What is the difference between a full overlay vs a partial overlay hinge setup for a cabinet door?

• A. Full overlay covers most of the face frame; partial overlay leaves visible frame; affects hinge placement and door width.
• B. Full overlay hides the frame; partial overlay hides nothing.
• C. Full overlay uses inset doors; partial uses surface mount.
• D. Full overlay uses metal hinges only; partial uses concealed.

Answer: (A)

Overlay describes how much of the cabinet face frame is covered by the door when it’s closed. A full overlay door is sized to cover most of the face frame, so when the door sits closed you see very little of the frame and the hinges are set so the door can swing cleanly over the edge of the frame. This often means the door width is close to the opening width, with only a small reveal between adjacent doors, giving a seamless front.

A partial overlay leaves more of the face frame visible. The door is narrower than the opening minus the frame, so you see more of the frame around and between doors. The hinge placement is adjusted to accommodate the visible frame and ensure the door clears the frame and neighboring doors without binding.

The other options mix in terms that aren’t about overlays. Inset versus surface-mount refers to different door styles, not the amount of frame covered. Hinge type isn’t dictated by overlay alone—both concealed and exposed hinges can be used with different overlays.