What are Soft-Close Hinges and How do you Install Them?
Soft-close hinges on cabinets and cupboards are a luxurious finishing touch at a very low cost, plus they are easy to install and we show you how.
03/02/2023
Late in 2021, I featured my kitchen renovation where I installed brand-new kitchen cupboards and countertops for under R20,000. As part of this kitchen renovation, I also made sure to install soft-close hinges on all the cupboards, cabinets, and other doors in the kitchen, This included double doors on the laundry nook and double doors on the pull-out pantry. I cannot stress how much I have enjoyed having soft-close hinges now that the doors softly close by themselves rather than banging shut. See the article 'Brand New Kitchen for Under R20,000!'
For those of you that do not know what soft-close hinges are, below is some information you will find useful, as well as a video that shows how easy it is to replace conventional hinges with soft-close hinges on all your cupboards and cabinets, including BIC doors.
What are soft-closing hinges?
Despite the fact that they have been around for a while, there are still many homeowners who are not aware of self-closing hinges and the finishing touch they add to cupboards, cabinets, and lightweight doors. Many homes are still fitted with conventional Euro, concealed, or cup hinges on cupboard doors; some home still have butt hinges or other traditional hinges.
No more slamming!
Soft-closing hinges have a built-in mechanism that prevents a door from being slammed closed and it requires only a gentle push for the door to softly close on its own without any effort. That means that you only need to push the door and it will close itself - quietly and softly. Banging doors are a thing of the past if you swap out old hinges with soft-close hinges, and it won't take much effort and very little cost to do it.
No trapped fingers!
Because doors are soft and self-closing, there is no possibility of young children getting their fingers trapped in closing doors.
Less strain on hinges!
Not only do soft-close hinges add a finishing touch to doors, but they also reduce the stress placed on hinges over the years. Doors that are frequently banged shut soon come loose at the hinges and you end up with hanging or broken doors. It is worth making a small investment to have the old hinges removed and replaced with soft-close hinges.
Quick Tip: Take a few photos of the cupboards and doors that you want to replace the hinges and take these along with you so that they can advise the best soft-close hinges for your particular cupboards.
What type of soft-close hinges do I need?
The type of hinges you will need depends on two situations, 1) How the door sits on the frame and 2) how wide or how the door needs to open.
Watch the video below to better understand cupboard types and door openings (overlay or inset).
Do yourself a favour and invest in a Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig that costs around R600 at your local Builders or online. It offers repeatable results that are accurate and precise.
Installing soft-close hinges on doors
If you already have Euro, concealed, or cup hinges on cupboard doors, it is quick and simple to replace these with soft-close hinges as the main design is very similar since all have the same circular hinge cutouts in the door. If you have other types of hinges, you can remove the old hinges and fill in holes with Alcolin QuikWood Epoxy Putting and then drill new holes for the hinge and screws. See our article 'How to Fit Concealed Hinges'
Check out the video below to see how easy it is to replace Euro, concealed, or cup hinges with soft-close hinges.