How To Order Cabinet Doors Pre-Drilled for Blum Hinges
Learn how to order cabinet doors pre-drilled for Blum hinges and avoid misaligned holes, delays, and costly installation mistakes.
Ordering cabinet doors pre-drilled for hinges (specifically Blum hinges) can save you time and stress, but only if you get all the specs right. And it’s not enough to assume that your supplier will know exactly what you need. Every supplier has different standards for hinge drilling. If you don’t provide clear information, or if you assume their defaults will match your hardware, you can end up with delays, misaligned doors, or even wasted materials. And if you’re a homeowner, you face the additional problem of a lack of knowledge about hinge drilling.
Like many cabinet door suppliers, our team can drill doors for Blum hinges, one of the most popular hinge brands in the industry. But, our standard specifications are unique and may not align with what you’re used to or what your project requires. We help hundreds of contractors, cabinet makers, and homeowners every year clarify what’s needed to ensure their doors arrive pre-drilled correctly and ready for smooth, problem-free installation.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What Are the Parts of a Hinge Hole for Blum Hinges?
Before ordering pre-drilled cabinet doors, you should understand the components of a hinge hole. This knowledge ensures you know what to expect and what your supplier requires.
There are two main parts of a hinge hole:
1. Cup Hole
The cup hole is the large circular hole that holds the hinge cup. This hole is drilled into the back of your cabinet door. For most Blum hinges, this hole is 35 mm wide and drilled to a depth of 12 to 13.5 mm, depending on the hinge model.
2. Pilot or Dowel Holes
These smaller holes are for the screws or dowels that secure the hinge. Not all Blum hinges require them; for example, Blum screw-in hinges don’t require pilot holes or dowel holes. However, Blum Inserta hinges do require dowel holes.
If you aren’t sure which hinge you’re using, check the packaging and product specifications or ask your hardware supplier.
Details You Must Provide to Receive Doors Drilled for Blum Hinges
- Type of Hinge. Tell your supplier whether you’re using Blum Inserta hinges, Blum Screw-In hinges, or a different hinge. The type of hinge affects the drilling pattern.
- Hinge Location. You’ll also need to confirm the location of the hinges. There are two vital dimensions:
- The distance from the top and bottom of the door to the centre of the cup hole. This dimension is customizable, but it’s typically between 3 and 4 inches.
- The distance from the edge of the door to the edge of the cup hole (the hinge offset). This dimension is less customizable; it’s typically between 3mm and 6mm, depending on the cabinet box material. For example, you’ll probably need a 3mm offset if your cabinet boxes are ⅝” thick. On the other hand, you’ll probably need a 5mm offset if your cabinet boxes are ¾” thick.
- Number of Hinges. Tell your supplier how many hinge holes you need on each cabinet door. Your supplier will default to two or more hinge holes per door, depending on the height of each piece.
Cutting Edge’s Standard Specifications for Blum Hinges
If you’re using Blum hinges and you’re not sure what to request, don’t worry. Like other suppliers, our team has a standard setup that works for most projects.
- Type of hinge: Blum Screw-In
- Hinge location: 87mm from top/bottom of the door to the centre of the hinge cup hole
- Hinge offset: 5mm
Number of hinges: The number of hinge holes depends on the height of your door
| Door Height | Number Of Hinge Holes | Location |
|---|---|---|
| <43” | 2 hinges | Placed at the hinge location specified |
| 43" – 65" | 3 hinges | Top and bottom hinges placed at the location specified; third hinge hole located at the centre of the door |
| 65" – 96" | 4 hinges | Top and bottom hinges placed at the location specified; additional hinge holes evenly spaced |
| >96" | 5 hinges | Top and bottom hinges placed at the location specified; additional hinge holes evenly spaced |
You can request standard hinge drilling if you’re working with standard Blum hinges and this layout works for your project.
But if you prefer custom spacing, want two hinges instead of three, or have a unique installation setup, you can provide those details with your order. There’s no need to match the standard; it’s just there to simplify your process if custom isn’t required.
What If You Aren’t Using Blum Hinges?
1. Confirm Cup Size and Depth
Most hinges use a 35 mm wide cup that’s 12 to 13.5 mm deep. These dimensions match the standard for Blum, but some hinges don’t follow this sizing.
To ensure your hinge cups will fit, look up the product specs or check the original packaging. If the cup is smaller or deeper, provide your supplier with those details when placing your order.
2. Know Whether You Need Pilot or Dowel Holes
Some hinges don’t require additional holes. Others need dowels to hold them in place. If yours require these extra holes, provide your supplier with:
- The distance between the edge of the cup hole and the dowel holes
- The diameter and depth of the dowel holes
- The distance between dowel holes
Even a few millimetres off can prevent your hinges from fitting, so exact measurements matter here.
3. Look Up or Attach a Hinge Drilling Diagram
You can usually find a diagram for your hinges by searching the model number and brand name, along with phrases like “hinge drilling diagram” or “technical sheet.”
Attaching a diagram with your order ensures the hinge holes are drilled in the right place, preventing guesswork from your supplier.
If a spec sheet isn’t available, a clear photo of the hinge from multiple angles alongside a tape measure or ruler can help communicate what’s needed.
Tips to Get Your Cabinet Door Drilling Correct The First Time
Ordering pre-drilled cabinet doors doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you know what to double-check before you place the order. Whether you’re using standard Blum hinges or something else entirely, a little upfront planning makes installation smoother and more predictable.
Here are some tips to help you avoid the most common mistakes and ensure your hinge holes are drilled exactly where they need to be:
- Confirm your hinge model and brand first. This affects cup size, depth, and whether pilot holes are needed.
- Match your hinge specs to the drilling pattern. Ensure your cup diameter, setback, and hole spacing align with your supplier’s options.
- If you’re using standard Blum hinges, you can request “standard drilling” to simplify the process.
- Provide custom measurements only if needed. When you want something different, be specific. Use diagrams or model numbers to explain.
- Don’t guess. When in doubt, check the product sheet or confirm details with your hinge or cabinet hardware supplier.
- Use a drilling diagram whenever possible. A visual reference ensures precision and avoids misunderstandings.
Getting this information right the first time helps you avoid rework, delays, and installation frustration. The goal is simple – have your cabinet door hinges aligned perfectly so you can move forward with confidence and finish the job on schedule.
Order Cabinet Doors Pre-Drilled For Blum Hinges Online
By now, you know exactly what’s involved in ordering cabinet doors pre-drilled for Blum hinges, from understanding hinge hole parts and spacing to confirming cup sizes and hinge types. Ordering without clear drilling details can lead to major setbacks (misaligned holes, wasted materials, or delayed installations). Whether you’re a contractor, cabinet maker, or homeowner, hinge placement is too important to leave to chance, especially when every supplier does things a little differently.
Now that Cutting Edge has empowered you to get hinge drilling done correctly the first time, you can take the next step. And if you want to avoid problems, the best place to start is by learning how to order cabinet doors online. Ordering online gives you full control over what you specify on your order, helping you ensure your hinge drilling is done right the first time.
