A Guide to Hinge Types: Which One is Right for Your Project?

Hey guys,

Matthew Peech here.

If you’ve ever installed a cabinet or built a piece of furniture, you know how important hinges are. They’re more than just hardware—they determine how doors open, close, and align, and picking the wrong one can lead to doors that don’t close properly or don’t match the style of your project.

So today, I’m breaking down the most common hinge types, when to use them, and some pro tips to help you get it right the first time.

Choosing the Right Hinge for Cabinets & Furniture

Not all hinges are created equal! Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Butt Hinge – Classic, durable, and strong. Great for heavy cabinet doors, furniture, and even interior doors.

✅ Double Action Spring Hinge – Allows doors to swing in both directions and return to the closed position automatically. Ideal for saloon-style doors and commercial applications.

✅ Parliament Hinge – Designed for extra clearance, allowing doors or windows to swing wide open beyond a typical hinge’s range.

✅ Offset Hinge – Moves the pivot point outward, creating more clearance to allow doors to swing open farther, great for accessibility.

✅ Lift-Off Hinge – Designed for easy door removal by lifting the door off its hinge without removing screws—perfect for maintenance access.

✅ Security Hinge – Features an anti-tamper pin to prevent hinge removal when the door is closed, ideal for exterior doors.

✅ T-Hinge – A sturdy option for gates, barn doors, and shed doors, providing strong support with a decorative look.

✅ Double Pivot Hinge – Allows doors to open in both directions, commonly used in commercial and swinging café doors.

✅ Continuous (Piano) Hinge – Runs the full length of a door or lid for even weight distribution, preventing sagging. Ideal for chests, pianos, and heavy lids.

✅ Butterfly Hinge – A decorative hinge used on furniture and cabinets, offering a unique aesthetic while functioning like a standard hinge.

I know from experience that hinge placement and selection can make or break a project. You can do everything else right, but if the doors sag, rub, or don’t close properly… it’s gonna drive you crazy.

Bonus Tips for a Flawless Hinge Install

💡 Match Hinges to the Cabinet Style – Inset and overlay hinges create totally different looks—pick one that suits your design.
💡 Check Door Swing Clearance – Some hinges require extra space for the door to open fully.
💡 Use a Hinge Jig for Drilling – Ensures precise hole placement for European and concealed hinges.
💡 Test Before Installation – Dry-fit hinges and doors before final attachment to avoid misalignment issues.

Hinges might be small, but they have a huge impact on the quality and function of your build.

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Here’s to smooth, functional cabinet doors and better builds,

Matthew Peech

^{Born and raised in a small town in Kentucky, I am blessed to be the husband of my wonderful wife Laura and the father of four amazing children. My career path took an interesting turn as I spent 15 years dedicated to nursing, a profession where I learned the importance of care, precision, and patience. However, my true passion has always been woodworking and creating beautiful pieces from raw materials. From a very young age, I was the kid who asked Santa for lumber and tools instead of toys. My father, an inventive soul with a knack for working with metal, always encouraged me to explore and build. Together, we spent countless hours outdoors, and I developed a love for crafting and constructing that has stayed with me throughout my life. The smell of fresh-cut wood, the feel of sanding a piece to perfection, and the joy of seeing a finished project come to life—these are the things that fuel my passion. Living in a small town in Kentucky, the sense of community and the beauty of nature around me have always been inspiring. My father’s inventive spirit and our shared adventures outside taught me to think creatively and embrace the joy of making something with my own hands. These experiences shaped who I am today and instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and artistry. After many years of nursing, I decided to follow my heart and turn my woodworking hobby into a full-time career. This wasn’t just a leap of faith, but a leap into a world where I could combine my love for woodworking with my desire to teach and inspire others. Now, as a full-time woodworker and content creator, I dedicate my days to sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion with a wider audience. My goal is to create content that not only educates but also motivates and inspires you to pursue your own creative projects. In this community, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and encouragement. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and create. I believe in the power of small projects that bring big joy and satisfaction. Each piece you create is a testament to your skill, patience, and creativity. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My content is designed to be accessible and inspiring, offering step-by-step tutorials, tips, and insights to help you on your woodworking journey. I want you to feel confident and capable, knowing that you can achieve great things with your hands and imagination. Remember, “You’ve got this!” Together, we can create beautiful, functional pieces that reflect our passion and dedication to the craft. I have always been deeply connected to the world around me, finding inspiration in the simplest things—nature, the texture of different woods, the intricate patterns found in leaves and trees. These natural elements play a huge role in my designs and projects. I aim to bring a piece of that outside world into every creation, blending functionality with beauty. The transition from nursing to woodworking was a transformative experience. Nursing taught me the value of precision and care, qualities that are incredibly important in woodworking. It also taught me patience and perseverance—skills that are essential when you're working on a complex project or learning a new technique. In many ways, woodworking is a form of therapy for me, a way to express creativity and find peace in the process of making something tangible and lasting. Every project I undertake is not just about the end product, but about the journey—the meticulous planning, the careful selection of materials, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing the finished piece. It's about taking a vision and bringing it to life with my own hands. And it’s this journey that I want to share with you all. In this community, we celebrate the joy of making, the beauty of craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of creating something with our own hands. We share ideas, learn from each other, and grow together as makers and creators. I am dedicated to providing you with the best resources, tutorials, and inspiration to help you on your own woodworking journey. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community. Let’s continue to build, create, and inspire each other. Remember, no matter how big or small your project is, “You’ve got this!”}