Taming The Remodeling Beast: Making It Simpler

A Brief Guide To Installing Soft-Close Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinetry has evolved from just a storage solution to becoming the centerpiece of the modern kitchen. Homeowners are increasingly switching to soft-close kitchen cabinets, which provide a quieter, safer, and easier-to-use storage option while reducing wear and tear. 

If you plan to install these cabinets, you might be wondering how to go about it. Here are some tips to help you install soft-close kitchen cabinets like a pro.

Pre-Drill Holes

Pre-drilling holes is a crucial step in the installation of soft-close kitchen cabinets, primarily because it helps to prevent damage to the cabinet material.

Whether your cabinets are made of hardwood, plywood, or laminated particle board, they are all susceptible to splitting or cracking when screws are driven directly into them. Pre-drilling creates a pathway that allows the screws to enter smoothly, reducing the risk of damaging your cabinets.

Another reason pre-drilling is important lies in its ability to ensure precision. When you pre-drill, you're choosing the exact location where your screws will go, enabling you to ensure that they are properly aligned. This can be crucial for the functioning of your soft-close cabinets. 

Misaligned screws could lead to improperly hung cabinets or disrupt the soft-close mechanism, leading to suboptimal operation or even damage over time.

Finally, pre-drilling can make the entire installation process easier and more efficient. Instead of exerting extra effort to drive screws into solid material, pre-drilled holes provide a guide that makes this process quicker and less strenuous. This not only saves time but can also result in a neater, more professional-looking finish.

Therefore, while it may seem like an extra step, pre-drilling holes is an integral part of installing soft-close kitchen cabinets.

Check for Gaps

The gap between the cabinet doors and the frame affects the performance of the soft-close mechanism. If the gap is too large, the door may slam against the cabinet, making the soft-close feature ineffective. Conversely, if the gap is too small, the door may not close properly, leading to potential damage or wear of the soft-close mechanism over time.

Furthermore, gaps that are too large or too small can affect how your kitchen cabinets function. For instance, doors with large gaps may not close completely, making your cabinets less efficient for storage. On the other hand, doors with small gaps may be difficult to open, causing inconvenience in everyday use. 

Ensuring the right gap measurement is vital for the smooth operation of your soft-close kitchen cabinets. 

Reach out to a local remodeling contractor to learn more about installing soft-close cabinets.


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