Are soft close drawer slides worth it?

Soft close drawer slides, also known as self-closing drawer slides, are a relatively new hardware technology that is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens and other cabinetry. As the name suggests, soft close drawer slides gently slow down the closing motion of drawers and prevent them from loudly slamming shut. But are these fancy drawer slides actually worth investing in? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to upgrade your current drawer slides to soft close technology.

What are soft close drawer slides?

Soft close drawer slides are an upgraded version of standard drawer slides. They work through a dampening mechanism that uses hydraulic or mechanical components to gently slow the closing speed of a drawer in the final inches of travel. This prevents the drawer from noisily banging shut. Models vary, but most activate when the drawer is within 1-2 inches of closing.

Here are the key features of soft close drawer slides:

– Dampening mechanism gently buffers and slows the final closing motion
– Allows drawers to glide smoothly and close quietly
– Prevents slamming and excessive force
– Provides a luxurious, high-end feel
– Available for a variety of drawer slide types and weight capacities
– Offered in side-mount, undermount, and full-extension styles

Soft close technology can be found on new drawer slides or retrofitted onto existing slides as upgrade kits. The slides are attached to drawers and cabinets using the same process as regular slides.

What are the benefits of soft close drawer slides?

Upgrading to soft close drawer slides offers several benefits:

Quieter operation

The main appeal of soft close slides is their ability to prevent drawers from loudly slamming shut. The dampening system allows drawers to close smoothly and virtually silently. This is a huge upgrade for kitchens and bedrooms where loud banging drawers can be disruptive.

Protection from slamming

Slammed drawers can cause damage over time. The force can loosen joints, bend drawer fronts, and cause hardware to come loose. By removing slamming, soft close slides help protect both drawers and cabinetry from damage. They also protect contents from forceful impacts.

Premium feel

Soft close action provides a luxurious feel when opening and closing drawers. It enhances the quality and smoothness of the motion. Soft close gives cabinets and furnishings a high-end, luxury feel.

Convenience

The effortless closing action makes soft close slides more convenient and user-friendly. You can gently tap drawers closed from any angle or position. This is helpful when hands are full or you are in a hurry.

Kid and senior friendly

Soft close slides prevent accidents and injuries, especially for kids and seniors. Little fingers won’t get slammed in drawers, and the easy close makes them accessible for elderly users or those with limited strength or dexterity.

Versatility

Soft close technology is available across a wide range of slide types, weight capacities, and price points. It can be added to nearly any existing or new drawers. The versatility makes it easy to incorporate soft close action wherever you want the benefits.

What are the downsides of soft close drawer slides?

While the benefits are substantial, soft close slides also come with some disadvantages:

Higher cost

Soft close slides are pricier than standard slides. Expect to pay $10-20 more per slide. Upgrading an entire kitchen could add a few hundred dollars. This additional cost may not fit all budgets.

Heavier drawers

The dampening mechanism adds weight, so soft close drawers will feel slightly heavier when opening and closing. For larger drawers, make sure your slides are rated for the increased weight.

Slower open/close speed

It takes slightly longer to fully open or close a soft close drawer due to the controlled, dampened action. Some users may find this inconvenient compared to freely swinging standard drawers.

Complex installation

Soft close slides involve more parts than standard slides. The installation process is also more complex, especially for DIY amateurs. You may need a professional installer.

Potential issues over time

The dampening components can wear down or fail over years of use. This may require repairs or replacement. However, quality brands minimize this issue.

Pros vs cons of soft close drawer slides

Pros	Cons
Quiet closing	Higher cost
Prevents slamming damage	Heavier drawer motion
Premium luxury feel	Slower open/close speed
Convenience	Trickier installation
Safer for kids and seniors	Potential issues over time
Versatile applications

Are soft close drawer slides worth the higher cost?

For most homeowners, the benefits of soft close drawer slides outweigh the downsides. The quiet operation and smooth glide provides a superior user experience compared to noisy, banging drawers. Soft close slides also provide long-term protection for your investment by preventing slam damage. Many buyers consider the added luxury and convenience worth the higher price point.

However, careful shopping can help minimize costs. Buying upgrade kits can allow you to retrofit existing drawers for less. And opting for quality mid-range brands over premium names saves money while still getting excellent performance and longevity. Doing the installation yourself also lessens the expense significantly.

If you aren’t bothered by noisy drawers or don’t have issues with slammed damage, the extra investment in soft close upgrades could be unnecessary. And for budgets with little wiggle room, standard slides may make more sense. But for most kitchens and cabinets, soft close drawer slides provide benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.

Should I choose integrated or separate soft close slides?

When selecting new or replacement drawer slides, you’ll need to decide between integrated and separate soft close options:

– Integrated – The dampening mechanism is built into the slide itself for a seamless, single-piece design.

– Separate – The soft close dampener is its own separate component mounted on standard drawer slides.

Integrated soft close slides provide a cleaner built-in look. The operation is exceptionally smooth since the dampening is engineered directly into the slide rails. Separate dampeners are more prone to loosening or shifting on the slides over time. However, integrated soft close slides are typically more expensive.

Separate soft close dampeners can be added onto existing drawer slides as an upgrade. They usually cost less than buying all new integrated soft close slides. The installation is also simpler than replacing the entire slide. But you may see slightly jerky motion as the dampener activates.

Ultimately the choice comes down to your priorities – a seamless luxury feel with integrated slides or potential cost savings with separate dampener add-ons. Both options effectively deliver soft close functionality.

Soft close drawer slide style options

Soft close technology is available across a wide range of slide types and mechanisms:

Side mount

Side mount slides attach to the sides of the drawer box and interior of the cabinet. They work for most standard drawers. Side mount soft close slides range from simple plastic models to durable, steel ball bearing options.

Undermount

As the name implies, these slides mount underneath the bottom of drawers. They provide a smooth, unbroken line along the drawer front. Undermount soft close slides work well for frameless contemporary cabinets.

Full extension

Full extension slides allow the drawer to extend fully outside the cabinet frame. This provides complete access to the contents. Models with soft close give you easy access without the annoyance of slamming.

Telescopic

Telescopic soft close slides have sections that slide within each other like a telescope. When opening, the drawer extends out further for enhanced access.

Self closing

Self closing slides automatically pull the drawer back into the closed position without any effort. Soft close technology further buffers the closing motion.

Over travel

Over travel slides allow the drawer to be pulled out past the closed position, then self retract to the correct spot. This makes it easier to grab and open drawers. Adding soft close prevents forceful closing.

Tiered

Tiered soft close slides combine full extension and self closing features. Multiple tiers glide in and out for complete access, then retract seamlessly.

Best soft close drawer slide brands

If you’re purchasing new soft close drawer slides, go with a reputable brand known for quality and longevity:

Blum

Blum makes premium integrated drawer slides and is considered the leader in the industry. Their superb engineering and smooth performance justify the higher cost.

Salice

Another top-tier brand, Salice focuses on precision Italian craftsmanship. Their extensive catalog offers every slide style imaginable.

Liberty

For high quality at reasonable prices, Liberty is a great mid-range brand. Their diverse options work for any project or budget.

Rev-A-Shelf

Rev-A-Shelf leads in cabinet organization and functional storage. Their soft close slides incorporate innovative convenience features.

Richelieu

Known for excellent value, Richelieu soft close slides offer durability and smoothness at affordable price points.

Sugatsune

Sugatsune makes rock-solid soft close slides in Japan. Their commitment to precision ensures flawless performance.

Sticking with reputable brands ensures you get maximum function, quality, and longevity from soft close upgrades. Avoid cheap off-brand slides that may fail prematurely or not operate smoothly.

Soft close drawer slide installation

Installing soft close drawer slides requires a bit more expertise and precision than normal slides:

Carefully read the instructions

Different brands have varied mounting and adjustment procedures. Thoroughly read the included instructions to understand the process before starting.

Check drawer alignments

For proper operation, the drawer must align flush with the face frame both horizontally and vertically when closed.

Allow clearance for dampener

Measure and leave adequate space for the soft close mechanism to engage without obstruction from the rear cabinet wall.

Pre-drill screw holes

Drilling pilot holes prevents potential splitting or cracking when driving in screws. Refer to the manufacturer’s layout specs.

Use careful alignments

Precisely line up and measure the slide positions on the drawer box and cabinet interior. Even small misalignments can impede function.

Pay attention to slide adjustment screws

Many soft close slides have small adjustable screws to fine tune the position. Make small turns at a time until the motion is perfectly dialed in.

Test thoroughly

Open and close the upgraded drawer repeatedly, adjusting as needed, until the slide provides consistent unhindered soft close action.

While the process feels more involved, taking the time to properly install soft close slides is worth the effort for flawless motion and longevity. Consider hiring a professional if you are unfamiliar with the nuances.

Can you install soft close drawer slides on existing drawers?

The beauty of soft close upgrades is that they can be retrofitted onto your existing drawers, provided a few requirements are met:

– Your current slides are in good condition structurally. Worn out old slides will still operate poorly.

– The existing slide positions allow clearance for add-on soft close dampeners. Measure first before purchasing.

– Your drawers operate relatively smoothly. Fix any hitches before adding dampeners.

– Your cabinets and drawers are in good alignment. Soft close needs things plumb and square.

– You purchase the proper retrofit dampeners made for your slide size and type.

With integrated soft close slides, you need to fully remove the old slides and install the new soft close system. This requires a bit more work disassembling components.

Separate soft close dampeners are designed for direct attachment to slides you already have. Just make sure to follow directions and test for ideal function. The improvement will be immediately noticeable, even on older slides and drawers.

Do you need new drawers for soft close slides?

The short answer is no – you do not need all new drawers to reap the rewards of soft close slides. As covered above, high-quality upgrade damper kits can add soft close functionality to your current drawers, provided they are in good shape.

New drawer boxes come into play when you want integrated soft close slides for a built-in, seamless design. Here are your options:

Buy new drawer boxes

Purchase preassembled drawer boxes sized specifically for your new integrated slides from cabinet manufacturers or drawer suppliers.

Custom build drawers

For ultimate quality or unique sizes, have drawers custom constructed by a pro cabinet maker. Optimize everything to perfectly match your slides.

DIY drawer boxes

With some carpentry skills, you can DIY drawer boxes to the ideal dimensions for your slides. Use quality plywood, glue, fasteners, and finishes.

Modify existing drawers

If space permits, existing drawers can sometimes be modified to accommodate integrated soft close slides. But alterations are often limited.

Carefully measure the specs of your new slides before acquiring or modifying drawers. With the proper prep, your drawers will operate perfectly on the new soft close system.

Soft close drawers vs. soft close hinges?

In addition to drawers, cabinet doors can also benefit from soft close technology. Soft close hinges for doors operate much like drawer slides, using hydraulics or springs to gently shut the door. Should you upgrade both your drawer slides and door hinges?

Here are a few key considerations when weighing soft close drawers versus doors:

– Drawers get more everyday use and abuse than doors in most kitchens and bathrooms. The ROI may be higher on soft close drawers.

– Doors are often lighter than drawers. You may notice the heavier soft close drawer resistance more during everyday use.

– Drawers store loose items more prone to slamming damage. Soft close benefits delicate contents.

– If your cabinets lack backs, soft close may be more critical for drawers to prevent contents from shifting when closing.

– Retrofitting soft close on doors often requires new hinges or drilling holes. Drawer slides can work on existing hardware.

– Budget may dictate doing either drawers or doors, but not both. Prioritize where you need soft close most.

Soft close is useful for both doors and drawers in high traffic cabinets. But for most homeowners, adding soft close slides to drawers first provides greater practical benefits and value.

Conclusion

Soft close drawer slides provide invaluable upgrades for today’s kitchens, bathrooms, and furnishings. Their ability to gently close drawers prevents noise and damage while giving a premium luxury feel. Despite slightly higher costs, most buyers find soft close slides well worth the investment for enjoyment and protection of their cabinetry. Just be sure to choose quality components and install properly to maximize performance benefits in your home.