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How to install cabinet hinges

The image shows a cabinet door installed with metal hinges.

Overview

Installing cabinet hinges is a simple and rewarding D.I.Y. project that can completely refresh your kitchen, bathroom or laundry cabinets. Whether you’re assembling a flat-pack system or upgrading older cabinetry with push-to-open or soft-close hinges, the method is largely the same across different hinge types.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Understand the hinge type

    Before getting started, take a moment to identify which hinge type you’re working with. The most common varieties include standard concealed hinges, soft-close hinges, push-to-open, slimline hinges designed for overhead cabinets, and corner hinges for angled openings.

    Most hinge systems consist of two parts: a hinge cup that fits into a recess on the door, and a mounting plate that attaches to the cabinet. While specific styles may come with extra components, such as gas struts or push-to-release mechanisms, the core installation process remains largely the same.

    The image displays various cabinet hinges laid out on a tiled surface to help identify which hinge type to use
  2. 2

    Prepare the cabinet door

    Most pre-made or flat-pack cabinet doors come with circular hinge holes already cut into the back face. These are designed to accept the hinge cup, so check that your cabinet hinges match the hole size. If needed, a hinge hole saw can be used to adjust the size. However, in most cases, you’ll be able to proceed straight away. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust before moving on.
    A person is holding a small cabinet hinge bracket against the edge of a cabinet door with circular hinge holes that have already been pre-drilled
  3. 3

    Fit the hinge cups to the door

    Insert the hinge cup into the pre-drilled recess on the door. Align the cup so it sits flush and correctly oriented. Secure the hinge cup using the supplied screws, taking care not to overtighten them. This ensures the hinge sits flat and won’t shift when the door is in use.
    A person is using a power drill to insert the hinge cup into the pre-drilled recess on the door
  4. 4

    Install the mounting plates in the cabinet

    Position the mounting plates inside the cabinet, aligning them with any pre-drilled holes. The rounded screw holes should face the front edge of the cabinet for correct orientation. If the plates include plastic locating lugs, use them to hold everything steady. Secure each plate using 14mm screws, ensuring they are level and consistently placed across multiple cabinet openings.
    : A person is using a power drill to install the mounting plate to the inside of a cabinet frame.
  5. 5

    Clip the door onto the mounting plates

    With the hinge arms in place, it’s time to attach the door to the cabinet. Line up the arms with the mounted plates and push them in until you hear a click. This indicates that the mechanism has locked securely. Open and close the door to check the alignment. If it doesn’t sit properly, unclip the hinges and double-check your positioning.
    A Bunnings Team Member is attaching the door to the cabinet by connecting it to the hinge arm.
  6. 6

    Install push-to-open brackets if needed

    For push-to-open systems, you’ll need to add a release bracket inside the cabinet. Standard placement is 38mm in from the cabinet centreline. Mark two screw hole positions - one at 15mm and the other at 28mm from the cabinet’s front edge - then pre-drill and attach the bracket using 22mm screws. On the door side, mark 55mm across and 22mm down, then align the elongated hole of the door plate with your mark. Fix it with a screw in the slot, followed by a 14mm screw through the circular hole. Once both parts are attached, test the push-to-open function to make sure it activates cleanly when the cabinet door is closed and pressed.
    The image shows two push-to-open systems inside a cabinet.
  7. 7

    Fit hinges for slimline or overhead cabinets

    Slimline hinges are ideal for tight or shallow spaces, such as overhead cupboards. Begin by attaching the hinge plate inside the cabinet, aligning the elongated holes with any pre-drilled lugs. Fit the hinge into the door to check the alignment, then install the gas strut brackets. These are fixed to both the cabinet and door before clipping in the gas strut. Felt stoppers can also be added for a quieter close.
    : A person is softly closing a cabinet door with a newly installed hinge plate to check its alignment.
  8. 8

    Install push-to-release mechanisms for slimline hinges

    If you're opting for a push-to-release system instead of a handle, you’ll need to make a few adjustments. Begin by removing one of the gas struts, leaving only one in place. Then, adjust the door bracket on the remaining gas strut so that it’s positioned as far forward as possible. Position the push-to-release mounting plate in the centre of the cabinet and secure it using 14mm screws. The rear screw should be fixed 69mm from the front edge of the cabinet, and the front screw 15mm from the edge. Once the plate is in place, slide the push-to-release unit into the mounting  bracket. Press the door to test the mechanism and ensure it activates smoothly.
    A person is adjusting a door bracket on the gas strut to the inside of a cabinet.
  9. 9

    Install corner cabinet hinges

    Corner cabinet hinges are designed to open wider than standard models and often come with extended or angled arms to suit corner joinery. While the installation steps are the same - mount the hinge cup in the door and the plate in the cabinet - it’s important to carefully follow the alignment marks or specific angles provided with your hinge kit. Once everything is in place, clip the door onto the plates and check for smooth movement and even gaps.
    A person is installing a corner cabinet door hinge in place
  10. 10

    Now that you’ve installed cabinet hinges

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.