How to Upgrade to Soft-Close Cabinets | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert upgrades a kitchen to have soft close cabinets
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Time: 3-4 hours
Cost: $1500 for the entire kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Tools List for Upgrading Soft Close Cabinets:
Screwdriver
Drill
Self-centering drill bit
Draw slides jig
Shopping List:
Soft close hinges
Soft close drawer slides
Drawer slides socket
Wood screws
Steps:
1. Using the screwdriver, unscrew the hinges holding the cabinet doors to the cabinet and remove the doors. Only do one door at a time so you don’t lose track of which door goes where.
2. Unscrew the hinges from the cabinet doors using the screwdriver.
3. Place the new hinges into the mortises from the old hinges. If the new screw holes don’t line up, you’ll need to drill new ones.
4. To drill new holes in the cabinet doors, take a combination square to line up the hinge with the bottom of the door to ensure it’s square.
5. Next, drill a small hole in the door using a self-centering drill bit.
6. Then, screw the new hinges into the new holes.
7. Reinstall the cabinet door onto the cabinet and repeat this process for every cabinet door in the kitchen.
8. For the drawer slides, start by removing the drawers and slides from the cabinet using the screwdriver. Do one cabinet at a time, and keep track of the order of the drawers being pulled from that one cabinet, as they can still vary in size. However, it will be easier to work in the cabinet with all the drawers removed.
9. Pull apart the new slides to work only with the section that will be mounted to the inside of the cabinet.
10. Mount the drawer slides jig into the inside of the cabinet.
11. Insert the back of the slides into the socket and rest the slides on the jig. Put the slides into position and screw the socket against the back of the cabinet.
12. Screw the front of the slides into the face frame of the cabinet.
13. Reconnect the slides and repeat this process for both sides of the drawer.
14. Switch the drawer slides jig so that it is sticking outside of the cabinet. Rest the drawer on the jig and extend the drawer slides until they are fully extended to the front edges of the drawer.
15. Screw the slides into the drawer.
16. Repeat this process for all the drawers in the kitchen.
Resources:
While there are a few low-cost options to upgrade to soft close kitchen cabinets, Nathan suggests changing out all hardware to soft close…
Nathan installed TEC Soft-Close cabinet hinges, which are manufactured by Grass USA (www.grassusa.com/). He recommends identifying the brand currently installed in the cabinets and replacing the hardware with that same brand, which is what he did in this case. Usually, that will require less work to the cabinet doors to get the new hardware to fit.
For the drawer slides, Nathan installed 22” soft-close, full extension, ball bearing, side mount drawer slides, which are manufactured by Everbilt and sold at home centers. The plastic cup Nathan mounted to the back of the cabinet was manufactured by Everbilt as well. To determine which types of slides to get, measure the cabinet front to back for the length, and get the same mounting type as the original slides, since they will be easier to install. Opt for full extension over 3/4 extension to gain full access of the drawer.
The drawer slides jig Nathan used is manufactured by Kreg Tools (www.kregtool.com/). The jig makes the drawer slides installation significantly easier because they can hold everything in place.
The rest of the tools Nathan used to install the soft close hinges and slides, including the drill driver, screwdriver, and self-centering drill bit, can all be found at home centers.
Expert assistance with this segment was provided by Nathan Gilbert Carpentry.
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How to Upgrade to Soft-Close Cabinets | Ask This Old House
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[@dienekes4364]

An easier way to do the doores is to use Universal Face Frame Cabinet Soft-Close Adapters made by Unisoft. My mother is _EXTREMELY_ noise sensitive and for xmas one year, I installed these on all of her kitchen doors. She still says it's the best present she's ever gotten.

[@nsuddeth91]

Nathan was in the last apprenticeship program if I remember correctly. He is a natural with prior experience as I understand it. Makes an excellent addition to TOH's contributor list!

[@andrizeefoshizee]

You make the ball bearing slide swap look waaaaaaay easier than it is on old drawers.

[@OutdoorLifeKR]

This is what I need for my kitchen. Thanks.

[@peterharper9703]

Wow........ didn’t even know I wanted/needed these!

[@usamaizm]

This was a great episode. I wish more companies would go all in on KZbin like you guys. Keep up the great work.

[@cwsechler]

Agreed! It's nice to see them keeping up with the times! Keeps them relevant but also the TV show was the same idea mass communication

[@dlamarsobotor4573]

Great to see new blood. Being in the business, change, like in life is constant.

[@Markshawracing]

Looks simple enough. Can’t wait to do this myself!

[@adrianap5856]

Great explanation. Now I know I can do it myself.

[@joeheilm]

Outstanding, i had no idea that they had cabinet soft close. Cheers

[@poker4080]

If people only knew how involved this job really is!

[@strangerintown3676]

Looks easy on the vid because they speed it up, & it helps that a pro is doing the work.

[@glasser2819]

great stuff guys as usual. Idea for new endless topics.... winterize/sumerize home and misc. maintenance. 👍🏻

[@sylvijawildflower]

“Drawww”, 😂 drawer. Love it.

[@lljl5310]

Thank you for the video... great info!!!!...love you're videos!!!!

[@davec.3198]

I bought a sheet of those stick on soft close bumpers. Worked really well and took about 5 mins.

[@timothydu9415]

They still make noise if you dont hold it til close. You can slam a soft close as hard as you want and itlll be silent.

[@markhall3323]

Really good video, useful info thanks

[@gladsunnyvlogs]

Wonderful information

[@tiffaniereidstudio236]

Thank you for this video. Your studio reminds me of Home Improvement show from the 90's. :-)

[@cwsechler]

This show inspired home improvement in the 90s. Bob villa was the original host and was the inspiration for Tim Taylor... And is why Bob was his nemesis!

[@0617kitty]

Great video! My drawer sliders are getting rusty. Maybe I can learn to replace them!

[@Xambonii]

It’s took me longer that I would like to admit to figure out what component was the “draw”.

[@NWI_Steel]

Lol

[@Ben-zv5kc]

$1000-$1500 is outrageous. I just finished this project on a similar sized kitchen and bought all the hardware from Amazon for less than $180.

[@becuteforme]

I just got a quote for $1,600, no thanks, I’ll just do it myself. 😂

[@davidding8814]

I couldn't do my hinges because they're these super complicated double demountable hinges, but I did 14 drawers and including the jig it only cost about $150. It did take more than half an hour per drawer to install though.

[@japan-e9j]

Beautiful

[@SikGT]

This video made me super excited about doing this to my cabinet work in my house. Just have to wait for the house to be finished being built.

[@flat-earther]

Is it finished?

[@exmember1607]

I like how he said they JUST have to do the rest of the hinges. Yeah, only like 6000 of them...

[@AdrienneAliciaGodsDaughter]

🤦🏾‍♀️🥴😂🤣

[@armanke13]

The tools are very cool

[@timothydu9415]

If you buy the hinges from your local lumber supply, the soft close hinges are only about $5.50 a pair. 20” soft close slides are $7 a pair where I get them. I change them pretty often. The only downside is that lumber supplies are not a far spread as home depot or lowes. Look for plywood supplies as well. In dallas i know brazos forest products and plywood co of fort worth. On the west coast i think theres a few woodworkers sources.

[@feras04]

Thats not bad. So $250 for whatever was in this video ....not sure where he got 1k to 1500 dollars from. Maybe some idiots go out and spend $20 dollars per hinge at Macys or Sephora 😂

[@oddy297]

O snap greetings from Aruba

[@dienekes4364]

I have a cabinet that has 3 drawers (the only drawers in the whole kitchen). They don't come all the way out and the bottom one falls off the rails. I'm adding the project to replace the drawer slides with these full-extension, soft-close slides. Great video!

[@flat-earther]

Did you do it yet?

[@dienekes4364]

@@flat-earther Yep. Took a bit to build up the sides so they would work, those cabinets are really cheap, but they work a lot better now. The guy I'm selling the house to is going to rip out all the cabinets and rebuild them, but for now, at least all 3 drawers work! 😁

[@hawiianpwr]

Good video, that jig would be worth it too.

[@conqwiztadore2213]

THIS IS TRUE LUXURY RIGHT HERE, heated floors, heated tiles in bathroom, etc etc etc , soft close hinges, etc etc

[@againstallodds404]

Wish you showed step by step for the slides

[@shadowblack1987]

Adds a touch of luxury, very welcomed.

[@craigkovatch7564]

This video speeds through (or fade-cuts) all the most important parts. Like 1. Open the drawer 2. Replace all the hardware 3. Done

[@verygoodboy2688]

Me: *telling girl in the club about the intricacies of RuneScape lore* Her: 1:22

[@fredrikvil]

Holy crap i laughed way to hard from this

[@EarlyDawnTravels]

Hahahaha

[@lightsabr2]

HAHAA Here's your 100th like.

[@Bigfootz2004]

I was waiting for the music to kick in and the actress, I mean home owner, to look him in the eyes, but it just never came. Such a missed opportunity. 😆😆

[@stacylenihan206]

I have very old cabinets that I am painting.. will splurge in a few years for new everything but not this time. and cannot find hinges that are a match. Cabinets are laminate also so not sure about drilling? Can I just gorilla glue the hinges in place. What options do I have.

[@Otis884]

Nice

[@katies6401]

oh wow oh wow that's cool oh wow

[@tnstef2629]

4:22 not an endorsement. 4:30 definitely not an endorsement. 6:17 go buy it!

[@steveshort7560]

I did the drawer part. The way my drawers were constructed, I couldn't use that end-cap plastic piece. Made it a bit more difficult. However, I got it done. Just did this for a few main drawers we use a lot and now we can easily access all contents. By the way, I'm not an experienced DIYer. Also, no way can you do this without that Kreg jig.

[@bsouza1675]

Can you share some vendors that would have soft close hardware? I have not been able to find he cabinet door hinges shown.

[@zavoina]

I like seeing Nathan get his shot, but why not fill the old screw holes, or was that just not shown?

[@KnightofAntiquity]

Or just buy thin silicone buttons and put them around the cabinets where the doors and drawers meet. Worked for me. Cost 10 bucks. No slams.

[@GabeSt7]

They seem to have them on the drawers already, you can see one at 3:12 I'm not sure about the cabinets though..

[@brettotte6470]

Yeah I went to Dollar tree & there were self adhesive round pads of various sizes. $2 and I quieted down every cabinet in the house.

[@davidding8814]

It's not gonna make the slides quieter or make the drawers open all the way though. I had really old slides that are super noisy, kinda hard to slide if there are heavy things in the drawer, and doesn't open all the way. New slides solved all those problems in addition to being soft close. The way the drawers slow down and then close by itself also has a much more elegant feel to it.

[@Furiends]

I did a rough cost on these. I see the hinges cost about $4 while the full draw slides cost about $10. 48 hinges x $4 = $192, 24 slides x $10 = $240, total of $432. Not that bad really.

[@timothydu9415]

If you buy the hinges from your local lumber supply, the soft close hinges are only about $5.50 a pair. 20” slides are $7 a pair where i get them. I did them recently and it was very cost efficient.

[@robertosifuentes8022]

Timothy Du where did you buy those

[@timothydu9415]

Roberto Sifuentes I live in Dallas and got them at brazos forest product in Grand Prairie. There’s also Fort Worth plywood co.

[@baomin60]

Thanks for sharing! I am in the middle of a DIY home update (during covid). I have 3 antique upper cabinet doors and two large base cabinets that are super large and solid wood. The problem is, they sit flush inside the frame openings and have ornate, antique outside hinges. (Wish I could insert a pic or two...*Sighs*). I'd love to update the hinges, but can you recommend a hidden hinge for this type of situation?

[@flat-earther]

Since your doors fit inside the frame and you want a hidden hinge you need an inset hinge. But if the existing hinges work why bother.

[@Danny-pi1xh]

Cheesy, yet informative

[@nyogrson1]

Skipped a few steps: measurement for new hinges, can't just buy any soft close hinges because of sizing, after you install the doors may not align. These are the kinds of things that will drive you crazy during the install

[@battheman777]

The acting in this reminds me those 90's office training videos.

[@AlergicToSnow]

Acting? I don’t think they do that.

[@jac6165]

Where can I buy the sockets for the soft close drawer slides? I have been looking around but haven’t been able to locate them.

[@heyyou2128]

I like

[@laksjan]

Hi, my replacement draw sliders are not smooth and kind of tight. I measured the old slides and it’s 22” in length. Could you please let me know why?

[@Benmeglei1]

For a moment I forgot this was a home improvement channel. 🙈

[@jeramycook1764]

Is it common to have multiple different overlays in one kitchen? I've measured all of my cabinets and have 4 different overlays.

[@MP-yz6sb]

He made this look much easier than it actually is.

[@ethanwcheatham]

sick macbook with the ghost keyboard

[@valeriejefferd1490]

what if there are no screws are the hinges glued in ?

[@charleswatts1864]

I didnt like the rear mounts on the slides. Prefer side mount only for side drawer slides.

[@kobelcofan]

If I ever do drawer slides I'm soo getting one of those jigs.

[@robbieharrington9448]

MiJaK123 I’ve used them and they are worth every penny.

[@cup_and_cone]

You pretty much have to use installer tools if you either want to finish in a reasonable time or don't want poor alignment.

[@RealRuler2112]

Or go in the scrap wood bin & spend 5 minutes on the table saw to make a pair... =)

[@girliepop365]

@@robbieharrington9448 where did you buy the jigs from?

[@robbieharrington9448]

@@girliepop365 Home Depot and Lowe's carry them.

[@Always_Right00]

Amandas got a good grip

[@maxdondada]

I hate to be that guy but the beginning of this video has all the makings of a 70’s era porno 😂

[@alanlisting2080]

The other original host much more talkative and informative as he worked. WHY NOT FILL THE OLD HOLES ON THE DOORS?

[@stellaaniston9774]

Only reason I could see Alan was laziness, I am going to fill mine in. I hate sloppy work!

[@davidstokes9706]

What size of drawer slide should I get for a 19" drawer to get full extension? I've heard go closest size without going over the drawer length to first size that fits. They are standard kitchen base cabinets but the drawers seem to be an off size of depth.

[@richardlug6139]

You need a slide that is at least as long as your drawer. Since they do not make 19” drawer slides you will need to use a 21” slide which is the next length of slide made.

[@nathangonzalez1268]

where can i get just the plastic insert for the cabinet hinges? i cannot find them anywhere. my cabinets have the same hinges just without the isnert that actually makes it soft close

[@shordy77]

I’m ready to build my house lol

[@jima4286]

Yeah, someone using self-centering drill bits! They are not that expensive, though most hardware places do not carry them.

[@kevpad1]

Your video does not mention the most important part of the process: measurements necessary to buy the correct slide length and what to do if slider is NOT the exact length of your drawers. Mine drawers are 21 5/8" long. Can I use 22" sliders that hang off the back of the drawer 3/8" or do I have to buy 20"? I don't see any 21" soft-close sliders for sale. What size slider do I buy to make sure I get full extension?

[@godbluffvdgg]

If your Drawaar hits Your Saahket, You just cut the Saahket a bit...:)...That's what we do on Peebuddy street...:)...Nathan is watching the Pats tonight!

[@ThePhilandPam]

Wow that’s expensive, we refurb property for a living and have upgraded many kitchens, surely the costs can’t be that more expensive in the US compared to the UK, enjoyed the video though 👍

[@2011blueman]

No, that guy was thinking in terms of what he would charge the customer for total labor, not what the hinges cost. Those hinges and slides would be a maximum of $250 for the whole job in the US.

[@MrBrandenS]

@@2011blueman he said that was just the hardware not including labor.

[@2011blueman]

@@MrBrandenS I still think he's conflating the labor costs with the materials costs. If he's paying $1,500 for those hinges he's getting screwed by his supplier.

[@ThePhilandPam]

I watched it again and I’m sure that’s 1500 just for the hardware, maybe he means including labour though which makes more sense.

[@ayyruretagoyena6271]

What is the name of the white plastic piece that installs at the end of the slide, then to the wall?

[@jaydoubleu3419]

is that what they use at home depot only

[@norrisW]

Easy upgrade that definitely helps when you have sleeping kids in the house 👍🏻

[@xmassan20906]

Easy for you. For us DIY, weekend warriors its a nightmare playing with little screws in a tight space and no jig/ socket to hold the sliders level.

[@norrisW]

xmassan20906 I understand. But once you do a few of them you will get a hang of it.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

If you use quality rubber pads/domes it dampens a lot of the noise when closing a drawer. It gets you 75% of the result and costs a tiny fraction of the cost.

[@kylegrimm8808]

@@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec most people think it's about the noise. Soft close is actually about saving your doors and drawer boxes from damage. The constant slam is what breaks the drawer box and doors.

[@Skammerd]

Where in the name of my hate for Tom Brady is Tommy Silva?

[@AlongtheRiverLife]

What was the brand of soft close hindges used?

[@marthasantiago4005]

I followed the video and read the directions but that little white hinge did not work at all. I was careful in my measurements. I rewatched the video to see how deep the track went in and could not work it out. The track would had to be at least at the very edge. I even tried adding wood on the edges without the white hinge. After I thought I finished the draw got stuck.. Aayyy

[@daveflicek960]

What brand of slides did you use?

[@CKFERRELL]

what brand of hinges and drawer slides are you using in this video?

[@rawbacon]

TEC Soft-Close cabinet hinges, which are manufactured by Grass USA. Soft-close, full extension, ball bearing, side mount drawer slides, which are manufactured by Everbilt.

[@dabigdawg79]

No recommendation to fill the old screw holes on the doors? Seems like an important detail just glazed over.

[@JTD1105]

a wax wood filler crayon should do the trick.

[@twes619]

I'm finishing up my kitchen, instead of the white socket, I built my base cabinets all the way out. I feel like that plastic socket will weaken over time, maybe not. The socket method was faster for sure. Mine are solid now and screwed into the sides so it should last almost forever? :) Not sure where$1500 came from? I built 10 doors, and 9 pull out shelves for under$1500. The home centers charge a lot for Euro hinges, try and find a local shop.

[@nastyhvacr]

Is he going to take over for Tommy, probably not since he’s more a finish kahpenter.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

"Every kitchen guy loves their jigs." Nuff said.

[@Mike__B]

$1000-1500? Wait didn't he say at the beginning that "Soft close would have been a 'little bit more' of an option" that's an expensive damn option. That said, before I got married, before I had kids, I had no need for soft close slides... funny how that changed. But I'll deal with the noise rather than pay that.

[@richardlug6139]

You can get a 50 pack of hinges (25 doors) anywhere from $70-$90 bucks and 10 pair of soft close drawer slides for $110 from amazon. As long as you do not go and buy one at a time from the big box stores it should not come even close to that amount.

[@BatMan-cq8gq]

I believe he misspoke and meant the whole job would cost 1,500. Materials are obviously not 1,500.

[@Bremend]

The apprentice has become the presenter

[@kenkobra]

Are you kidding me. 1k for the hardware. I found it on Amazon everything for $215.00.

[@69putana]

Clearly not the perfectionist I am. I couldn't live with those exposed holes. I'd have to use some stainable wood filler and touch it up.

[@keytothegate68]

Yes,but then he would say the material for plugging 48 holes with wood putty pushed the price to over 2K and the customer wanted to save some money.

[@cathybrown4102]

Me too

[@patrickgueho3287]

Where can you buy that special drill bit

[@playful1510]

I couldn't tell if he was saying 'Draw' or 'Drawer', and context changed while the word stayed the same...

[@keithjohnston5936]

Yeah, I was taught the word was drawer(s). But it seems more like “pull up your draws”, or “close the cabinet draw”. I understand that the English language is changing, but it’s getting so lazy.

[@vbachman6742]

@@keithjohnston5936 I lived in the Boston area for a good while (from Tennessee originally) and it took me a while to realize that natives say draw where the rest of us say drawer.

[@kronk358]

Thats a lot of drahs!

[@JTD1105]

are these slides from Liberty hardware?

[@jepito29]

“Only using 3/4 of ya dra.” Installed a WER and she’ll have a full drawer...

[@melanticagaming1877]

What do you do with the old stuff???

[@mph5896]

Throw it in the garbage.

[@kronk358]

Wow! That acting! Even better than normal. HAHA!

[@computerkid1416]

My favorite part: "Oh wow, that's cool."

Easy when there is already a mortised relief. Thy it with a flat face...not possible with those hinges.

[@heyitsrick01]

What he DIDN'T say was there are ATTACHMENTS to make soft close drawers that do NOT require buying new drawer slides... (which can be WAAAAAY more expensive) With the ATTACHMENT you LEAVE the existing drawer slide in place & add the attachment at a fracion of the cost and alot less time too and voila......... you have soft close drawers.

[@mariahhendricks1461]

I bought some furniture that came with these and they broke off. Now theres no way I can put them back on. What a pain!!

[@DoniaDesautels]

but how will anyone know I'm angry if I can't slam some doors???? Jk, great vid

[@coleve8596]

$1500 just to have a soft close drawer. Give me the money and I’ll go round to their house and open and shut the drawers for them

[@zacharyburdette4261]

Colin Nicol the drawer glides are the expensive part. just look up "soft close drawer hardware" on Amazon

[@Viggggggr]

ikr what a waste of money

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

welcome to the wonderful world of professional and financially rewarding work.

[@For_Cruyff_Sake]

Lol

[@TheOtherBill]

zachary burdette Don't look on Amazon for that stuff, I paid 2.25 ea. for hinges and they were $9 on Amazon.

[@anthonysapalo1750]

Getting frustrated with my cabinets and drawers. Wanted to switch to soft close but end up getting the wrong hardware as they won't sit or close correctly

[@ChicAngelxox]

I need a Nathan plssss

[@WideOpenThrottleC6]

whats a draw?

[@patandbrandi]

Of course the holes dont line up. Kinda janky with exposed holes.

[@BatMan-cq8gq]

Those holes on the backside of a cabinet door ain't bothering anyone.