Are soft close doors worth it?
Soft close doors, also known as damped doors or self-closing doors, are a popular feature in modern homes and furniture. These doors use a mechanism that gently pulls the door closed, preventing it from slamming shut. While they come with a higher price tag, many homeowners and designers consider soft close doors to be a worthwhile investment.
What Are Soft Close Doors?
Soft close doors are equipped with a damping mechanism, usually a hydraulic or pneumatic system, that slows down the closing motion of the door. This prevents the door from slamming shut, which can be noisy and potentially damage the door or surrounding furniture. The soft close mechanism ensures a smooth, quiet, and controlled closing action.
Benefits of Soft Close Doors
There are several key benefits to installing soft close doors:
- Quiet operation: The damping mechanism eliminates the loud banging sound associated with traditional doors, creating a more peaceful and serene living environment.
- Prevent damage: Soft close doors protect the door itself, as well as nearby furniture and walls, from the impact of a slamming door.
- Improved safety: The controlled closing action reduces the risk of fingers or hands getting caught in the door.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Soft close doors are often seen as a premium feature that can add to the overall design and appeal of a room or home.
These benefits make soft close doors a popular choice for homeowners, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Are Soft Close Doors Worth the Cost?
Soft close doors typically cost more than traditional doors, with prices ranging from $50 to $300 or more per door, depending on the size, material, and brand. While the initial investment may be higher, many homeowners and designers believe the benefits outweigh the additional cost.
The decision to install soft close doors ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Homeowners who value a quiet, damage-free, and aesthetically pleasing living environment may find the investment in soft close doors to be worthwhile. However, for those on a tighter budget, traditional doors may be a more cost-effective option.
What is the problem with soft close drawer runner?
A common issue with soft close drawers is the dirt and debris that get stuck within the slides. Check for particles in the slides and wipe them clean with a wet cloth before drying. You can also use pressurized air to clean the slides.
Why is Soft Close so expensive?
If you're building custom cabinets, a soft-close feature might cost significantly more, as it may need to be specially made by your professional cabinet maker. However, installing soft-close drawers using a store-bought drawer kit will cost less than incorporating into a custom-built drawer.
What is the point of soft close doors?
The soft-close mechanism closes bureau doors and drawers gradually and softly, keeping little fingers from getting squeezed. Soft-close mechanism doors improve life length. The soft close element guarantees doors and drawers are constantly closed appropriately, reducing the requirement for support.
What's the difference between self-close and soft close?
Soft-close hinges use a spring mechanism to slow down the rate at which the drawer or cabinet closes while self-closing hinges have an internal mechanism that engages when the drawer or cabinet is opened and then slowly closes itself when released.
What are the cons of soft close drawers?
Soft close drawer slides offer a range of benefits, but they also have several disadvantages. The lack of customization options, additional cost, potential for malfunction, potential for damage to drawer contents, and difficulty of installation may make them a less appealing option for some homeowners.
Do soft close cabinets add value?
Increased Home Value
Soft-close technology is often considered a premium upgrade, signalling high-quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design. For homeowners considering a remodel, these cabinets are an investment that can yield a high return when it comes time to sell.
Why do soft close hinges stop working?
Soft close hinges are equipped with adjustment screws for easy alignment. A loose screw or two is often the most common issue for soft-close hinges not working properly.
Is it hard to add soft close to drawers?
They're affordable, easy to use, and a cinch to install. And they'll bring peace and quiet to your kitchen. Expect to spend roughly an hour on this project, and make sure you're comfortable using basic DIY tools like a drill, screwdriver, and level.
