Soft close drawers have become increasingly popular in modern kitchens as they provide a silent and smooth experience when opening and closing drawers. If you are tired of hearing your drawers loudly slam shut and want to avoid potential damage to your cabinets, soft close drawers may be the perfect solution. This guide will explore the benefits of soft close drawers, how they work, and how you can add them to your existing kitchen drawers.
What are Soft Close Drawers?
Soft close drawers are designed to prevent the drawer from slamming shut, which provides a smooth and quiet experience when opening and closing the drawer. The soft close mechanism is typically built into the drawer slides and uses hydraulic dampers to slow down the drawer’s movement as it approaches the closed position. This mechanism ensures that the drawer closes smoothly and silently, preventing potential damage to both the drawer and the cabinet.
The Benefits of Soft Close Drawers
One of the main benefits of installing soft close drawers in your kitchen is the noise reduction that they provide. Traditional drawers can slam shut, causing a loud noise that can be disruptive and annoying. Soft close drawers, on the other hand, close slowly and quietly, providing a more peaceful kitchen environment.
Another advantage of soft close drawers is that they are gentle on the cabinet and the drawer itself. Traditional drawers can cause damage to the cabinet, such as chipping or cracking, as the drawer slams shut. Soft close drawers, however, close gently, preventing potential damage to both the cabinet and the drawer.
Finally, soft close drawers are an excellent investment for your home. They increase the overall value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Furthermore, they are a long-term investment that will last for years, providing a smooth and quiet experience every time you open and close your drawers.
How Soft Close Drawers Work
Soft close drawers work by utilizing hydraulic dampers that slow down the drawer’s movement as it approaches the closed position. The dampers are typically built into the drawer slides and use air pressure to control the drawer’s speed. As the drawer approaches the closed position, the dampers engage, slowing down the drawer’s movement and preventing it from slamming shut.
The hydraulic dampers are designed to withstand the weight of the drawer, ensuring that they work effectively regardless of the drawer’s contents. This mechanism provides a smooth and quiet experience every time you open and close your drawers.
Can You Add Soft Close to Existing Drawers?
If you already have traditional drawers in your kitchen, you may be wondering if it’s possible to add the soft close mechanism to them. Fortunately, it is possible to retrofit your existing drawers with soft close slides, although it may require some DIY skills and tools.
DIY Methods for Making Kitchen Drawers Soft Close
If you are skilled with DIY projects, you can make your kitchen drawers soft close by adding dampers to the drawer slides. You will need to purchase soft close dampers and attach them to the slides, which will require some drilling and screwing.
Another DIY method for making kitchen drawers soft close is to add felt pads to the drawer slides. The felt pads will provide a soft cushion for the drawer, preventing it from slamming shut. This method is less effective than adding dampers, but it is a quick and easy solution that can be done in minutes.
Converting Drawers to Soft Close: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting your traditional kitchen drawers to soft close drawers may seem like a daunting task, but it is relatively easy if you follow these simple steps:
- Remove the existing drawer slides from the drawer and the cabinet.
- Install the new soft close slides onto the cabinet and the drawer.
- Attach the dampers to the new slides.
- Test the soft close mechanism to ensure it is working correctly.
While this process may seem straightforward, it does require some DIY skills and tools. If you are unsure about your ability to complete this project, it’s best to hire a professional to do it for you.
Retrofitting Drawers to Soft Close: Pros and Cons
Retrofitting your existing drawers with soft close slides has both pros and cons. The main advantage is that it is a cost-effective solution that can be done without replacing your existing drawers. On the other hand, retrofitting your drawers may not provide the same level of performance as installing new soft close drawers. Additionally, retrofitting may require more maintenance in the long run.
The Cost of Converting Drawers to Soft Close
The cost of converting your drawers to soft close depends on the size and quantity of your drawers, as well as the type of soft close slides that you choose. On average, the cost of retrofitting soft close slides onto your existing drawers ranges from $30 to $50 per drawer. If you choose to install new soft close drawers, the cost will depend on the quality and size of the drawer, but it typically ranges from $50 to $100 per drawer.
Conclusion: Is it Worth it to Add Soft Close to Your Drawers?
Adding soft close to your kitchen drawers is a worthwhile investment that provides a smooth and quiet experience every time you open and close your drawers. Whether you choose to retrofit your existing drawers or install new soft close drawers, the benefits of soft close are clear. Not only do they prevent potential damage to your cabinets and drawers, but they also increase the overall value of your property. If you are interested in adding soft close to your kitchen drawers, contact Palm Beach Premier Remodeling for a professional installation.