Guide to Precise Cabinet Door Hinge Placement

Few things are more frustrating than beautifully designed cabinet doors that fail to install properly due to misaligned hinge holes. The key to avoiding this disappointment lies in millimeter-perfect hinge hole placement—a critical step that determines the door's smooth operation, tight closure, and overall aesthetic.

Hinge hole positioning directly impacts a cabinet door's functionality and appearance. For optimal results, hinge holes are typically placed equidistant from both ends of the door. The exact measurement depends on specifications selected during the design phase.

Most cabinet installations utilize one of three common hinge hole configurations:

• 94.5mm (3-3/4 inch) configuration: When specified in design software, drill holes with centers precisely 94.5mm from each door edge. This standard configuration provides optimal stability for most cabinet doors.
• 76mm (3 inch) configuration: For compact installations or specialty designs, position hole centers 76mm from door edges. This space-saving approach maintains structural integrity while accommodating smaller doors.
• 102mm (4 inch) configuration: Larger cabinet doors benefit from this reinforced setup, with hole centers positioned 102mm from edges to prevent warping and ensure durable performance.

Beyond placement, hinge cup holes require precise dimensions. While standard measurements typically call for 35mm diameter holes at 13mm depth, professionals always verify specifications against the selected hardware manufacturer's guidelines. Specialized drill bits—particularly Forstner bits or dedicated hinge boring tools—produce cleaner results than conventional drill bits.

Proper hinge hole placement remains the foundation of quality cabinet installation. By adhering to precise measurements and using appropriate tools, craftsmen ensure doors operate smoothly while maintaining perfect alignment—transforming cabinetry from functional storage to showcase-quality craftsmanship.