Inset vs Overlay Cabinet Doors: Check Before Choosing a Hinge

Before replacing a concealed cabinet hinge, identify how the door sits against the cabinet. Hettich’s guide defines an inset door as sitting inside the cabinet, an overlay door as sitting in front of the cabinet side, and a half-overlay door as one of two doors in front of a shared centre panel. These labels describe position—not a universal hinge size.

Identify the layout

With the door closed, check whether it sits within the opening, covers the side or frame, or shares a centre partition with a neighbouring door. Note the visible reveal (the gap around the door) and take a straight-on photo.

Before choosing a hinge

Record whether the cabinet is face-frame or frameless, the door thickness, existing cup-hole diameter and setback, and the old hinge model if available. Blum’s range shows hinge applications differ by cabinet design. Hettich’s clearance tables depend on the hinge and door measurements, so compare the exact maker’s diagram; don’t transfer one model’s dimensions to another. Bring the old hinge or photos and measurements to a supplier. For guidance, contact Jinnah.