What concealed, exposed and hidden barrel hinges are, how they differ and how adjustment and soft-close work.
A hinge decides how a door opens, how it looks and how long it stays aligned. Concealed hinges, also called European hinges, hide inside the cabinet and can be adjusted in three directions. Exposed hinges, such as butt or decorative hinges, show on the face and suit traditional and inset styles. Barrel hinges are very small and nearly invisible. Soft-close hinges add a damper that slows the door at the end.
The right hinge also depends on how the door sits on the cabinet. Full overlay, partial overlay and inset doors each use different hinge types. Many Nashville homeowners are surprised how much better a kitchen feels after replacing worn hinges with soft-close ones. We explain the choices, install hinges carefully and show you how to adjust them yourself.
Hidden inside and adjustable in three directions. Common on modern cabinets.
Decorative and visible. Often used on traditional and inset doors.
Tiny and nearly invisible for a very clean look.
A damper slows the door in the last part of its motion.
Hinges must match the overlay of the door and the frame.
Screws change door height, depth and side-to-side position.
Soft-Close Hinges and Drawer SlidesSoft-close hinges and full-extension drawer slides that let doors close gently, drawers glide smoothly and cabinets work well…Explore 
Tray Dividers and Vertical StorageTray dividers and vertical storage that stand baking sheets, cutting boards and platters on edge in slim cabinets…Explore 
Glass Doors and Display CabinetsGlass doors and display cabinets with clear, seeded, reeded or mullioned glass, lighting and shelves that show off…Explore 
Toe Kicks, Fillers and End PanelsToe kicks, fillers, scribe molding and finished end panels that close gaps, hide uneven walls and make cabinet…Explore 
Cabinet Door ReplacementCabinet door replacement with new custom or ready-made doors that fit your existing boxes, with new hinges and…Explore 
Drawer Box and Slide ReplacementDrawer box and slide replacement that swaps worn, sagging or broken drawers for sturdy dovetail boxes on smooth…Explore 
Hinge and Hardware RepairHinge and hardware repair for loose, sagging or noisy doors, stripped screw holes, worn pulls and misaligned doors…Explore 
Final Adjustments and Punch ListFinal adjustments and punch list service that aligns every door and drawer, fixes small flaws and checks the…Explore Size a room, check your cabinets or ballpark a budget.
Cabinet Layout and Quantity CalculatorEnter your measurements to see base and wall cabinet counts, counter area, vanity widths, closet sections, bookcase bays and pantry shelves.Try it 
Should I Refresh or Replace My Cabinets? CheckerPick your cabinet type, condition and the signs you see to learn whether a tune-up, paint, refacing or replacement may fit.Try it 
Cabinet Budget PlannerPick a kitchen, bath, built-in or repair project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Often yes. Many hinges can be replaced, and add-on dampers are available for some.
Usually a screw has loosened or a hole is stripped. Repair and adjustment fix it.
No. They are a classic detail that suits many traditional kitchens.
Comparison guideFramed vs FramelessHow face frame cabinets and frameless cabinets differ in look, storage, strength and installation.Learn more 
Comparison guideInset vs OverlayHow inset doors, full overlay doors and partial overlay doors differ in look, cost of labor and storage.Learn more 
Comparison guideCabinet MaterialsHow solid wood, plywood, fiberboard and particleboard compare as cabinet materials for boxes, doors and shelves.Learn more 
Comparison guideDoor FinishesHow thermofoil, laminate, painted and natural wood doors compare in look, wear, repair and cleaning.Learn more Call us and describe your room. We will visit, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
