Replacing your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts? The cabinet hardware and hinges you install are probably the least of your worries. The cabinet door hinge types you choose aren't necessarily going to make a difference aesthetically. Which is why it's such an afterthought for many homeowners. However, the hardware you pick can impact your day-to-day and the overall functionality of your space.
The two most popular cabinet hinges are self-close and soft-close hinges. Both cabinet door hinge types have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider how they differ before investing.
Understanding the distinct features of each hinge type, such as installation requirements, durability, and cost, allows homeowners to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences for functionality and aesthetics.
If you aren't sure which choice is right for you, don't worry. We're here to help you make an informed purchasing decision and discuss the difference between soft and self-close hinges.
Here's everything you need to know:
What Are Self-Close Cabinet Hinges?
Self-closing hinges are designed to close cabinet doors with minimal force. They have a small spring inside of the mechanism that pulls the cabinet door back towards the frame and pulls it completely closed. Self-close cabinet hinges are great for households that struggle with keeping their cabinet doors closed or have doors that are hard to close and can help maintain a neat appearance in the kitchen or bathroom.
What Are Blum Soft-Close Hinges?
Blum soft-close hinges don't close on their own. Instead, they slow down the cabinet door two inches before it closes. When you go to close your cabinet door, the soft-close hinge is there to "catch" your door. This allows for a slower and softer close and minimizes the abrasive sound commonly associated with closing cabinet doors, as well as reducing the wear and tear on both the hinges and the cabinet structure over time.
Edge Mounted Soft Close Compact Blumotion 38N Hinge - 1/2" Overlay
- One-piece screw-on hinge that mounts to the inside edge of the face frame
- Door can be opened 105 degrees (max)
- This hinge comes with a switch that turns on and off the soft closing mechanism
Clip Top 110+ Soft Closer, Full O Inserta - 1/2" Overlay
- Inserta clip top means that it is easy to install - NO tools required
- Door can be opened 110 degrees (max)
- This hinge comes with a switch that turns on and off the soft closing mechanism
We also offer a selection of Blum self-closing hinges that can be found in our Hinge Brochure.
Shop here to view all hinge options for your needs.
How They Compare
So, what is the difference between soft and self-close hinges? Before you go with the cheapest option on the market, there are a few key differences to consider to ensure you make the best investment for your household.
Here's how soft-close vs. self-close hinges compare:
Installation
The installation process for self-close and soft-close cabinet hinges is relatively straightforward. You can easily install them on your own with a few screws, a screwdriver, and a drill.
At Cabinet Door Factory, we have two different types of soft-closing hinges available. Both cabinet door hinge types are relatively easy to install. We also have various online resources you can use to help you install your new hinges.
Here are some of our how-to YouTube videos you can use to guide you through the installation process for your hinges:
- How to Install Blum Hinges
- How to Measure Cabinet Openings, Install Hinges, and Hang and Align Cabinet Doors
Cost
Soft-close hinges tend to be more expensive than self-closing cabinet hinges. It's considered a premium hinge, so you can expect to pay a higher upfront cost. While the price may be higher, soft-closing hinges can help you maintain the integrity of your cabinets and minimize everyday wear and tear. This can increase the longevity of your cabinet door investment and the overall functionality of the space.
Everyday Use
Soft-close hinges are designed to protect the integrity of your cabinet doors and cabinet door frames. You don't need to worry about everyday wear and tear or a loud banging noise coming from the kitchen when someone goes to shut a door.
However, if you're struggling to ensure all your cabinet doors stay shut so the kids and pets stay out of the cabinets, self-closing hinges may be a more suitable option for your lifestyle. Self-closing hinges are also easier to open than soft-close hinges, which is great if your hands are full.
Protection
Soft-closing hinges can help protect your cabinet doors and the cabinet door frame from everyday wear and tear. The constant banging and repetitive closing motion of self-close hinges can cause the cabinet doors to warp or leave dents and scratches in the wood.
However, self-closing cabinet hinges ensure your cabinets are securely shut. This can prevent your kids and pets from being in cabinets they shouldn't be in, providing an extra layer of safety and security.
Why You Need to Replace Your Cabinet Door Hinges
If you're replacing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, you'll always want to consider switching out the door hinges. If you're using old, worn-out hinges, it can cause your cabinet doors to sag and warp. This can impact the functionality and the aesthetic of your kitchen. If you don't replace the hinges, it can lead to further damage over time and even damage your cabinet doors. Switching out your cabinet hardware can also:
- Improve the overall functionality of your space
- Prevent your cabinet doors from falling or failing due to old hinges
- Save you time and money in the long run
- Prevent your doors from slamming shut
- Complements the aesthetic improvements of your space
Which Cabinet Hinge Type is Right For You?
When comparing soft-close vs. self-close hinges, it's important to note that both cabinet door hinge types are great options. Deciding which is best for your home really boils down to personal preference.
Are you tired of hearing the cabinet doors slam when someone grabs something from a top cabinet? Maybe soft-closing hinges are a better choice for you. Do you prefer easy-to-open cabinets so you can quickly move around the kitchen while cooking or cleaning? Consider self-closing.
Regardless of which cabinet door hinge type you choose, it's always best to replace the hinges when replacing cabinet doors or renovating your kitchen.
Invest in High-End Hinges With Cabinet Door Factory
At Cabinet Door Factory, we provide high-quality custom solutions and cabinet door hinges. Once you find the custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts you want to install in your kitchen, make sure to also explore our high-end cabinet door hinge types and hardware. We're here to help you elevate your kitchen to improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your space.
Start shopping today to get started!
