This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
The sound of cabinet doors being slammed can be a true source of annoyance for most of us. Others are unaffected but live with roommates or partners who will remark every time a door is left to close on its own. Luckily, modern engineering has found a solution, and that’s what we will be exploring today. We’ll be going through the best soft close hinges, where to find them, what they have to offer, and we’ve also thrown in an extensive guide giving you all of the best tips and tricks for choosing the best soft close hinges for your home. Let’s jump into it.
Buying Guide for the Best Hinges
Many people will enthusiastically go online, find affordable soft close hinges that their local brick and mortar store sells for twice the price, and click pay without a moment’s hesitation. This could work out okay. But most of the time it’s a mistake.
One of the most frequent problems you will encounter if you work in the hinge business is that most people don’t know what they need. This results in a lot of hassle for the consumer, who will have to contact customer support and wait while frustrated only to conclude that they’ve ordered the wrong type of hinge for their cabinet. This is one of the situations that makes so many people inclined to hire a handyman. However, the solution is easy.
Not everyone wants to outsource this simple task to a professional because it does seem pretty straightforward. Hinges can be easy to install, provided they’re made out of good materials and come with appropriate instructions. And as long as you’ve ordered the right ones, the whole process takes only minutes.
So what are the aspects and measurements that you should consider before clicking buy? Let’s explore the most essential ones.
Cup Depth
One of the two most relevant measures that you will have to make when determining what you need is to figure out what cup depth you’re going to need. The only tool you have to have for this process is a tape measure or ruler.
If you’re remodeling your existing cabinetry, you can remove one hinge and measure its cup for reference.
If you’re installing new cabinets, then you should take a tape measure and see what the depth of the hole in the cabinet door is. That will be the first number to keep in mind.
Overlay
The second and most important measure to take is the overlay. This measure refers to how much the edge of your cabinet door overlays over the inside of the frame of the cabinet box.
An easy way to do this is by grabbing a pencil, making a small mark on the hinge side of the door while the door is closed. After that, simply remove the door and measure from the mark to the inside edge of the cabinet. This will be your overlay.
Other Considerations
Brand
It’s a well-known fact that more reputable brands tend to have better products. And higher prices. With hinges, especially if you’re buying more than one, it can be an advantage to have brand recognizability to fall back on. And although the quality is definitely one of the aspects that a good brand has to offer, sometimes their customer service is just as important. If there is a problem with the delivery or the product itself, a reputable brand is much more likely to be accommodating and refund or resend your order.
Material
Stainless steel is the standard when it comes to door hinges. It is durable and will hold the cabinet doors firmly into position. Hinges are not a purchase anyone expects to replace on the year, so it’s important that these objects are sturdy and can withstand dry and wet environments as these are natural conditions in kitchens.
Tips and Tricks for Installing Cabinet Hinges
If you’ve decided to undergo this project and need a bit of guidance through the process here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Don’t drill the hinge cup hole too deep
Sometimes your hinges will fit in the existing holes in your cabinets. But if they don’t, or you’re getting new ones, then make sure not to drill the hole too deep as it can damage the door.
Make sure to properly position the hinge cup
There are a few issues that can result from improper positioning of the hinge cup. Setting it too close to the edge will create a gap. If you set it too far, it will cause the door to bind when closing.
Be careful with the door during installation
This can be tricky especially if you’re working alone. Ideally, if you’re a beginner, there’s someone else there who can hold the door in position while you screw on the hinges. If that’s not possible, always start with the top hinge as there is less chance that the door will be damaged this way.
Compare The Best Soft Closing Hinges
JQK Hinge
– Best Overall
These hinges will work seamlessly, and they’ll do it for a very good price. Made from stainless steel, they’re constructed with quality in mind, and they won’t be damaged under repeated strain or if exposed to a wet environment. Once installed, door banging will be a thing of the past.
They do come in one piece, which might be a bit of a challenge to screw in but the instructions are clear and they come with everything that’s needed for the installation. Also, once they’re in, they’ll work just as well as other hinges that can go for as much as double the price. They’re lightweight but sturdy at the same time. One of the best products you can get in this price range and probably a pretty fair contender for hinges in higher price ranges as well.
Ravinte Hinge
– Runner Up
An excellent option for anyone who will be adding a few cabinets or remodeling their kitchen, these hinges will provide the soft-close experience that only high manufacturing standards can produce. Made from high-quality steel, these are durable hinges that will be sticking around through thick and thin.
They’re easy to install and you can adjust them in three steps based on the fit of your doors. You might not even need to drill new holes. They’ll be up in no time, and you’ll be spared from cabinet door banging for the foreseeable future.
Furniware Hinge
– Honorable Mention
An amazing quality product that will rival any brick and mortar store option with the added bonus of a significant price discount. Fitting perfectly in standard size holes, they’re great if you’re looking to remodel a kitchen and give it a new feel with stealthy closing cabinet doors.
Because these hinges are sold in 20 piece packages, you don’t get the surcharge that individual units will bring. What’s more: Furniware has a variety of options to choose from, based on the thickness of your cabinet door. You won’t need the skill to install them, and you won’t need to change them any time soon either.
Amazon Basics Hinge
– Also Consider
With a nickel-plated finish and adjustable screws, the AmazonBasics soft close set is ideal if you’re remodeling or you’re simply tired of hearing bangs every time your children or members of your family grab a plate or glass.
Each hinge is marked with its overlay dimension and they’ll be a breeze to screw in. The doors will stay in place even with repeated prolonged use and the softening mechanism will also remain consistently reliable.
Blum Hinge
Blum is a top brand that has a rich history in producing consumer goods for kitchen hardware. They leverage their expertise to design sturdy products that will stand the test of time, both in terms of design and durability.
Other hinges have short nails or may even be uncomfortable to screw in. That’s not a problem with Blum. If you’re having trouble with rowdy teenagers banging cabinet doors or you’re just sick of the noise factor yourself, the Blum hinges will prove to be a great addition to your remodeling or DIY projects.
KONIGEEHRE Hinge
The Konigheehre 20 pack comes with easy to understand instructions that will guide you in installing your hinges step by step, without hassle. They’ll also assist in the selection process by explaining how to order the correct hinge for your needs.
Not only does Konigeehre create a quality product that won’t shift or lose the soft close in time, but they’re also dedicated to providing a great experience to their customers and will go out of their way to address any issues or concerns you might have about their products.
DecoBasics Hinge
This DecoBasics 50 Pack star package has you covered. A thoughtful brand that will provide all of the information you need to order the correct product for your needs, with DecoBasics you have quantity flexibility although the 50 pack is their more popular seller. These hinges are available in twos, tens, the twenties, and many other quantities as well. One of the most irritating experiences is finding hinges you like and realizing that, if you run out before your project is complete, you’ll have to get dozens more. Deco Basics has you covered on that front with their extensive offering.
This brand tells it like it is and offers all of the details you might need before making a purchase. From selecting the right size to informing you about the opening angle of the doors to gushing about their manufacturing process, they’re a top-class all the way.
People Also Asked
Q: How does a soft close hinge work?
A: Most soft hinges are equipped with a hydraulic mechanism that takes over when you close the cabinet door and slows the door’s speed by opposing resistance through the liquid in the mechanism.
Q: Are soft close hinges worth it?
A: Soft close hinges are not a necessity but they are definitely nice to have. The soft close eliminates not only noise, but also some of the long term stress on the furniture. Many people who opt for soft hinges do notice a difference in the quality of their furniture long term. Additionally, soft close hinges are best if you have children around as it eliminates the possibilities of their fingers getting caught in the cabinet doors.
Q: Do you need 2 soft close hinges per door?
A: This will depend on how heavy the door is. It’s possible that for certain doors, one soft closing hinge might be enough to avoid the low noise but it is advised that you first test it out with a couple of soft close hinges before determining if that applies to your cabinets or not.
Q: Are soft close drawers expensive?
A: Soft-close hinges can be pricier than regular hinges but the best way to avoid splurging on them is to shop around online, rather than go to a store. Many times, you won’t be able to buy packs of multiples in stores which can drive up the price drastically. Meanwhile, there are plenty of options that you can purchase online that offer much more flexibility both in terms of quantity and price.
Q: What’s the difference between self closing and soft closing hinges?
A: These are two mechanisms that serve different purposes. Self closing hinges will shut the door closed, usually with a noticeable pop, if the door is within a few inches of the cabinet box. Soft closing ones will stop a door from shutting abruptly through a hydraulic mechanism in the hinge. It will stop it about two inches from the cabinet frame and then slowly close it without any noticeable sound.
