Are the cupboard doors slamming again? Your kitchen will finally have a calm atmosphere with the installation of soft-close hinges, and it won't cost much either. With just your basic tools and a little do-it-yourself spirit, you can completely transform your cabinets in less than an hour. As suggested by our local painting and renovation services in West Hartford, CT, a simple installation tutorial to help you get started is provided below!
BENEFITS OF A SOFT-CLOSE CABINET CONVERSION
The term "soft-close hinges" might sound lavish, but it is a sensible and practical improvement. These hinges eliminate the sound of slamming cabinet doors by using a hydraulic system to close them softly and silently. They improve the usefulness of your kitchen, lessen damage to your cabinets, and may even raise the value of your house. This is a small investment that pays off handsomely.
WHAT ARE SOFT CLOSE HINGES?
The purpose of soft-close systems is to stop cabinet doors from slamming shut. They have an integrated damper or piston that makes it possible for the door to close softly and silently. There are two common varieties that not only function flawlessly but also enhance the overall appearance: full overlay and concealed overlay. These mechanisms are well recognized for extending the life of your cabinets by reducing the impact on doors and frames.
PREPARING CABINETS FOR HINGE INSTALLATION
Remove The Cabinet Doors
The cabinet doors should first be separated from their frames. You should have someone assist you if the doors are very heavy. To keep things organized, store the screws in a small bowl or bag after removing the hinges with a screwdriver or power drill. To avoid confusion during reinstallation, it is advised to work on one door at a time.
Detach The Old Hinges
Remove the existing hinges and place the cabinet door on a soft surface, like a towel, to avoid harming the finish. If the screws are still in good shape, you can use them again, but if they are worn out or damaged, you should use the new screws that came with your hinges. To make it easier to install the new hinges, fill any stripped or misaligned screw holes with wood filler first, then drill new holes.
MEASURING AND MARKING FOR NEW HINGES
Align The New Hinges
Accurate measurements are necessary to line your cabinet doors properly. Mark each hinge's center points with a pencil, about 2 to 3 inches from the top and bottom edges. Use a hinge template or a ruler to create a symmetrical and balanced look. To ensure consistent placement on all doors, it could be helpful to utilize a hinge jig if you are installing multiple hinges.
Install The Soft-Close Hinges
Start by fastening the cabinet door's hinges. Painter's tape may be used briefly if support is needed to keep it steady. To make any modifications easier later, start by leaving the screws slightly loose. Once the hinges are fastened, reattach the door to the cabinet frame according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once everything is precisely in place, align the door and fasten all the screws.
Make Adjustments
Cabinet doors can have their height, depth, and alignment changed thanks to the screws that soft-close hinges come with. You may get a silent, seamless close that blends in smoothly with nearby cabinets with a few small adjustments. A sleek, businesslike appearance is guaranteed with frequent and meticulous adjustments.
TESTING AND FINAL TOUCHES
To ensure the smooth operation of the soft-close mechanism, open and close each door multiple times. Clean the hinges to get rid of dust or fingerprints, and make any last alignment or tension adjustments that are required. Check for any loose screws, and if necessary, tighten them. Enjoy your improved, whisper-quiet cabinets now!
For all your renovation needs and expert advice, feel free to reach out to trusted remodeling contractors in CT for a free estimate.
