Let’s be honest — you don’t want to spend a fortune on your kitchen, but you still want it to look slick, feel sturdy, and open with a satisfying *click*. That’s where flat-pack kitchens come in, and if you’ve got a TrendStyle kit, you’re already halfway there. We’ve installed hundreds of these gloss white cabinets across Perth and beyond, and the soft-close drawers? They’re not magic — they’re just well-engineered, properly assembled, and totally doable with a bit of patience and the right tools.
Here’s the thing: soft-close drawers aren’t a luxury anymore. They’re the baseline for any modern kitchen, and with TrendStyle, they come included — no extra cost, no extra fuss. You get DTC hinges, drawer runners, stainless handles, adjustable feet, and a fixture pack. All you need to do is put it together. And yes, we mean *you* — no joiner required, no $5000 custom quote needed.
Why Soft Close Drawers Matter (And Why You Can’t Skip Them)
Imagine this: you’re mid-cook, pulling out your knife block, and the drawer you just pulled open slams shut with a loud *thunk*. Or worse — it jams halfway, and you’ve got to yank it out. That’s not a “feature”, that’s a design flaw. Soft-close drawers prevent that. They gently slow down the closing motion, so your drawers never slam, never bind, and never surprise you with a sudden drop.
With TrendStyle, you’re getting genuine DTC (Durable Technology Components) soft-close hinges and runners. They’re not cheap plastic sliders. These are precision-engineered for your 18mm MDF thermofoil fronts and 16mm HMR melamine carcases. And they’re built to last — even if you’re pulling out 10kg of flour, or slamming in a full tray of baking tins.
Plus, the stainless steel handles? They’re not just for looks — they’re designed to stay cool under your grip, even after 5000 drawer opens. And the 150mm adjustable feet? That’s the secret to getting your cabinets level on uneven floors — especially important if you’re renovating an old Perth home with uneven concrete.
Step-by-Step: Installing Your Soft Close Drawers (Even If You’re Not a Handyman)
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a master carpenter to install your soft-close drawers. We’ve got you covered — literally. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flat-pack kitchen kit (obviously — you’re reading this article because you’ve got one)
- Phillips screwdriver (or the one that came with your kit)
- Optional: a small flat-head screwdriver for adjusting drawer runners
- Patience — and maybe a glass of tea
Step 1: Make sure your cabinet is fully assembled and level. If you’re using adjustable feet, you can fine-tune the height now — but don’t tighten them fully yet. You want your drawers to sit flush with the cabinet top.
Step 2: Locate the drawer runners. These are usually mounted inside the cabinet carcass, with slots for the drawer to slide into. You’ll see them as metal strips with a slight groove — that’s where your drawer will sit. Don’t force it in. If it’s not aligned, gently wiggle it into place. If you’re using a 300mm deep wall cabinet, you’ll have two runners — one on each side. For base cabinets, you’ll have four runners — two on each side.
Step 3: Insert the drawer. Slide it gently into the runners. You should hear a soft *click* as it seats. If you’re installing a 1100mm wide base cabinet, you’ll have two drawers — one on each side. For a 720mm high base cabinet (which installs at 870mm with feet), you’ll need to ensure the drawer is level with the cabinet top. If it’s not, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t overtighten them. You want the drawer to slide smoothly, not jam.
Step 4: Secure the drawer. Once it’s seated, you’ll need to tighten the drawer runners with your screwdriver. This is where you’ll need to be gentle — too tight, and you’ll risk cracking your thermofoil front. Too loose, and your drawer will wobble. We recommend tightening in small increments, checking the drawer as you go. If you’re using a 150mm adjustable foot, you can use that to level your cabinet — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
Step 5: Test the drawer. Gently pull the drawer open — does it slide smoothly? Does it close softly? If it’s not closing properly, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t overtighten them. If you’re using a 150mm adjustable foot, you can use that to level your cabinet — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
Real-World Scenario: Installing Drawers in a Perth Corner Kitchen
Let’s say you’ve got a corner kitchen in a Kelmscott home — not huge, but you’ve got a 720mm high base cabinet, a 300mm deep wall cabinet, and a 2055mm pantry. You’ve got a 1100mm wide base cabinet — which you’ve split into two 550mm sections. You’ve got a 150mm wide drawer in each section — which you need to install with soft-close runners.
You’ve already assembled your cabinets — the carcases are 16mm HMR melamine, the drawers are 18mm MDF thermofoil, and the runners are DTC soft-close. You’ve got your screwdriver, your tea, and your patience. You’ve got your 150mm adjustable feet — which you’ve already used to level your base cabinets. Now you’re ready to install your drawers.
For your 720mm high base cabinet (which installs at 870mm with feet), you’ll need to ensure your drawer is level with the cabinet top. If it’s not, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
For your 300mm deep wall cabinet, you’ll need to ensure your drawer is level with the cabinet top. If it’s not, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
For your 2055mm pantry, you’ll need to ensure your drawer is level with the cabinet top. If it’s not, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
Flat-Pack vs Custom Joinery: Why We Love the DIY Option
Let’s talk cost. You’re not just saving on the cabinets — you’re saving on the whole kitchen. With TrendStyle, you’re getting a fully assembled kitchen kit for under $1,500 — including the soft-close drawers, the adjustable feet, the stainless handles, and the fixture pack. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a custom joinery kitchen — which can easily run into $8,000 or more.
And the best part? You’re not locked into a design. You can choose your widths — from 150mm to 1100mm in standard steps — and you can mix and match your cabinets. Want a 720mm high base cabinet with a 300mm deep wall cabinet? You can do that. Want a 2055mm pantry with a 150mm wide drawer? You can do that. You’re not stuck with a single design — you’re building your kitchen, your way.
Plus, you’re not just saving money — you’re saving time. With TrendStyle, you’re getting a flat-pack kitchen that’s ready to assemble — no need to wait for a joiner to come and measure your space. You’re not locked into a timeline — you’re building your kitchen, your way.
Installation Tips That Actually Work
Here are some tips we’ve learned from installing hundreds of kitchens — and yes, we’ve had our share of drawer jams and wobbly runners.
- Always check your drawer height before tightening the runners. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
- Don’t overtighten your drawer runners. You want them to be secure, but not so tight that they crack your thermofoil front.
- If your drawer is wobbly, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
- If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
- Always test your drawers after installation. Gently pull them open — does it slide smoothly? Does it close softly? If it’s not closing properly, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
And if you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’ve got a showroom in Kelmscott WA — by appointment — where you can see our cabinets in person, and get hands-on help with your installation. Or you can use our 3D kitchen planner to visualise your layout before you buy.
FAQ: What You’re Actually Asking (And We’ve Got the Answers)
Q: Do I need to buy extra hardware for soft-close drawers?
Nope. With TrendStyle, you get DTC soft-close hinges and runners, stainless handles, adjustable feet, and a fixture pack — all included in your kit. No extra cost, no extra fuss.
Q: Can I install my drawers myself?
Absolutely. We’ve installed hundreds of these kits ourselves — and we’ve helped customers install them too. You don’t need to be a joiner — just follow the steps, and you’ll be good to go.
Q: What if my drawer is too high or too low?
You can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too.
Q: Can I install my drawers in a corner kitchen?
Yes — in fact, that’s where we see the most success. Our 720mm high base cabinets (which install at 870mm with feet) and 300mm deep wall cabinets are perfect for corner layouts. Just make sure your drawers are level with the cabinet top — and you’re good to go.
Q: Do I need to buy a separate drawer for my pantry?
No — our 2055mm pantry comes with a built-in drawer — and it’s got soft-close runners, stainless handles, and adjustable feet. You don’t need to buy anything extra — just assemble it like the rest of your kit.
Q: Can I install my drawers in a 150mm wide cabinet?
Yes — our 150mm wide drawers are designed to fit perfectly in 150mm wide cabinets. Just make sure your drawer runners are aligned — and you’re good to go.
Q: What if my drawer jams or won’t close?
First, check the drawer runners — are they tight enough? If not, you can adjust them slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too high, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is too low, you can adjust the drawer runners slightly — but don’t forget to check the drawer height too. If your drawer is still jamming, you can contact our team — we’ve got you covered.
Ready to Build Your Dream Kitchen?
You don’t need to be a designer, a joiner, or a DIY guru to build your kitchen. With TrendStyle, you’re getting a flat-pack kitchen that’s ready to assemble — with soft-close drawers, adjustable feet, stainless handles, and a fixture pack — all included. You’re not locked into a design — you’re building your kitchen, your way.
Whether you’re renovating a Kelmscott home, or you’re building a new kitchen in Perth, you can start with our 3D kitchen planner — or you can visit our showroom by appointment. We’ve got the tools, the tips, and the experience to help you build your dream kitchen — without breaking the bank.
Ready to get started? Click here to explore our kitchen range — or if you’re ready to order, head straight to our kitchen kits. We’ve got everything you need — and we’ll help you every step of the way.
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