Restoring antique cabinetry, chests, pianos or
other furniture with a continuous hinge can be a highly enjoyable
experience. It can also provide countless hours of frustration as you
fret over the myriad of choices available to you for hardware finishing.
Finding an original component to replace can be very difficult and
expensive. Often we are required to find a modern replacement
alternative to the original piece in question. This article hopes to
shed some light on one particular piece of the restoration puzzle: the
piano hinge, or continuous hinge as it is often referred to.
The continuous hinge is named so because it consists of one long hinge that runs the length between two joining points. This is different from a typical door hinge which is actually two or three separate short hinges at the top, bottom and sometimes middle of the joining points. It is also named a piano hinge because, well, it looks somewhat like a piano keyboard with its elongated set of teeth gripping the main shaft unit. Not to mention that piano hinges are also used to attach piano lids to their cabinetry.
But what to consider during a restoration project? Well, first, what kind of project is it? Is it 70's Maple cabinetry that you simply want to update with a few hardware pieces; is it that big old trunk from the 40's that your grandfather passed on to you the holds more memories than odds and ends; or is it that baby grand piano that has always sung to you but whose voice has gone silent with the absence of proper maintenance and care.
Based on these intangibles, you can determine somewhat a price range for what you need to spend on the restoration. If the piece means a lot to you personally or if you plan on restoring it for resale, don't skimp on cost. Piano hinge are relatively cheap so why not invest in the best one you can find.
Selecting a heavy duty piano hinge is another important consideration. What could be worse than standing back and admiring your completed project only to have it come tumbling apart. Dramatic perhaps, but certainly the strength of your piano hinges need to be considered. You could decide upon a nice looking aluminum continuous hinge only to have it warp and subsequently creak shortly after your project is completed. A stainless steel piano hinge is the best option for strength. Better to be safe than sorry.
One more element to consider is finish of the hinge. Stainless steel is nice and strong but there are different finishes that may complement the piece better. Consider a brass or nickel plated piano hinges. They are still strong but offer a different look than stainless steel. When it comes down to it, you really want your restoration project to look great after putting all that work into it. Keep your mind open and try something new.
A good piano hinge can be the metaphorical glue that holds together your cabinet or piano restoration project. Keep in mind all these factors when choosing your hardware and you will reap the rewards of a project well done.
Whatever your project, choosing an appropriate piano hinge can make or break it.
The continuous hinge is named so because it consists of one long hinge that runs the length between two joining points. This is different from a typical door hinge which is actually two or three separate short hinges at the top, bottom and sometimes middle of the joining points. It is also named a piano hinge because, well, it looks somewhat like a piano keyboard with its elongated set of teeth gripping the main shaft unit. Not to mention that piano hinges are also used to attach piano lids to their cabinetry.
But what to consider during a restoration project? Well, first, what kind of project is it? Is it 70's Maple cabinetry that you simply want to update with a few hardware pieces; is it that big old trunk from the 40's that your grandfather passed on to you the holds more memories than odds and ends; or is it that baby grand piano that has always sung to you but whose voice has gone silent with the absence of proper maintenance and care.
Based on these intangibles, you can determine somewhat a price range for what you need to spend on the restoration. If the piece means a lot to you personally or if you plan on restoring it for resale, don't skimp on cost. Piano hinge are relatively cheap so why not invest in the best one you can find.
Selecting a heavy duty piano hinge is another important consideration. What could be worse than standing back and admiring your completed project only to have it come tumbling apart. Dramatic perhaps, but certainly the strength of your piano hinges need to be considered. You could decide upon a nice looking aluminum continuous hinge only to have it warp and subsequently creak shortly after your project is completed. A stainless steel piano hinge is the best option for strength. Better to be safe than sorry.
One more element to consider is finish of the hinge. Stainless steel is nice and strong but there are different finishes that may complement the piece better. Consider a brass or nickel plated piano hinges. They are still strong but offer a different look than stainless steel. When it comes down to it, you really want your restoration project to look great after putting all that work into it. Keep your mind open and try something new.
A good piano hinge can be the metaphorical glue that holds together your cabinet or piano restoration project. Keep in mind all these factors when choosing your hardware and you will reap the rewards of a project well done.
Whatever your project, choosing an appropriate piano hinge can make or break it.