Kitchen Cabinet Door Stops for Safety and Convenience
Slamming cabinet doors are more than just an annoyance in the kitchen. They can lead to broken hinges, cracked cabinets, and damaged walls over time. Worse yet, an unexpectedly swinging door could hit an unsuspecting family member, especially little ones underfoot. Fortunately, installing door stops on kitchen cabinets is an easy and affordable way to prevent these problems.
From rubber wedges to spring loaded arms, cabinet door stops allow you to prop doors open safely when accessing contents. They also cushion the blow when doors are closed, reducing bangs that reverberate through the kitchen. Proper door stop placement and materials ensure your cabinetry stays in good working order for years to come.
Choosing the Right Door Stops
Kitchen cabinet door stops come in a variety of styles to suit your specific needs:
Wall/Floor Mounted
Sturdy metal brackets that mount to the cabinet or floor to stop the door at the desired position. Great for heavier doors.
Spring Loaded
Arms with adjustable springs that allow doors to remain open in any position. Easy to install.
Rubber Wedge
Inexpensive rubber stops that wedge between the door and cabinet to hold doors open. Portable and reusable.
Linkage Arm
Jointed arms that attach to cabinets and doors to control opening and closing. Offers a smooth mechanical door return.
Consider the weight of your doors and cabinets when choosing stops. Heavier, wider doors do best with sturdy floor mounts, while smaller doors can opt for rubber wedges. The style of cabinetry also determines placement and installation.
Getting the Right Fit
Frameless cabinets have a slim, modern profile that dictates where you can place door stops. Clean lines mean stops are not always flush with the cabinet frame. This is where magnetic stops come in handy.
Inset cabinet doors sit within the face frame, which allows stops to be installed directly on the frame itself. The stops blend right in. Partial inset doors have space to accommodate stops around the door front.
For materials, rubber stops absorb impact and are gentle on doors. Adhesive options make for easy application. Metal stops are durable and accommodate wide doors. Go for steel, aluminum or brass to match existing hardware.
Installing Door Stops on Cabinets
Getting Started
Installing cabinet door stops follows a simple process:
- Measure clearance.
- Mark locations.
- Install mountings or linkage.
- Attach stops.
- Test operation.
- Make any needed adjustments.
Have the cabinet door size, weight and design on hand. Check for obstructions like countertops or appliances to determine stop placement. Gather tools like levels, drills, tape measure and hardware.
Securing Mounts
Wall or floor mounts needs to be securely fastened. Use a level to mark holes for drilling. Use appropriate wall anchors and screws. Test the strength to ensure they don't pull away.
Linkage arms require carefully aligning pieces so the mechanism moves smoothly. Follow manufacturer instructions for optimal performance.
Positioning Stops
Place stops near the top corner of doors where impact occurs. Position spring-loaded rods to the side for full door clearance. Floor mounts align with the door edge when fully open.
Check that stops are triggering at the right point during the open/closed motion. Springs should compress when closed and easily re-extend upon opening.
Testing Operation
Once installed, test operation by opening and closing doors with normal force. If stops fail to hold or doors bypass the stops, adjustments are needed.
Tighten spring tension or reposition mounts for a more secure hold. Rubber stops may need additional adhesive if slipping. Any noises or grinding could indicate improper alignment.
Using Door Stops for Safety and Convenience
Preventing Injuries
In addition to protecting cabinets, door stops prevent accidents. Corner cabinets with doors that open perpendicular to counters are prime spots for stops. This prevents doors from colliding with family members working at the countertop.
Upper cabinets should have stops to keep heavy doors propped safely open while accessing dishes. Otherwise doors could swing closed unexpectedly and cause falling items or finger injuries.
Accessibility and Organization
Door stops allow doors to remain open, providing easy access to inner cabinet contents. You can quickly grab spices while cooking or cleaning supplies while on chores. This convenience helps keep cabinets organized.
For corner cabinets with lazy susans or deep shelves, stops enable you to see contents that would otherwise be buried behind a closed door.
Reducing Noise
Rubber stops cushion doors softly against the cabinet instead of banging into place. This reduces noise that can reverberate and disturb household members.
Likewise, metal stops still provide a smooth mechanical motion and soft close instead of a jarring slam. Whisper-quiet cabinets lend a sense of calm to the heart of the home.
Maintaining Value
An investment in cabinetry should stand the test of time. Door stops protect the value of your cabinets by preventing cracks, splits and dents that occur over years of use.
By diffusing force, stops preserve the integrity of cabinets and doors. Your kitchen can maintain its refined, flawless look with this small addition.
Pro Tips for Installing Cabinet Door Stops
Installing door stops takes precision. Follow these professional tips for optimal placement and performance:
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Add stops anywhere that cabinet doors are frequently opened and closed. Near the oven, sink and dishwasher are common hotspots. Corner cabinets also see ample action.
Factor in Door Swing Clearance
The way cabinet doors open and close affects stop placement. Hinges that swing up and out differ from doors that rotate or have pocket hinges. Allow room for full, unobstructed motion.
Include Child Locks Too
For safety, combine stops with child locks on lower cabinets. This keeps contents secure while allowing minimal access to light items.
Use Adhesive Backing
Self-adhesive rubber stops don't require drilling or hardware. Clean the surface thoroughly so adhesive adheres securely.
Upgrade Old Linkage Arms
Replace loose, squeaking linkage arms on older cabinets. New hinge systems provide smooth, silent operation.
With some handy DIY skills, installing door stops can be an easy weekend upgrade. Pay attention to design specifics, clean surfaces for adhesion and test for proper function. In no time, you'll be enjoying cabinets that open conveniently and close quietly.
Maintaining Door Stops Over Time
While cabinet door stops are built to last, they do need occasional maintenance to keep working properly. Here are some tips for upkeep:
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply a small amount of silicone spray or dry lubricant to hinges and linkage arms. This prevents squeaking and helps them glide smoothly.
Tighten Loose Hardware
Use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws on mounts, hinges or mechanisms. This prevents sagging and misalignment.
Replace Broken Springs
Overextended or damaged springs prevent stops from staying engaged. New springs are inexpensive and easy to install.