Kitchen & Appliances
Soft Close Cabinetry
Soft-close cabinetry is one of those quality-of-life inclusions that you don't notice until it's missing. The gentle, silent closing of drawers and doors is a hallmark of a premium kitchen — and whether a builder includes it as standard or charges extra is a meaningful quality differentiator.
107
Builders Include Standard
47
Offer as Upgrade
0
Do Not Include
What is it?
Soft-close cabinetry refers to drawer runners and door hinges with a hydraulic damping mechanism that catches and slows the closing motion, preventing slamming. The system is integrated into the hardware (runners and hinges) and can be included on all kitchen drawers and doors or only selected ones. It's a standard feature in premium kitchens but often an upgrade in base packages.
Why buyers compare it
- Soft-close runners eliminate slamming and extend cabinetry life
- Some builders include soft-close as standard; others charge $1,000–$3,000
- Display home kitchens almost always show soft-close, even if the standard package doesn't include it
- Soft-close is difficult and expensive to retrofit after handover
Is it worth upgrading?
Questions to Ask Your Builder
Soft Close Cabinetry — Typical Costs
Included
Basic drawer runners and hinges — functional but can slam
$800 – $2,000
Hydraulic damping on all kitchen drawers — silent closing
$1,500 – $3,500
Drawers and doors throughout kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry
Compare My Build Tip
Ask whether the soft-close is on all drawers or only the pantry and pot drawers. Some builders include soft-close on just one or two 'feature' drawers to advertise 'soft-close included' while the rest are standard runners. Confirm it's on every drawer and door in the kitchen.
Which Builders Include Soft Close Cabinetry?
SJD Homes
Southern Vale Homes
Fairhaven Homes
Aston Homes
Beachwood Homes
Simonds Homes
Hudson Homes
Evoca Homes
Bold Living
Carlisle Homes
McDonald Jones Homes
Arden Homes
JG King Homes
Kingsbridge Homes
Henley Homes
Metricon Homes
Coral Homes
Brighton Homes
Ownit Homes
DARE Homes
Rawson Homes
OJ Pippin Homes
Omni Built Homes
Fresh Homes
Homes by CMA
Plantation Homes
Orbit Homes
Emerald Developments
Boutique Homes
Nostra Homes
P.J Burns Builder
G.J. Gardner Homes – Gold Coast South
CCS Homes
Ausbuild Homes
Kiba Built
Leonard Homes
Bellriver Homes
New Living Homes
Masterton Homes
Domaine Homes
MOJO Homes
Montgomery Homes
Hibbarb Homes
Wisdom Homes
Candor Homes
Lily Homes
Fowler Homes
Tempo Living
Perry Homes
Trend Connection Homes
Vogue Homes
Baygrove Designer Homes
Kaplan Homes
Eagle Homes
Dream Scope Homes
Arcadia Homes
Homes By DJ Jones
Ellis Developments
Arden Vale Homes
G&P Builders
Weeks Homes
Metro Homes 
Kookaburra Homes
Coast Life Homes
CSB Homes
Everyday Homes
Infinite Homes
King Homes
Malpress Homes
Stonewood Homes
Bennic Homes
Movinda Homes
Verona Homes
Arli Homes
Oxame Homes
Melbourne Homes
5AB Homes VIC
5AB Homes SA
Hudson Ridge Builders
Langdon Building
Lane Housing Co
Arkadian Homes
Oasis Building Group
Hearty Homes
Sessions Builders
Colmac Homes
Legend Homes
Key Homes
Hosies Homes
Redink Homes
Ultra Living Homes
Neptune Homes
Costa Homes
Better Built Homes
Vision Homes
Tullipan Homes
Green Homes
Bluetongue Homes
Homes By ZAC
Avia Homes
Kline Homes
Ridgewater Homes
Paul Gray Builders
Twomey Homes
Xircon Homes
Oakridge Living
Hunter Homes
SOHO Living 
Hallmark Homes
DR Homes 
Clarendon Homes QLD
Value Homes
Cougar Homes
Integrity New Homes 
Indigo Homes
Gemini Homes
AUSMAR Homes
Stroud Homes
CJ Homes
McCarthy Homes
Dixon Homes
Vantage Building Group
Mimosa Homes
Stylemaster Homes
Hotondo Homes
Wide Bay Homes
Omnia Homes
Austart Homes
Burbank Homes
Steve Bagnall Homes
Homebuyers Centre - VIC
Tapscott Homes
ABC Homes
G.J Gardner Homes – Melbourne North West
Eden Brae Homes
Champion Homes
Kurmond Homes
Winton Homes
Casaview Homes
Crystele Homes
Practical Homes
MasterBuilt Homes
Bundy Homes
McLachlan Homes
Clarendon Homes NSW
Metronest Homes
McMaster Designer Homes
Highmark Homes
Allworth Homes
Garraway Homes
Oakworth Homes
Meridian Homes
Provincial Homes
Central Property
MyStyle Homes
Aspect HomesRelated Guides
What Are Inclusions vs Upgrades?
Understand the difference between standard inclusions and paid upgrades in a new home build.
Hidden Costs Builders Don't Mention
Discover the costs that builders commonly exclude from their advertised 'from' prices.
Upgrade Costs Guide
Full breakdown of common upgrade costs across all categories in Australian home builds.
What to Compare Before Signing
The essential checklist of what to compare between builders before you sign a contract.
Compare Soft Close Cabinetry Across All Builders
Use our free comparison tool to see all inclusions side-by-side and find the best builder for your needs.
Compare All Builders