Hinging MDF Cupboard doors

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by nick45, Dec 10, 2007.

  1. nick45

    nick45 New Member

    All to often I find myself fitting 9 -12mm MDF cupboard doors
    with butt hinges. It would be easier to fit ready made pine doors to the MDF carcase - but that's not what the customer wants! So I find myself lining the inner door edges with batten to give purchase to the screws which seems a clumsy way of doing the job. Also -screwing often aligns between MDF and batten edge..you get the picture. Butterfly hinges are marginally easier. There must be a better way?
     
  2. murrmac

    murrmac Member

    the better way is to make the doors out of 15mm MDF and use cabinet hinges, surely ?
     
  3. flyingscotsman

    flyingscotsman New Member

    Edging all round for a better finish, if limited to 9-12mm doors butterfly/flush hinges.
     
  4. nick45

    nick45 New Member

    Right - thanks. I can see edging is the best way using a glued L-shaped profile in hard/soft wood. Not sure that screwing edge on into a 15mm cross section will give much holding power in MDF. What kind of length and type of screw would prevent splitting with flush hinges?
     
  5. samuelsdad

    samuelsdad New Member

    I'm a kitchen fitter and have just done a huge kitchen with MDF doors (some over 2 metres high!!) and the manufacturers had used good quality (blum) kitchen hinges with "fake" brass butt hinges just for show.

    Really looked the business
     
  6. dunc

    dunc New Member

    You could try cranked hinges. I have used them with 15mm mdf. But I still think you need to be using 18mm mdf as the least thickness for a door.

    I use butts into 25mm mdf panelled doors. Which works well.
     
  7. handymanforhire

    handymanforhire New Member

    Not sure that screwing edge on into a 15mm cross
    s section will give much holding power in MDF. What
    kind of length and type of screw would prevent
    splitting with flush hinges?

    I do it all the time in 18mm MDF, no problems. 40mm flush hinge fits an 18mm door nicely, 3.5 x 40mm screws with a pilot hole and you won't get any splitting. Use more hinges to reduce the load if you need to, or as Dunc says use cranked hinges in 15mm.

    Pete
     
  8. nick45

    nick45 New Member

    Thanks guys! I plan to use 18mm MDF for the doors even if the carcase is built with 12mm MDF. The advice on types of hinge and screw is helpful. Have a great Xmas!
     
  9. ZAES

    ZAES New Member

    Kitchen hinges, blatantly!
     
  10. chip off the block

    chip off the block New Member

    i normally use 9mm mdf and create a pannel type door by gluing and pinning 4" strips around edge "6 t the bottem and use kitchen hinges
     
  11. devil's advocate

    devil's advocate New Member

    If you want to fit flush hinges onto the edges of 18mm MDF, as handymanforhire says drill a good pilot hole first or it will split.

    After doing an initial 'screw' just to get the pilot hole threaded, I usually dip the hinge screw thread in PVA before final fitting as this 'binds' the internal rough surface of the MDF hole and helps prevent future splitting.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice