Are you tired of the jarring sound of cabinet doors slamming shut? Do you dream of a kitchen or bathroom where tranquility reigns supreme? Look no further! I am showing you how to achieve the ultimate cabinet upgrade: DIY Soft Close Cabinet Doors.
DIY Soft Close Cabinet Doors
With a few simple steps and minimal tools, you can transform your cabinets into a haven of quiet elegance. Say goodbye to noisy closures and hello to gentle, effortless glides. Get ready to embark on a journey of a simple DIY project as I guide you through the process of installing soft-close dampers on your cabinet doors. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to achieving a peaceful and sophisticated space that you’ll love to show off to family and friends.
For this soft close cabinet project, instead of changing out the hinges (which you can do), I’m actually adding cabinet dampers that will create the soft close. Changing cabinet hinges involves more time and several adjustments to each cabinet door. It’s doable, but I was looking for a very inexpensive and QUICK project. This project cost about $50 and took me less than 30 minutes total.
Let’s get started and enjoy this 5 Minute project together! Oh and be sure to check out my Under the Sink Storage Tip too!
Supplies to DIY Soft Close Cabinet Doors
How to add Soft Close Cabinet Dampers
- Begin by placing the damper in the upper corner of the cabinet box.
- Drill a pilot hole through the screw hole into the cabinet box frame. Pilot holes are an important precaution to take any time you are drilling into wood with a screw because there’s a chance of the wood splitting. Pilot holes help prevent wood from splitting, and they make using screws that much easier.
- When drilling pilot holes, you want to make sure you use the proper size of drill bit so that the pilot hole is actually useful. The pilot hole size should be the same size as the screw’s central core diameter or slightly smaller.
- Next drill a screw into the hole making sure to secure it tightly.
- Adjust the large screw attached to the back of the damper; this will adjust the speed of the door close based on how heavy or lightweight the door is. And that’s it! Takes less than a minute per damper.
What Is The Best Drill to Use?
I love my Craftsman drill. It’s great quality but also affordable. It’s perfect for any DIYer. I also have several other Craftsman tools; it’s helpful having the same brand for many of your power tools so that the same battery can fit all of them.
What Size Drill Bit to Use for Pilot Holes?
When drilling pilot holes, you want to make sure you use the proper size of drill bit so that the pilot hole is actually useful. If the hole is too small, the screw will have a harder time going in and the wood might still split. If the hole is too large, the screw will not sit securely in it. The drill bit and therefore pilot hole size should be the same size as the screw’s central core diameter or slightly smaller.
How To Utilize Storage Under Cabinets?
I know. I know. This post was all about soft-close cabinet doors and the 5 Minute fix. But once you have tackled that little project, let me share a tip for the organization that our family has loved. This 2 tier storage shelf has been a game changer. It holds so much and keeps me feeling organized. The bottom drawer slides out, which is super convenient, and it holds full-size bottles of things like cleaners, hair spray, lotion, etc. It’s great for use in the kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms, you name it. Be sure to check out this under sink storage organizer!
There you have it! No more slamming cabinets, and you maybe even have a better-organized under-sink cupboard too! Yay for all of that! If you’re a visual person, be sure to check out my video tutorial on the entire process. Be sure to tag me on Instagram in your finished projects so I can see how amazing they are! #howwedoandyoucantoo
