A common style of door hinging system is called a "plunge hinge". A special machine, invented by Amerock, cuts a plunge into the side of the door for each hinge and another machine cuts the slot required into the cabinet case.

Cabinet makers like the system because it was quick, easy, and allowed adjustments of the door up/down, sideways, and in/out.

The problem is that due care might not have been taken in cutting the plunge slot into the back edge of the door, thereby cutting it too thin. Another was to use the system on door materials not intended such as particle board or mdf board. Worse of all is the use of the concept on pantry doors with can good storage compartments hanging on them and they get overloaded.

The damage comes from slamming the door hard, leaning on the door while reaching into lower cabinets, or small kids climbing on the door to reach upper cabinets.

The proper repair is cut away the total damage area from top to bottom along the back outside edge. That usually includes an area about 1 1/2" wide x 3/8" deep; called a "rabbet" in the trade.

We then insert a new matching lumber piece sized to fit, apply an approximate stain, and then replunge the door.

The typical cost is $120 to $240 but is usually about $180 with approximate stain match touchup.

Pantry doors with 3 hinge areas and/or can storage compartments are somewhat more.

SPECIAL NOTE: MDF DOORS are more common lately. The fracture may extend much further onto the back of the panel. It may be repairable but at higher cost. However, sometimes the fracture is so deep that the material we must cut away would cut thru the front of the raised panel area and therefore can not be repaired.

See Examples of Previous Projects at  Door & Drawer Repair Portfolio