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Kitchens
Soft Close Drawers Worth It?
Are soft close kitchen drawers worth the upgrade in a new home? Cost, quality difference, and what builders include as standard.
4 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated June 2025
Introduction
Soft close drawers use a hydraulic dampening mechanism that prevents drawers and doors from slamming — they gently pull closed from a few centimetres out. Once considered a luxury, soft close hardware has become a baseline expectation in new Australian homes. But it's still not universal in all base prices.
| Feature | Standard Drawers | Soft Close Drawers |
|---|---|---|
| Closing mechanism | No dampening | Hydraulic soft close |
| Noise | Can slam | Silent close |
| Durability | Good | Better — less impact stress |
| Standard inclusion | Entry level | Mid to upper volume builders |
| Upgrade cost | — | +$500 – $1,500 |
| Buyer expectation | Below average | Standard expectation |
Common Builder Inclusions
- ›Soft close drawers and hinges are now standard with most mid-range and premium builders
- ›Entry-level builder contracts may still include standard (non-soft close) hardware
- ›Soft close is usually applied to kitchen, bathroom vanities and wardrobes when specified
- ›Ask your builder: 'Are soft close drawers and hinges included throughout the home?'
Tip
If soft close is not standard in your builder's base price, it's one of the most negotiable upgrades — often achievable for minimal extra cost, especially if bundled with other kitchen upgrades.
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