ᐅ How do I install IKEA Metod cabinets with soft-close doors and drawers?

Hello everyone, I am currently assembling my new Ikea Metod kitchen and I aim to install cabinets with soft-close doors and soft-close drawers. Since I am not a professional but have assembled some furniture before, I want to approach this project correctly from the start to ensure the doors close smoothly and the drawers operate quietly.

My main questions are: Which specific parts do I need exactly for soft-close mechanisms (since Ikea offers different versions), how and in what order should I best assemble the cabinets, what should I pay attention to when adjusting the doors and drawers, and are there any tips to avoid common mistakes or issues from the beginning?

I would really appreciate detailed answers, including advice on the small, seemingly insignificant details that ultimately make a difference. Thank you in advance for your experiences, tips, and tricks!

Hello Enkelbo, your question is very well phrased! For assembling the Metod cabinets with soft-close, I recommend first sorting all the components systematically. Besides the Metod base units, you will need:
- Soft-close hinges (these are usually "Metod damped hinges")
- Soft-close rail systems for the drawers (most often these are Metod full-extension slides with integrated damping)

When assembling the carcasses, pay special attention to ensuring that the frames and back panels are installed exactly at right angles; otherwise, the door will hang crooked later. When attaching the doors, mount the damped hinges on the back of the door and then secure them to the carcass. The adjustment is done by turning small screws on the hinges, allowing you to perfectly align height, depth, and lateral position.

For the drawers, install the soft-close rails on the sides, depending on the model with clips or screws. It’s worth assembling and testing the drawers without the fronts first. The fronts are only attached at the end using special front-fixing fittings and then adjusted.

Common errors are usually caused by crooked carcasses, misaligned doors, or hinges set too tightly. A tip: take your time for the adjustments. Good luck!

My experience with Metod cabinets and soft-close hinges is that the most important detail is precise alignment before installing the doors. If the cabinet carcass is even slightly crooked or not perfectly square, you can adjust a bit with the adjustable hinges, but you won’t be able to fully compensate for misalignment.

Therefore, check with a spirit level and a square to ensure all shelf parts are truly level, and if necessary, straighten the cabinet using spacers. When installing on uneven floors, it is also advisable to adjust the leveling feet individually to stabilize the base.

For installing the soft-close hinges: gently clip them in—do not force them. The damping mechanisms are sensitive.

One more tip: make sure the drawer slides are mounted at exactly the same height, otherwise the drawers may stick. With these preparations, you will enjoy your doors and drawers for a long time.

Hello Enkelbo, I completely understand how stressful it can be to take on something like this by yourself for the first time. Especially when you place a lot of importance on precise fitting and soft-close mechanisms, which I also love because they add so much comfort.

What helped me with my last kitchen was sketching all the work steps on paper and carefully noting which hinges and slides belong to which components. That way, I didn’t feel like I was overlooking anything.

At first, I was also a bit unsure about how tightly the screws should be fastened, since you want to avoid damaging the material. It seems that the screws need to be tightened firmly but with care. Over-tightening can strip the threads or damage the wood.

Try to stay calm and take several small steps rather than trying to fix everything at once. This way, you’ll also experience quick successes and avoid frustration.

Kinbu schrieb:
When installing the doors, you attach the soft-close hinges to the back of the door and then mount them to the carcass.

Thank you, Kinbu, that already helps a lot. One question regarding this: Are soft-close hinges at Ikea usually pre-assembled, or do I need to install them myself? I’ve heard that some models have the dampers integrated, while others require purchasing and installing them separately. How can I tell, and what should I pay attention to?

Also, when mounting the fronts, is any special tool required? The assembly video makes it look very simple, but I’d rather ask to be sure.

Most Metod soft-close hinges come pre-assembled. If you only have the basic hinges, the dampers can be retrofitted as plug-ins. Tools: A Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient; sometimes an Allen wrench is included for front mounting.