A mortise Hinge is a traditional type of hinge consisting of two rectangular metal plates (known as hinge plates) connected by a central pin, allowing the door to open and close. The term “mortise” refers to the surface where the door panel meets (or “abuts”) the cabinet frame when the door is closed; the hinge is typically installed at this point.

 Installation Methods for Double-Sided Hinges

· Milling a Dovetail Groove: To achieve a flush installation, a shallow groove called a dovetail groove is typically milled into the edges of the cabinet frame and door panel to accommodate the hinge plates.

· No-Groove Installation: Certain thinner hinges (no-groove hinges) can be surface-mounted directly without the need to mill a groove in the wood, making them ideal for quick and easy installation.

· Surface Mounting: In some cases, double-action hinges can be mounted directly onto the outer surface of the cabinet frame and the inner surface of the door panel.

Why Choose Hinges?

· Sturdy and Durable: Their simple design allows them to support heavy doors, making them a popular choice for solid wood cabinets.

· Classic and attractive: They are often used in traditional or vintage-style kitchens, where hinges are typically a deliberately showcased element. These hinges offer a variety of finish options, such as polished nickel, brass, or oil-rubbed bronze, and usually feature decorative hinge heads.

Comparison of Surface-Mounted Hinges with Other Hinge Types

· Comparison of surface-mounted hinges with Concealed Hinges: When cabinet doors are closed, surface-mounted hinges are typically visible (visible hinge heads/Cylinders). concealed hinges (also known as “European-style” hinges) are completely hidden from view when the door is closed. Concealed hinges also feature three-way adjustment (up/down, left/right, and front/back), which makes it easier to fine-tune door alignment after installation—a feature not found in most surface-mounted hinges.

·Comparison between surface-mounted hinges and flush-mounted hinges: Flush-mounted hinges feature a surface-mounted design that does not require mortising, making them easier to install than standard surface-mounted hinges, but they typically have a lower load-bearing capacity.