Two main types of hinges are used in cabinet doors: inset and overlay. Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to understand the difference before selecting.
The main differences between inset and overlay hinges are suitability for different door types, installation, and overall cost.
This blog post will examine the key differences between inset and overlay hinges. We’ll also discuss when each type is best suited for use. Read on to learn more!
What are inset hinges?
Inset hinges are a unique type of hinge that is used primarily on more complex and expensive doors.
Inset hinges work by allowing the door to be placed inside a case frame attached to the said frame via screws inserted into wood plugs from the other side of the door.
This creates a seamless appearance for the door, hiding all fasteners from view. The process is completed using 3-4 inch long dowel pins with threaded ends (called “threaded rods”).
These threaded rods screw through the inset hinges, attaching them to the door jamb. As inset hinges can be quite costly compared to standard butt or surface-mounted hinges, they may not be feasible in every application.
They’re also typically only available in premium materials like brass or custom finishes, such as bronze or polished chrome.
However, they are often considered the best investment for long-term aesthetics and performance.
This is particularly true in high-traffic commercial settings where a premium appearance can help increase sales.
When installing inset hinges on your door, it’s important to use proper measurements to ensure that the door will fit properly into the frame once it’s attached.
Failure to do so could result in an uneven gap at one side of your door, which could look unprofessional or hurt the performance of the hinge itself (e.g., wear over time).
In addition, you should take care when drilling holes into wood doors as this can potentially weaken their integrity and lead to cracking down the road.
When it comes to the potential downsides of inset hinges, they can make it difficult to use certain types of hardware, such as magnetic catches or soft-close mechanisms.
To install these components, the door frame will need to be cut or drilled in a way that may weaken the structure and negatively impact the overall durability of the door.
They can require more installation work than standard butt hinges. This is because inset hinges must be placed in precise spots within the door frame, which requires precision measuring and marking before cutting or drilling.
If installed incorrectly, this could lead to misaligned doors or difficulty opening and closing them.
The material used for the hinge itself may not be as durable as that used for other hinges, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
For example, some inset hinges are made from plastics or lightweight metals that can break more easily or get damaged over time.
While inset hinges may have certain advantages, such as aesthetics and ease of installation, they come with some potential downsides that should be considered when choosing which hinge to use.
What are overlay hinges?
An overlay hinge is a type of hinge used to overlay two portions of a door or other panel.
These hinges aim to improve the security and usability of the door by securing it more closely on both sides with the additional stability that it adds to the system.
This also ensures no gaps between the door and its frame, which can lead to cold air retention or even allow small animals like snakes to get inside your house.
Overlay hinges are usually made from steel as it is strong enough but not too heavy to add unnecessary weight and cost to your doors or panels.
The most common types are butt hinges, flush hinges, and strap hinges – each type has its strengths in terms of how well they can be secured over surfaces that aren’t perfectly even.
Generally speaking, overlay hinges are used for doors that need to be locked as it improves the effectiveness of your lock system by ensuring nothing can slip in between where the door and frame meet.
This can also be a great way to enhance the insulation properties of your door if you want to keep out cold air during winter or hot air during summer.
It can also prevent snakes and other animals from getting inside through gaps in less secure doors since they would have no space to squeeze into.
To use overlay hinges effectively, you will first need to measure how much material needs to be removed to fit properly against your wall or door frame.
Once this is done, ensure both areas are clean and smooth to form a tight seal between each other.
With the overlay hinge positions marked out, attach them with the help of screws, and you should be all set.
Overlay hinges can be bought either in sets or as individual pieces, depending on what type of door you need to secure.
They can come in different sizes and shapes, so make sure you research before buying one for the best results.
The price will depend mainly on the size and quality of the material used but usually shouldn’t cost more than $10 per piece.
Remember that these hinges take longer to install than traditional ones, but it’s worth it if you want a more robust security system for your home.
What are the differences between inset and overlay hinges?
If you’re torn between these two types of hinges, here’s the comparison guide you need to make the final decision.
1. Suitability for different doors
The first difference between these two types of hinges is their suitability for different types of doors. Overlay hinges are more appropriate for use with doors that are not too heavy, such as interior doors.
Their low profile makes them ideal for use in limited space. Inset hinges are designed to be used with more significant, heavier exterior types of doors because they do not rattle or fall off the door frame like overlay hinges.
The additional support provided by inset hinges also allows these doors to swing more freely and prevents damage caused by slamming when people walk past a front door left open on a hot day.
In addition to the differences in their physical size, both types of hinges differ in how they attach to each side of the frame and door, respectively, making either hinge suitable for different applications based on their size and weight.
Although this may seem like a small detail, installing overlay hinges requires drilling into a door made from solid wood, and this is more likely to result in damage, such as chipping or splintering if care is not taken when drilling into your home’s front door.
Overall, either hinge can withstand general wear and tear over time. Still, when it comes to hot days and open doors, the additional support provided by inset hinges makes them better for use with large exterior doors.
2. Cost
Yet another significant difference to keep in mind is the cost. Inset hinges are more expensive than overlay hinges, as the extra body and mounting plates require additional materials and production.
3. Installation
One of the main differences between overlay and inset hinges is how they are installed. Overlay hinges, which are typically flush with both sides of the door or frame, require that a recess be cut into one side so they can be properly affixed.
On the other hand, because inset hinges sit within the wood rather than on top of it, they can be installed without any additional work.
Regarding material and durability, inset hinges are typically made from harder metals such as stainless steel or brass that enable them to withstand greater force.
However, they may have smaller openings, which reduces their capacity for surface area and thus places more pressure on individual parts.
On the other hand, some overlay hinges have larger openings and greater resistance to pressure. These types tend to be used for heavy-duty doors.
Inset vs. overlay hinges: Are they the same?
Inset and overlay hinges differ in several aspects, including their suitability for different types of doors.
Overlay hinges are a better choice for doors that aren’t on the heavier side and may cause more damage to the door when installed.
On the other hand, inset hinges are a more expensive choice for high-quality doors, and they sit on top of the wood or other material instead of being drilled into it.
Ultimately, the best hinge will depend on specific needs and preferences, so it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making your final decision.
David Kessler is a CSLB licensed contractor with over 25 years of experience. He is specialized in home building, construction, and electrical works; he also has a keen eye for interior design and, over the years, has collaborated with various architects.
