Hello everyone, I have a Billy shelf unit from Ikea with doors that make quite loud noises when closing. This is especially annoying at night or when you want to be quiet. The doors basically slam shut, which is probably due to the design and the materials used.
I’m interested in hearing about methods you know to reduce these door noises. I’m looking for both simple, cost-effective solutions and more elaborate options that provide long-term results.
For example, I’ve heard that rubber bumpers or damping pads might help, but I’m not sure how to install them properly or if there are better tricks. Also, is there anything that can be adjusted on the hinges to make the closing process quieter?
Looking forward to your experiences, tips, and best practices!
I’m interested in hearing about methods you know to reduce these door noises. I’m looking for both simple, cost-effective solutions and more elaborate options that provide long-term results.
For example, I’ve heard that rubber bumpers or damping pads might help, but I’m not sure how to install them properly or if there are better tricks. Also, is there anything that can be adjusted on the hinges to make the closing process quieter?
Looking forward to your experiences, tips, and best practices!
Dilen schrieb:
"I think that sums it up perfectly."Exactly, it’s the combination that makes the difference. Additionally, I recommend the following steps:
1. First, check if the door operates smoothly and does not rub or scrape, as that often causes unpleasant noises.
2. Attach special silicone or rubber buffers to the contact points, but test them in different positions. This way, you can find the best spot for support.
3. Consider whether a slight increase in the clearance gap by adjustment is possible – this significantly improves the closing sound.
4. If you prefer retrofitting with soft-close systems, I recommend studying the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully, as many errors can occur here.
Are you handy, or would you prefer a solution that can be installed quickly and without tools?
Thank you for your detailed contributions so far; they have been very helpful!
I would like to start with cost-effective solutions, particularly rubber buffers or felt pads at the support points. I haven’t adjusted the hinges much yet – I will definitely take care of that.
A question regarding this: Which type of buffer would you recommend? Silicone, plastic, felt – or do you think these materials differ in their effectiveness for sound dampening?
And where exactly should I place them, for example on the inside of the cabinet, on the door, or at the hinge overlaps?
I’m fairly handy; I have already repaired a few pieces of furniture (a screwdriver and drill are, of course, available). I’m considering upgrading to soft-close hinges later if the noise issue persists.
I would like to start with cost-effective solutions, particularly rubber buffers or felt pads at the support points. I haven’t adjusted the hinges much yet – I will definitely take care of that.
A question regarding this: Which type of buffer would you recommend? Silicone, plastic, felt – or do you think these materials differ in their effectiveness for sound dampening?
And where exactly should I place them, for example on the inside of the cabinet, on the door, or at the hinge overlaps?
I’m fairly handy; I have already repaired a few pieces of furniture (a screwdriver and drill are, of course, available). I’m considering upgrading to soft-close hinges later if the noise issue persists.
M
Matthewt4822 Apr 2023 16:28Bryceso schrieb:
"What type of buffer would you recommend? Silicone, plastic, felt – or do you think these materials differ in their effectiveness at noise reduction?"Good question!
Felt pads are ideal if you only want to reduce scratching noises when closing. They provide gentle cushioning and also prevent minor sounds from rubbing.
Silicone or rubber bumpers, on the other hand, absorb shocks and impact noise better because they are more elastic. They are more suitable if the door closes loudly and forcefully.
For BILLY cabinet doors, I recommend a combination: felt pads on the side parts where the door lightly contacts, and silicone or rubber bumpers at the main contact points to prevent the slamming effect.
You should always attach the buffers to the side the door strikes when closing, usually the inside frame of the shelf or the cabinet interior.
I would recommend avoiding placing buffers directly on the door itself to preserve its appearance, unless it’s on the interior side and not visible.
Simple tip: small silicone pads at the stopping points are usually the best first step. Often, there are sets with different sizes to try out. It is important not to choose pads that are too thick, otherwise the door will not close properly.
If you have hinges that can be adjusted, check the screws and fine-tune the doors precisely to avoid unnecessary pressure that increases noise.
If you have hinges that can be adjusted, check the screws and fine-tune the doors precisely to avoid unnecessary pressure that increases noise.
So, when it was noisy at my place, I tried using sturdy anchors as “shock absorbers” – sounds funny, but it actually helps 😉
Joking aside: The combination of a good hinge setup plus small silicone buffers really makes the doors quiet.
Sometimes it also helps to close the doors more gently – of course, not always practical, but I like to take my own advice here :-). A nice side effect is that it keeps your cabinet in better shape longer, since the doors experience less impact.
Joking aside: The combination of a good hinge setup plus small silicone buffers really makes the doors quiet.
Sometimes it also helps to close the doors more gently – of course, not always practical, but I like to take my own advice here :-). A nice side effect is that it keeps your cabinet in better shape longer, since the doors experience less impact.
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