Understanding Door Sizing
Proper cabinet door sizing is crucial for functionality, aesthetics, and installation success.
- Overlay Calculations Standard overlay: 1/2" on all sides. Full overlay: 1-1/4" typical. Inset doors: subtract 1/8" gap all around. European-style typically uses 3-4mm gaps.
- Door Types Slab doors need exact sizing. Cope-and-stick adds 1-1/2" to 2" for rails/stiles. Mitered doors typically use 2-1/4" to 2-1/2" frames.
- Hinge Clearance Standard hinges need 3/8" to 1/2" gap between doors. Concealed hinges typically need 3mm (1/8") minimum. Double doors require 1/8" center gap.
- Material Movement Allow 1/8" expansion space for solid wood doors. Engineered materials (MDF, plywood) typically stable. Consider humidity range in installation environment.
Design Guidelines
Style Considerations
Panel doors need 2-1/4" minimum rails/stiles. Glass doors typically use 2-1/2" to 3" frames. Shaker style usually uses 2-1/2" frames with 1/4" or 3/8" panels.
Hardware Placement
Knobs: center on stile for wall cabinets, 2-1/2" to 3" from bottom for base. Pulls: typically 1/3 down from top. European hinges need 3-5mm edge clearance.
Size Limitations
Maximum door width: 24" for stability. Heights up to 84" possible with proper construction. Doors over 30" should consider warping prevention techniques.
Special Applications
Corner cabinets need 90-degree clearance. Appliance panels need manufacturer specs. Bi-fold doors need 1/4" clearance between panels.
Installation Best Practices
- Measuring Double-check dimensions.
- Hardware Prep Pre-drill properly.
- Alignment Use proper spacers.
- Adjustments Fine-tune after install.