finishes coordinate beautifully with cabinet knobs and pulls. Ornate wrought iron hinges complement traditional styling.

Affordability

Basic steel and zinc hinges provide an affordable hardware option. While solid brass hinges are pricier, steel hinges with a brass plating offer a similar warm, finished look at a lower cost. Simple metal hinges keep cabinet projects on budget.

In summary, metal is valued in hinges for its strength, security, stability, appearance, and cost effectiveness. Metal hinges are a smart investment that will stand the test of time. Now let’s compare metal versus plastic hinges.

Metal vs. Plastic Hinges: Which is Better?

Metal and plastic both have their merits as cabinet hinge materials, but metal is generally considered superior:

Durability

Metal hinges are more durable and wear resistant. Plastic eventually becomes brittle and is prone to cracking under repeated movement. Most metals resist fatigue and last for decades.

Appearance

Metal finishes give cabinetry a quality, high-end appearance. Plastic hinges come in limited colors and have a lower perceived value. Finished metal better complements knobs and pulls.

Strength

Metal hinges are much stronger and hold more weight without sagging. Plastic cannot match the tensile strength of steel, aluminum, and brass. This becomes more important on taller cabinets and heavy doors.

Stability

Metal hinges are stable and won’t shift out of alignment. Plastic hinges are more likely to flex and creep over time. Properly installed metal hinges remain solidly in place.

However, plastic hinges do have a couple advantages:

• Cost – Plastic hinges are less expensive in basic designs.
• Insulation – Plastic is a thermal and electrical insulator for applications where metal conductivity is undesirable.

For most cabinet installations, metal hinges are the best choice overall. Now let’s look at how to select metal hinges.

How to Select Metal Cabinet Hinges

Here are some tips for selecting suitable metal cabinet hinges:

• Door style – Consider hinges designed for full inset, half inset, or overlay doors. Measure door thickness and overlap.
• Door size/weight – Choose hinges with a weight rating that exceeds the door’s size and any contents. Consider wider hinges or extra hinge points for heavy full-height doors.
• Cabinet material – Match hinge metal to cabinetry material. Nickel or brass hinges pair well with painted cabinetry while zinc or steel are better for laminate.
• Motion needed – Butt hinges allow basic back and forth motion. Specialty hinges provide lift-off, self-closing, or dampening actions.
• Finish – Select a finish matching or complementing cabinet knobs and pulls. Common finishes include polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black.
• Budget – Hinge prices range from value steel to premium solid brass. Evaluate quality versus cost tradeoffs.
• Ease of installation – Consider hinges with adjustable elements, templates, and/or snap-in mounting plates for easier DIY installation.

With metal being the top choice for cabinet hinges, focus your selection on the right hinge type and high-quality materials for your specific cabinets and budget. Taking the time to make the ideal hinge choice is worth the effort for superior performance and appearance. Now let’s go over how to install metal cabinet hinges.

Installing Metal Cabinet Hinges

Installing metal cabinet hinges properly is important for correct door alignment and full range of motion. Here are some best practices:

Gather Supplies

• Tape measure
• Drill/driver
• Hinge jig or template
• Screws
• Stud finder
• Level
• Pencil
• Safety glasses

Prepare the Cabinet Box

• Remove existing hinges and doors
• Confirm cabinet is plumb and level
• Locate and mark hinge positions on cabinet front frame and boxes

Prepare the Doors

• Mark hinge locations on door back
• Use template to pre-drill screw holes
• For inset doors, router mortises for hinge cups

Mount Hinges to Door

• Attach hinge leaf to door back at marked location
• Check that hinge barrel aligns with cabinet mark
• Adjust as needed before fastening

Hang Doors

• Hold door in closed position and install cabinet side hinge leaf
• Align hinge barrel with door hinge leaf
• Adjust until door is square and gaps are even

Make Adjustments

• Fine tune door alignment with hinge adjustable screws
• Test for proper reveal and confirm full range of motion
• Adjust screws to correct any issues

Take care to position the hinges properly so the door hangs straight within the cabinet opening. Allow a consistent gap around all sides. Follow any special instructions for concealed or specialty hinges. Metal cabinet hinges should work smoothly and make the door feel light.

Troubleshooting Metal Cabinet Hinges

If properly installed metal cabinet hinges ever start to have problems, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Sagging Doors

Cause: Hinges worn out or not supporting weight

Fix: Replace with heavier duty hinges. Add additional hinge points.

Misaligned Doors

Cause: Hinges loose or installed incorrectly

Fix: Tighten hinge screws. Readjust using hinge adjustments.

Noisy Hinges

Cause: Dry, dirty, or loose hinge joint

Fix: Clean and lubricate hinge pin. Tighten mounting screws.

Limited Motion

Cause: Hinge binding or installed too close to corners

Fix: Loosen screws, reposition hinge, and realign. File/sand hinge knuckles if binding.

Loose Doors

Cause: Stripped hinge holes, broken screws

Fix: Repair with wood filler, anchors, or replace cabinet front.

With periodic inspection and maintenance, quality metal cabinet hinges should operate smoothly for many years before needing replacement. Be sure to use any hinge adjustments and screws to optimize door alignment over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal Cabinet Hinges

Are all cabinet hinges metal?

Most cabinet hinges are made of metal, though plastic hinges are also available. Metal hinges are preferred for their strength, durability, and decorative finishes. Steel, brass, zinc, and aluminum are common metal hinge materials.

How do I know if my cabinet hinges are steel or brass?

Steel hinges have a grayish, metallic finish. Brass hinges have a distinct yellowish, gold-like color. Brass is softer, heavier, and more expensive than steel. Apply a magnet to determine if hinges are steel – brass is nonmagnetic.

Where should cabinet hinges be placed?

Hinges should be evenly spaced approximately 3-5 inches from the top and bottom of the cabinet door. Sturdy doors may only require 2 hinges while wide or heavy doors benefit from 3 or more hinges.

How far from the corner should cabinet hinges be?

As a general rule of thumb, allow a minimum of 1-1/2 inches from hinge holes to the door’s corner. This prevents splitting. For inset cabinet doors, keep hinges at least 1 inch from corners.

Can you change concealed cabinet hinges?

Many concealed cabinet hinges are adjustable or replaceable. Upgrade options include hinges with soft-close, self-closing, or lift functions. Changing hinge positions usually requires filling old holes.

Do all cabinet doors need 3 hinges?

doors under 48 inches tall only require 2 hinges. Doors 48-84 inches work best with 3 hinges. Full height doors over 84 inches tall should have 4 or more hinges for maximum stability and support.

In summary, knowing what metals cabinet hinges are made of helps select durable hinges that function properly and look great. While hinge styles and finishes may vary based on decorative preferences, metal remains the dominant choice for its strength, longevity, and quality feel. With proper installation and care, metal cabinet hinges will provide smooth, reliable service for many years.