Can You Add Soft-Close Hinges To Old Cabinets?

You’ve decided your kitchen or bathroom cabinets need a fresh start. Maybe you’re getting them professionally painted to bring them back to life, or perhaps you’re finally saying goodbye to the dated wood tone you’ve had for decades. As you’re planning, you start thinking about the small upgrades that can make a big difference in how your cabinets function. One idea stands out: soft-close hinges. The thought of doors and drawers gliding shut without that jarring slam is appealing. But then a question hits: Can you even add soft-close hinges to older cabinets? Or is that only for brand-new ones?

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been working with cabinets in Omaha homes since 1996. We’ve painted, refinished, and helped homeowners make smart updates to cabinets of every style and age. We’ve seen firsthand how a small functional upgrade, like soft-close hinges, can make old cabinets feel brand-new.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly whether you can add soft-close hinges to your existing cabinets and drawers, what your options are, how they can be installed during a painting project, and the best way to decide whether to purchase them through your painter or separately. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the process so you can make an informed choice for your own home.

Can You Add Soft-Close Hinges to Existing Cabinets?

Yes, you absolutely can. Whether your cabinets are ten years old or forty, there are ways to add soft-close hinges or soft-close add-on mechanisms.

Soft-close hinges work by using a built-in damper system that slows down the motion of the door or drawer as it closes. This prevents slamming, reduces wear on the cabinet, and feels more high-end. While many newer cabinets come with them already installed, older cabinets can be upgraded without a complete replacement.

Types of Soft-Close Options for Older Cabinets

There are two main approaches for adding soft-close capability:

1. Full Replacement Hinges or Drawer Slides

This option involves removing your current hinges or slides and replacing them with new ones that have the soft-close feature built in. For cabinet doors, that means swapping to soft-close hinges. For drawers, that often means replacing the slides with soft-close versions.

Pros:

• Clean look with no extra parts showing
• Works exactly like new cabinets would
• Long-lasting and smooth operation

Cons:

• More expensive than add-on mechanisms
• May require more installation work if your cabinet construction is different from standard sizes

2. Add-On Soft-Close Hinges or Clips

These are small devices that attach to your current hinges or slides, adding a soft-close function without replacing the whole piece.

Pros:

• Less expensive than full replacements
• Faster installation
• Great option if you like your current hinges’ look
  
  

Cons:

• Not quite as seamless in appearance as new hinges
• May not fit every hinge or slide style
  
  

Adding Soft-Close Hinges During a Cabinet Painting Project

If you’re already planning to have your cabinets professionally painted, this is the perfect time to upgrade to soft-close hinges or drawer slides. Why?

• Cabinet doors and drawers will already be removed: Painters typically take doors and drawer fronts off for painting, which makes installation much easier.
• No extra wear and tear on freshly painted surfaces: Installing hardware after the painting process is complete reduces the risk of scratches or chips.
• Opportunity to match finishes: If you’re replacing visible hinges, you can choose a finish that complements your new cabinet color and hardware.
  
  

Can Painters Install Soft-Close Hinges?

Yes, many professional painters, including Brush & Roll Painting, can install soft-close hinges or drawer slides as part of your cabinet painting project, whether you buy them on your own or purchase them through the painter. 

You have two main choices for how to purchase them:

Buying Through Your Painter

• Convenient, no need to measure or shop around
• They ensure compatibility with your cabinet style
• Often installed at the same time as the paint job without extra coordination
  
  

Buying Hardware Yourself

• More control over brand, finish, and price
• Can shop sales or use store credit
• Requires you to be confident in measurements and style compatibility

If you’re not comfortable measuring hinges or aren’t sure what will work with your existing cabinets, having your painter handle it can save a lot of frustration.

Special Considerations for New Hinges on Older Cabinets

When upgrading older cabinets to soft-close, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Hinge Style Compatibility: Older cabinets may have face-frame or frameless construction, and the hinges you choose need to match that style.
• Drawer Slide Fit: If you have very old wooden drawer slides instead of metal ones, upgrading to soft-close may require additional modifications.
• Wear and Tear: If your cabinets are worn or warped, some adjustments may be needed for doors and drawers to close smoothly after installing soft-close mechanisms.

Are Soft-Close Hinges on Cabinets Worth It?

For many homeowners, yes. Soft-close hinges and slides don’t just feel nice; they also protect your cabinets. By preventing the repeated impact of slamming, they can help painted or stained finishes last longer. They also reduce noise.

If you’re already investing in a cabinet painting project, adding soft-close hinges can be a relatively small additional cost for a noticeable improvement in function.

Cost to Add Soft-Close Hinges During Cabinet Painting

Prices can vary depending on the style of hinge or drawer slide, brand, and installation time required. For Omaha homeowners, expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars per door for simple add-on clips to $15–$30 per hinge for full replacements. Drawer slides often cost more, usually $20–$50 per set.

When included in a painting project quote, the labor for installation is typically lower than if you were to hire someone separately later. That’s because the painter already has the doors and drawers off, making the process more efficient.

How to Decide if You Should Add Soft-Close Hinges

Ask yourself:

• Am I already having my cabinets painted or refinished?
• Do I care about/want a quieter, smoother closing motion?
• Am I okay with spending a little extra now?

If the answer to these is yes, adding soft-close hinges is likely a smart choice.

Cabinet Painting in Omaha, NE

If you’ve been wondering whether you can add soft-close hinges to your older cabinets, the answer is yes. Whether you choose full replacement hinges and slides or simpler add-on devices, the upgrade is possible and often straightforward. Adding them during a painting project is the most efficient time, since your doors and drawers will already be removed and ready for reinstallation.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked with Omaha homeowners since 1996 to make thoughtful updates like this during painting projects. If you’re ready to give your cabinets a fresh new look and add the quiet convenience of soft-close hinges, click the button below to get a quote.

If you’re not ready to get a quote just yet, try our cabinet painting pricing calculator to get an idea of what your project might cost.