If you choose basic hardware like this your cabinets will be easy to use and last a long time

When it comes to cabinets, most people may pay more attention to the material of the countertop or cabinet body, overlooking the importance of hardware. In fact, hardware is as crucial as the panels, determining whether the cabinets are user-friendly and durable. Especially the basic hardware components are indispensable.

So, how to choose better basic hardware such as hinges, drawer slides, and handles? Let's explore together in this issue!

1. Choosing Hinges: Focus on These Three Points Cabinet hinges, also known as hinges, are used to connect cabinet doors and side panels, bearing the work of supporting the cabinet's opening and closing. When choosing, pay attention to the following three points to ensure smooth and long-lasting usage.

   • 304 Stainless Steel or Cold Rolled Steel? The material of hinges is crucial due to the greasy and humid nature of kitchens. 304 stainless steel has strong rust resistance and corrosion resistance, making it a good choice. Cold-rolled steel, with strong load-bearing capacity, is nickel-plated on the surface to prevent rust. Brands like Bailong and Heidishi often use this material. Products from Jieyang Minzhong Hardware Industrial Co., Ltd. also use cold-rolled steel.

   • Soft-Close or Non-Soft-Close? Prioritize hinges with soft-close features, as those without soft-close can result in collision noises or finger pinching when cabinet doors are opened and closed. Soft-close hinges are divided into one-stage and two-stage forces, with two-stage force hinges being the preferred choice when the budget allows. One-stage force hinges may cause the door panel to rebound several times when fully opened, whereas two-stage force hinges can smoothly stop at any position beyond 45° (angle may vary among different brands). Soft-close hinges also come in embedded and external types, with embedded ones being more expensive within the same brand.

   • Fixed or Detachable Installation? During installation, you can choose fixed or detachable hinges. Fixed hinges have an integrated base and hinge arm, making them non-detachable. Detachable hinges, on the other hand, have a separable base and hinge arm, allowing for later disassembly and cleaning of cabinet doors. However, the cost is relatively higher. Additionally, there are three types of combinations for cabinet doors and side panels: full overlay, half overlay, and inset doors. For different situations, hinges offer three choices: straight arm, medium bend, and large bend.

2. Choosing Drawer Slides: Based on Load Capacity There are three common types of drawer slides: three-section rails, bottom support rails, and horse-riding axles. Regardless of the chosen type, it is recommended to opt for slides with soft-close features to ensure silent operation and prevent pinching.

   • For regular drawers not carrying heavy items, use side-slide three-section rails to meet daily needs.
   • For larger drawers requiring better load-bearing capacity, bottom support rails are suitable. These slides are hidden at the bottom for a better appearance.
   • Horse-riding axle slides have higher load-bearing capacity and are often used for baskets and pot baskets. However, their installation is more complex, and the price is higher.

3. Handle Styles: Diverse Choices with Practical Considerations Handles are commonly divided into two categories: external and concealed. Due to production processes, concealed handles are more expensive than external ones.

   • External handles come in various styles, allowing you to choose according to your home's decor. Since kitchens are often greasy and humid, the material should be wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant. For drawer handles, weight-bearing capacity should also be considered.
   • Concealed handles are a popular choice for many households, offering a simple and neat appearance to avoid protrusions and collisions. They can be embedded at a certain angle and shape in cabinet doors or left a space on the opening side for hardware insertion, serving as both a handle and a part of the cabinet door.

Basic hardware, as part of the cabinet, can be divided into standard and optional versions during customization, allowing you to make choices based on your budget. We hope this article can be helpful to you. For more home decoration needs, please contact Jieyang Minzhong.