Soft close hinges have become a staple in modern homes, making cabinet doors close quietly and smoothly. It’s frustrating to have slammed doors interrupt your peace and quiet, especially when you’re cooking or doing other tasks in the kitchen. Soft close hinges are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to eliminate that annoying noise while also keeping their cabinets in good condition. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about soft close hinges and how they work. From the benefits of using them to how to install them, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about soft close hinges for your cabinets.
What are Soft Close Cabinet Hinges?
Soft close cabinet hinges are a type of hinge that ensures a cabinet door closes slowly and smoothly, without slamming shut. They are designed to mitigate the impact of a closing cabinet door, reducing the wear and tear on both the door and the cabinet frame. These hinges are especially useful in households with children or elderly individuals who might not be able to close a cabinet door gently.
How Do They Work?
Soft close cabinet hinges work by utilizing two mechanisms: a hydraulic cylinder and a soft-close damper. The hydraulic cylinder controls the speed at which the cabinet door closes, while the soft-close damper slows down the door’s momentum to a gentle stop. As a result, the cabinet door never slams shut but instead closes smoothly and gently.
Benefits of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
There are many benefits to installing soft close cabinet hinges in your home. Here are just a few:
Noise Reduction
One of the most significant benefits of soft close cabinet hinges is noise reduction. With soft close hinges, the cabinet door won’t slam shut, reducing the noise made by impact.
Protection of Cabinet and Door
Soft close cabinet hinges can protect your cabinet and door from wear and tear caused by slamming. Constant slamming of doors can loosen the hardware and create cracks in the joints, leading to costly repairs.
Safety
Soft close cabinet hinges offer an added layer of safety in the household. Cabinet doors are less likely to slam shut, which can protect young children’s fingers and avoid accidents in general.
Variety
Soft close cabinet hinges come in various types, including concealed, semi-concealed, and exposed varieties. This variety allows you to choose the hinge that works best for your cabinets and the decor of your home.
Convenience
With soft close hinges, you no longer need to worry about closing the cabinet door gently or leaving it open. Once you close it, the hinge takes over, ensuring the door closes softly and completely.
Types of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Below are the three main types of soft close cabinet hinges:
Concealed Hinges
Concealed hinges offer a sleek and modern look to cabinets. The hinge mechanism is entirely hidden from view, making them ideal for minimalistic designs.
Semi-concealed Hinges
Semi-concealed hinges are visible from the outside of the cabinet and are partially hidden. They are a good option for cabinets where the hinge doesn’t need to be entirely hidden from view, but you don’t want it to be entirely exposed either.
Exposed Hinges
Exposed hinges are the most visible of the three options. They are typically used as decorative hinges and add a vintage or classic look to cabinets.
How to Choose the Right Soft Close Hinges
When selecting soft close hinges, three things are essential: weight capacity, overlay, and opening angle.
Weight Capacity
Pay attention to the weight capacity that the hinge can hold. If the hinge has a lower weight capacity than needed, it could fail or not work correctly.
Overlay
Overlay refers to the distance that the cabinet door overlaps the cabinet frame when closed. Proper overlay ensures that the hinge doesn’t show when the cabinet door is closed.
Opening Angle
The opening angle of the hinge depends on the type of cabinet door. For example, if the cabinet has an L-shaped corner, the hinge needs an opening angle of 120 degrees.
How to Install Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Installing soft close cabinet hinges is relatively straightforward. Removing the old hinges and installing the new ones takes a bit of time and patience.
Remove the Old Hinges
First, remove the old hinges and clean up any debris.
Install the New Hinges
Install the new hinges using the existing holes or drill new holes. Adjust the hinges to the correct overlay and opening angle using the provided adjustment screws.
Conclusion
Soft close cabinet hinges are an excellent investment for any household. They offer many benefits, including noise reduction, added safety, and protection of the cabinets and doors from wear and tear. To ensure you choose the right hinges, pay attention to weight capacity, overlay, and opening angle. With proper installation, soft close cabinet hinges can last for years and make a significant difference in your home.
Benefits of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Soft close cabinet hinges offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers. Below are some of the benefits you can expect from upgrading to soft close cabinet hinges.
No More Slamming Doors
One of the most noticeable and frustrating things about traditional cabinet hinges is the loud noise they make when doors are slammed shut. This can be especially frustrating when you’re trying to relax or concentrate, and somebody slams a cabinet door shut. With soft close hinges, you’ll never have to worry about loud slamming noises again. By slowly and quietly closing the door, these hinges help to prevent any possible damage to the cabinet and keep your house quiet.
Protection for Your Cabinets
Traditional hinges can cause significant damage to your cabinets over time. Every time a door slams shut, it can cause vibrations that weaken the joints and damage the structure of the cabinet. Soft close cabinet hinges eliminate this problem, by gradually and safely closing the door, they help in preventing serious damage to your cabinets. This means your cabinets will last for a longer period thus reducing the replacement expenses.
Great for Families with Kids
If you’ve got young children who enjoy exploring your kitchen cabinets, then soft close cabinet hinges are a must-have. Young children can be very curious and are known to accidentally slam cupboard doors. With soft close hinges, you can eliminate the slamming resulting in a safe environment for your little ones. Additionally, you can prevent young kids from catching their fingers in the cabinet hinges, which can be severe and painful.
Ease of Accessibility
Soft close hinges generally open to a greater angle than traditional hinges. This means that it is easier to access the contents inside your cabinets. Soft close hinges glide smoothly when closing, no matter the weight of the door, making them easily accessible for all family members. This makes it easier to get what you need while preparing your meals, with no noisy interruptions.
Improved Aesthetics
Finally, soft close hinges contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home’s interior. These hinges come in many finishes that you can select from to match the style and look you want. With concealed hinges, you can create a minimalist look, clean and sleek appearance. The soft movement and silent closing ensure that no hardware is visible on your cabinets, making them highly appealing. They’ll blend in with your interiors to give your home an elegant, high-end look and feel. Upgrade to soft close cabinet hinges and give your kitchen a luxurious and modern appearance.
In conclusion, soft close cabinet hinges are an excellent addition to your cabinets in terms of improving accessibility, aesthetics, durability, child safety, and overall functionality. They’re perfect for anyone who wants to eliminate slamming noises and keep their kitchen or home interior silent and peaceful. There are many types of soft close hinges to choose from, so make sure you pick ones that match the style of your cabinets perfectly. They’re truly an essential upgrade that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
How do soft close cabinet hinges work?
Soft close cabinet hinges utilize hydraulic dampers to slow down the closing process of a cabinet door. These hydraulic dampers are located inside the hinge and are typically made from a combination of oil and nitrogen gas. When the cabinet door is opened, the hinges push the hydraulic fluid into the cylinder, compressing the nitrogen gas. This creates a cushion of air and slows down the closing process.
The Benefits of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
There are a variety of benefits to using soft close cabinet hinges. One of the biggest benefits is reduced noise. The hydraulic dampers slow down the closing process, which reduces the amount of noise that is generated when a cabinet door is closed. This is especially important in homes with children or shift workers who may be sleeping during the day.
Another benefit of soft close cabinet hinges is increased safety. Traditional cabinet hinges can slam shut, which can be dangerous for small children or pets. Soft close hinges, however, prevent the cabinet door from closing too quickly. This can help prevent injuries and accidents in the home.
Types of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
There are two main types of soft close cabinet hinges: concealed and visible. Concealed hinges are hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed. They are ideal for modern and minimalist designs, as they help keep the lines of the cabinetry clean and unbroken. Visible hinges, on the other hand, are installed on the outside of the door and can be seen when the door is closed. They are commonly used on traditional or rustic cabinets.
In addition to concealed and visible hinges, there are also different types of soft close mechanisms. Some hinges feature a snap-on design that makes installation quick and easy. Others come with adjustable dampers, allowing you to adjust the speed at which the door closes.
Installation of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
Installing soft close cabinet hinges is a straightforward process. The first step is to remove the existing hinges from the cabinet door. Next, attach the soft close hinge to the door using screws. Once the hinge is in place, attach it to the cabinet with screws.
It’s important to make sure that the hinge is properly aligned so that the door closes smoothly. You can use a level to make sure that the hinge is straight. Finally, adjust the speed of the soft close mechanism to your liking.
Cost of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
The cost of soft close cabinet hinges varies depending on the type of hinge, the brand, and the quality. Generally, soft close hinges are more expensive than traditional hinges. However, the additional cost is worth it for the benefits that they provide.
To give you an idea of the cost, here is a breakdown of the prices of a few different soft close hinges:
| Hinge Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Concealed | $10 – $30 per hinge |
| Visible | $5 – $15 per hinge |
| Adjustable Dampers | $50 – $100 per pair of hinges |
While the cost may seem high, adding soft close hinges to your cabinets can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. They can improve the functionality, safety, and appearance of your cabinets, making them a great addition to any home.
Thank You for Visiting and Embrace the Ease of Soft Close Cabinet Hinges!
We have covered a lot of ground in this article about soft close cabinet hinges. Hopefully, you have gained an understanding of what they are, how they work, and why they may be a valuable addition to your home. Not only do they create a quieter environment, but they also prolong the life of your cabinetry and reduce wear and tear. Best of all, they make the simple task of closing a cabinet door seem effortless.
If you are tired of slamming cabinet doors, then consider installing soft close hinges. They are readily available and easy to install, even for those new to DIY. Not only will they make your life easier, but they will also add value to your home should you ever choose to sell.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you found it informative and helpful. Please don’t hesitate to revisit our site in the future for more useful tips and tricks. Until then, embrace the ease of soft close cabinet hinges and enjoy the peacefulness that comes with it!