How Much Do Soft-Close Drawers Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $40 - $100
Soft-close drawers cost between $40 and $100 per drawer when you hire a professional. On average, budget about $70, depending on the drawer's style.
If a slamming drawer sounds like nails on a chalkboard to you, you’ve probably thought about adding soft-close drawers to your kitchen. Soft-close drawers cost $40 to $100 and can extend the life span of your drawers. They won’t slam or break no matter how hard you try, which means the drawer is less noisy. Plus, soft-close doors are safe for kids who are prone to finger pinches. So, how much do these soft-closing mechanisms cost to install? We break down average prices below.
- Average
- $70
- Low end
- $15
- high end
- $230
Cost Breakdown of Installing Soft-Close Drawers
Labor is the main cost factor for installing soft-close drawers. Let’s take a look at some of the other factors that will impact your project cost.
Custom Features
If you’re building custom cabinets, a soft-close feature might cost significantly more, as it may need to be specially made by your professional cabinet maker. However, installing soft-close drawers using a store-bought drawer kit will cost less than incorporating into a custom-built drawer.
Drawer Hardware
We recommend using heavy-duty slide types for larger drawers for access to heavier components, such as trash bins and cookware. This type of drawer slide typically costs slightly more to install than soft-close drawer mounts with limited durability.
Number of Drawers
You can expect your labor and material costs to increase based on the number of soft-close drawers. For example, hiring a cabinetry professional to install two soft-close drawers will cost about $80 to $200, while installing 10 soft-close drawers will cost about $400 to $1,000. During the hiring process, ask your cabinet professional about a bundled price for multiple drawers to find the best deal.
Ongoing Expenses for Soft-Close Drawers
While there aren’t typically many ongoing expenses for soft-close drawers post-installation, you can consider budgeting for these situations to stay prepared.
Maintenance
The best way to keep soft-close drawers working smoothly is to keep the drawer slides clean. Sticky or blocked drawer slides can lessen the functionality of this cabinetry feature. Check the slides regularly for crumbs or dust particles, and wipe any debris clean with a damp cloth. You should also conduct a spot-check for signs of rust or tilting.
Repairs
Keep an eye out for common drawer slide problems ailing your soft-close drawers, especially those used frequently. Luckily, you can likely DIY fix most drawer issues by adding lubricant, tightening the screws, and cleaning the roller wheels.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a soft-close feature on your sliding drawers is a DIY project you can complete while replacing your cabinet drawers. Soft-close drawer slides cost around $5 to $230 for a standard soft-close side mount (plus the cost of the drawer if you’re replacing it).
This cost may increase depending on whether you chose a side mount, under mount, heavy-duty, or self-closing slide. To install your own soft-closing drawers, you’ll need a handful of tools and materials, but nothing that you can’t purchase at a local hardware store. The soft-close feature usually costs about $15 to $23 per drawer, plus the cost of the drawer itself.
Here are the basic DIY tools and materials required, along with their average costs:
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | $6 |
| Tape Measure | $10 |
| Power Drill | $75 |
| Screws | $5 to $10 |
| Level | $10 |
On the other hand, you can hire a local cabinet repair professional to install your specialty drawers. The labor to install soft-close drawers in your kitchen typically costs around $40 to $100 per drawer. Plus, if you’re doing a custom build, a soft-close feature might cost significantly more, as it may need to be specially made.
Before you rush into a DIY installation, you should consider how the cost of purchasing the necessary tools and materials will impact your savings. But if you already have tools like a power drill in your home toolkit, it could be worth saving on labor costs and making the upgrade yourself. Keep in mind that DY projects always come with a user-error risk, and you may end up hiring a professional to fix your missteps.
Cost of Common Drawer Add-Ons
Soft-close drawers are just the start of upgrading your drawer setup. There are additional features you can add to your drawers that take them up a notch. Some of those add-ons include:
Drawer dividers: $5–$30 per set
Drawer organizers: $10–$50
Drawer liners: $8–$30
Drawer knobs: $5–$30
Cabinet and drawer lighting: $230–$300
5 Ways You Can Save Money When Installing Soft-Close Drawers
Installing soft-close drawers is a budget-friendly task, but there are always ways to save more. Here are a few tips to make your soft-close drawer installation as affordable as possible.
DIY the process: Installing soft-close drawers is a project that most homeowners can complete if they have the necessary tools. Not involving a professional can save you a significant amount on labor costs.
Shop around for the best deal: Don’t always purchase the first soft-close drawer mechanisms available. Shop multiple stores and check online to see if you can find the best deal.
Check for bundle deals: Big-box stores may offer deals on bundles of soft-close drawer kits and other drawer accessories. Buying these items together can often save money on a full cabinet upgrade.
Choose an affordable material: Soft-close drawer slides are available in various materials, such as steel and plastic. Steel may be more durable, but plastic options can be more budget-friendly.
Buy in bulk: If you have multiple drawers to upgrade, inquire about bulk purchase discounts from suppliers. Buying in larger quantities may lead to cost savings per unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, soft-close drawers are quick and simple to add to a refacing project. Get in touch with a kitchen cabinet refacing contractor for an estimate. In many cases, your cabinet contractor or repair person can bundle the cost of upgrading your cabinets to soft-close drawers into the total bill of your project. They may even offer a discount for combining these services, but you’ll need to shop around for the best deal.
While fixing drawer slides is an easy DIY, soft-close features can extend the lifespan of your drawers. They won’t slam or break no matter how hard you try, which means the drawer is less noisy. Plus, soft-close doors are safe for kids because it avoids finger pinches. As for common complaints, soft-close drawers are more difficult to open, which can affect those with arthritis or related conditions.