Installing a soft close on an existing drawer is a fairly straightforward process. First, you will need to purchase a soft close drawer guide or adapter. Most hardware stores carry these, or they can be purchased online.
Once you have the adapter, you will need to remove the existing drawer guide. This can be done by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place. Once the guide is removed, the soft close adapter can be installed.
Depending on the type of adapter, you may need to install a bracket or use screws or glue. Once the adapter is installed, the new drawer guide can then be attached. Please take caution to ensure the guide is properly aligned with the drawer.
Once the drawer is in place, the soft close should be fully operational.
Can you make existing cabinets soft close?
Yes, it is possible to make existing cabinets soft close. It may require some modifications, but it is a relatively easy process. Depending on the type of cabinet you have, it may involve installing an additional piece of hardware or an adjustable hinge onto the existing door or drawer.
This will allow the door or drawer to ease open and close, with a soft-closing action. If your cabinet doors or drawers feature self-closing hinges, they may need to be adjusted or replaced in order to provide the desired effect.
Additionally, there are a variety of mechanisms available that can be added to the interior of the cabinet or drawer, to provide a cushioning or dampening effect on the closing action. Installing these is usually straightforward and can be done with minimal tools.
How do I upgrade my kitchen drawers to soft close?
Upgrading your kitchen drawers to soft close is a relatively easy process that can improve the overall experience of your kitchen immensely. The process consists of attaching a soft close adapter to the closing mechanism of each drawer.
There are a few steps you’ll need to take in order to upgrade your kitchen drawers:
1. Gather the necessary materials: Soft close adapter, screws, screwdriver, a small pry bar and a drill (optional).
2. Remove the existing drawers and brackets, being careful not to damage them.
3. Take measurements of the existing drawer opening and carefully measure where the soft close adapter will be screwed into the frame.
4. Start drilling the holes necessary for the soft close adapter. Make sure that the holes are perpendicular to the frame so that the soft close adapter will fit snugly in them.
5. Place the soft close adapter in the holes and secure it tightly with the screws provided.
6. Assemble the drawers and the brackets, making sure the drawer glides are properly secured.
7. Put the drawers back in the kitchen and enjoy the soft close feature.
Upgrading your kitchen drawers to soft close can take some time, but is worth the effort, as it creates an even more enjoyable experience when using your kitchen.
Are soft close drawers expensive?
Soft close drawers can range from moderately to very expensive depending on the type of drawer and the quality of the materials used. Generally speaking, those made from particleboard or MDF tend to be less expensive than those made from solid wood.
Additionally, the type of slide mechanism used in soft close drawers will factor into the cost. For instance, drawers that use a full-extension, ball-bearing slide mechanism typically cost more than those with a standard, round-rail slide mechanism.
The price will also be affected by the number of drawers, their size, and any additional features such as cushioned stops or a soft close latch. In summary, soft close drawers can be both moderately priced and very expensive, depending on the materials and features included.
How do you retrofit soft close hinges?
Retrofitting soft-close hinges requires a few steps—first, assess the type of hinge you have to determine if it can be retrofitted with a soft-close mechanism. If it can, make sure to get the necessary hardware to complete the job.
Next, remove the hinges from the door and remove the hinge pins. Insert the soft-close mechanism into the hinge, gently tapping it in place if necessary. Place the hinge back onto the door and secure it in place with the screws provided.
Finally, reinstall the hinge pins and adjust the tension as needed. Once all of these steps have been completed, your door should now feature soft-close hinges.
What is the difference between self closing and soft closing drawer slides?
The difference between self closing and soft closing drawer slides is the way the drawer is closed. Self closing drawer slides are designed to close the drawer automatically, usually by way of a spring mechanism, when the drawer is opened and released.
Soft closing drawer slides, on the other hand, use a hydraulic or gas-charged piston to cushion and slow the closing action. The result is a much gentler and quieter closure than with a self closing slide.
In addition, soft closing slides often have a dampening feature that ensures the drawer is not banged shut, which is more common with self closing slides. Both types of slides are popular and will provide years of service.
It is ultimately up to the user to decide which type of slide is best for their needs based on factors such as cost, application, aesthetics, and durability.
Can you convert regular drawers to soft close?
Yes, you can convert regular drawers to soft close. This can be done by purchasing a soft close adapter and installing it on the drawer slides. The adapter is a small device that fits between the slide and the drawer, and uses dampeners and springs to slow down the drawer and prevent it from slamming shut.
Additionally, some drawer slides come pre-equipped with a soft close feature. Installing such slide and the drawer will provide a soft closing action to any drawer. Make sure to select drawer slides that are compatible with the type of drawers you have.
Finally, if you don’t want to purchase a soft close adapter or pre-equipped slides, you could also install dampeners and springs to the sides of the drawer itself and to the cabinet frame. That should achieve a similar result.
How much is it to add soft close to cabinets?
The cost to add soft close to cabinets will vary depending on the type of cabinets and hardware used. Generally, adding soft close hardware to most kitchen cabinets will cost between $100 and $300, with some cabinets costing as much as $800.
Factors that could affect the cost include the size of the cabinets, the quality of the hardware, and the complexity of the installation. Professional installation may also be necessary for cabinets that are more complicated or require more specialty hardware.
To get an accurate quote for the cost to add soft close to cabinets, it is best to speak to a local cabinet store or contractor to discuss the specific requirements and provide detailed measurements.
Do soft close cabinets increase home value?
When it comes to adding value to a home, there are a lot of different factors to consider. Soft close cabinets can certainly help add value to a home, both aesthetically and functionally. Aesthetically, soft close cabinets are sleek and modern in appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to any room they are in.
Functionally, they help avoid slamming cabinet doors which can be noisy and harmful to cabinets over time. They also create a smoother, quieter closure, which can make any kitchen or bathroom feel more luxurious.
In addition, they are also less likely to cause injury to small children or elderly adults, making them a great choice for those with children or elderly family members living in the house. Finally, soft close cabinets are much more durable than standard cabinets, and are therefore more likely to hold their value over time.
This makes them a great choice for those looking to add value to their home.
How much does it cost to have a cabinet made?
The cost of having a cabinet made will vary depending on a few factors. For example, the type of wood and the size of the cabinet will be factors that come into play. If you want the cabinet made out of a nicer wood, like hardwood, it is going to cost more than lower-end wood like laminate.
Additionally, if the cabinet is a custom design, there may be an additional cost involved.
Finally, labor costs can also vary, depending on who you hire to build the cabinet and the complexity of the project. If you are looking for a custom solution, you may be able to find someone who can build it for you for a flat fee, or it could be charged by the hour.
In general, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 or more for a high-quality cabinet made out of hardwood and designed to your specific needs.
How do you calculate linear feet for cabinets?
Calculating linear feet for cabinets is a straightforward process. First, measure the width of the cabinet wall that you want to use. Multiply the width (in feet) by the number of cabinets that you’re installing.
The result is the linear feet of wall space that will be used. For example, if you have a wall that is 8 feet wide and you are installing two cabinets, then you would have 16 linear feet of cabinets (8 feet x 2 cabinets = 16 linear feet).
If installing more than one row of cabinets, measure each row individually, and add together for the total linear feet.
When measuring the cabinet wall, it’s important to measure from outside corner to outside corner. This will give you the most accurate length. If the wall is not square or is not a straight line, you may need to measure each piece of the wall and add together manually.
Also, it is important to account for any transition cabinets or floor-supported cabinets that may need their own measurements. These pieces won’t be included in the linear feet calculation, but can affect the layout and installation of your cabinets.
By taking accurate measurements and following these steps, you will be able to easily calculate linear feet for any cabinet installation project.
How much are custom kitchen cabinets per foot?
The cost of custom kitchen cabinets per foot varies widely depending on the type of cabinetry you select, the size and design of the cabinets, and the finish and hardware you choose. For example, custom frameless cabinets may cost around $500 – $1,000 per linear foot, while full-overlay face frame cabinets may cost around $200 – $400 per linear foot.
High-end materials such as maple wood and exotic veneers may increase the price significantly. Also consider any additional design costs, such as for specialty cabinets, custom inserts, or decorative accents.
The price of installation will also play a major role and can span from around $1,000 – $10,000 or more depending on the complexity of the project. Installation cost is generally figured at a labor rate of $50 – $150 per hour.
To get an exact estimate of costs, it is best to consult with a professional kitchen designer.
What is soft close hinge?
A soft close hinge is a type of hinge that uses a mechanism to cushion the door closing. This type of hinge is typically referred to as a self-closing, silent-closing, or cushion-closing hinge. Soft close hinges provide a slower, quieter way to close a door than traditional hinges.
The use of a soft close hinge also diminishes the chances of having a cabinet door slam shut, which can potentially be a safety hazard. Soft close hinges are becoming increasingly popular in cabinetry and furniture.
Many kitchen and bathroom cabinets are now being equipped with soft close hinges due to their ability to provide both secure closure and virtually silent operation.
Can you change the type of cabinet hinges?
Yes, it is possible to change the type of cabinet hinges depending on the door material, preferred aesthetic, and amount of wear and tear they will experience. For heavy-duty projects, such as commercial kitchen cabinets and casework, larger more robust hinges may be in order.
On the other hand, lighter weight hinges, such as semi-concealed hinges, may be more appropriate for residential cabinets on entry doors or even bathroom vanities. The style and weight of the hinge also need to be carefully selected based on the weight of the door and the type of material it is made from.
Finally, the finish of the hinges should also be considered, as an antique finish won’t look quite as nice on a modern style door. There are many types of cabinet hinges that can be used to create various looks and serve different purposes.
How do you change old cabinet hinges to hidden hinges?
Changing old cabinet hinges to hidden hinges is a relatively simple process. First, you need to measure the existing hinges and figure out what type of hidden hinge you need. Then, remove the old visible hinge and its associated hardware.
Most visible hinges are attached with screws, while others may use dowels or other specialized hardware. Once the old hinge is removed, lay out the new hidden hinge and mark the mounting holes. Carefully drill pilot holes, then countersink them.
Mount the hinge plates in the pre-marked holes, then secure with screws or other hardware. Test the hinge for proper alignment, then place the door in place, making sure it is level and properly aligned.
Finally, check the alignment of the hinge before tightening any screws. Once everything looks good, you can add door knob hardware and/or other decorative accents as desired.
What are the different types of cabinet door hinges?
The most common types are explained below.
Butt hinges are the simplest and most traditional type of hinge used on cabinet doors. The hinge has two rectangular leaves, one fixed on the door and one on the cabinet frame, that meet in the middle.
The leaves are connected by a pin or rods that let the leaves pivot in relation to one another.
H-hinges, also called strap hinges, are long single hinges with one end fixed to the cabinet frame and the other to the door. These hinges usually have a decorative edge and may include additional elements such as finials.
Concealed hinges are designed to be hidden from view. They provide a smooth appearance and allow for a wide range of movement, with some able to swing up to 270 degrees. Unlike butt and H hinges, concealed hinges consist of two parts that are mounted separately, one to the cabinet face frame and the other to the inside of the door.
Bi-fold hinges are a type of concealed hinge that allow the door to fold. They are commonly used when there isn’t enough room to open a cabinet door all the way.
Ball-bearing hinges are a type of adjustable hinge that uses small steel balls within a housing to allow movement between the doors and their corresponding frames. The number of balls and their size will determine the amount of motion each hinge will allow.
Flush hinges are the most basic type of unit and are used on cabinet doors where the panel needs to be flush against the frame. These hinges typically have no visible screws and come in pairs for both sides of the door.
Pivot hinges are an alternative to concealed hinges and are used to attach the door to its frame via a bracket. These hinges offer a wide range of movement and provide an attractive look.
Cup hinges are the most sophisticated type of hinge available. They are designed for doors where the edges of the door are visible. They are mounted inside a mortise cut into the cabinet frame and the door, maintaining a strong hold.
They provide a wide range of movement, excellent stability and a streamlined appearance.