There are many things to consider when deciding what type of kitchen cabinet hardware you want in your home. Firstly, you have to know what your overall design theme is. Are you looking to introduce traditional, modern, rustic, industrial or farmhouse style into your kitchen space? You can also combine styles for an eclectic design all your own. Knowing your design theme will help inform your decision in choosing the right hardware. It will also help you decide what type of finish to choose as well, because different finishes pair more favorably with certain design styles. For example, a polished chrome finish pairs well with both modern and traditional styles, while darker bronze colors lend themselves to a farmhouse or rustic theme. When choosing your kitchen cabinet hardware, begin with the end in mind to bring your vision to life.

Knobs vs Handles

Choosing the right kitchen cabinet hardware is an integral part of making your kitchen your own. There are so many options that it can sometimes be confusing knowing where to start.

Knobs are also a common kitchen cabinet hardware choice. A traditional cabinet knob is usually round, smaller in size and has a singular mounting point. Knobs come in a variety of styles and can be made of glass, ceramics and various metals. Metal finishes from stainless steel to aged brass are available. Knobs can also make a departure from their traditional sphere shape with hive or hexagon varieties or flattened disk styles like the Dish Knob. When considering the impact you want to make with your kitchen decor, a knob is a great choice no matter what style or finish you choose.

If you have a wide drawer, place two knobs to the left and right of the center. Make sure an equal length remains on each side of the knob to the end of the drawer. If the drawer is narrow, place one knob directly in the center.

Here are common types of knobs:

Mushroom knobs have a mushroom-type design that resembles a standard door knob.
Round knobs look like a ball or globe.
Square knobs have four corners in varying sizes.
Bar knobs are usually a narrow bar in the shape of a “T.”

Handles, also called pulls, are shaped like a rod or bar and mounted on kitchen cabinetry at two points. They are usually slender in appearance. Pulls allow users to comfortably wrap their fingers around the hardware, for easily opening and closing cabinets. Pulls make it possible to open a cabinet with one hand or even a finger, if necessary. Pulls are available in standard and extra wide lengths. They also come in various shapes and styles from the traditional Talbot Pull to more modern versions like the Edgecliff. Although the handles can be used for a variety of decor, they lend themselves to more modern and traditionally themed kitchens. Handles can elevate your space with finishes varying from matte black to satin copper.

Here are some of the most common types of cabinet pulls:

Bar pulls are a straight bar with two screw brackets near the ends.
Cup pulls have a 180-degree design that accommodates your fingers.
Arch pulls feature a curved arch with enough room for your hand.
Handle pulls and cabinet handles have two screw brackets at the end of each side.

Whether you choose a knob or a handle for your kitchen space, make sure your choice embodies the overall theme of your kitchen design.

Backplates

Backplates are both functional and stylish. A flat metal piece, backplates are installed between the cabinet and the hardware. They protect your cabinets from dirt and grime.

Available in a variety of finishes like oil-rubbed brass or polished chrome, backplates can make a design statement. Combine them with a contrasting knob or pull for a unique look. They are also good for covering up old drilled holes.

Varieties of Knobs & Pulls

The type of knob or pull you choose for your cabinetry will directly impact its look and usability. Here are a few for your consideration:

Talbot Pull: Adds a modern touch with a singular band with your choice of finish.
Hive Knob: Borrowing from the beehive’s natural shape, this knob features ridges that add depth and dimension.
Dish Knob: Features a circular disk that is both functional and stylish.
Ruth Knob: A classic sphere shape that satisfies both traditional and modern taste.
Card File Pull: Reminiscent of the pulls used in libraries for the card catalog.
Hex Knob: A hexagon-shaped knob that channels both industrial and modern design.
Appliance Pull: A longer, heavier gauge pull primarily meant to be mounted to and used for paneled appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and microwave cabinetry.

Appliance Pulls

Appliance pulls are a specific type of cabinet handle. Usually used with panel-front kitchen appliances, these pulls are typically longer than ordinary cabinet pulls and constructed from a heavier gauge. They come in sizes from 12 inches to around 18 inches long. These pulls are primarily meant to be mounted to and used for paneled appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and microwave cabinetry. Because appliances usually require more force to open than drawers and cabinets, appliance handles come with thicker mounting screws. This provides a more effective hold for the appliance handle over time.

Cabinet hardware can be an easy kitchen update you can do yourself. Switch out both the knobs and pulls for a fresh new look. Choose the same finish or use knobs on cabinet doors, and pulls on drawers. These kitchen cabinet hardware ideas are simple to install and will add instant style. Ready to choose your new cabinet hardware?

Over time, your kitchen cabinets may need a style update. Paint can go a long way, but not every cabinet needs a fresh coat. Updating your hardware by replacing cabinet handles and pulls can make a bigger difference than you think. You won’t have to break the bank to get that new look either.

Use this guide to learn how to install cabinet handles. These instructions apply whether you’re replacing old hardware or installing a different style on new cabinets. They also work for knobs, pulls and an assortment of handle styles.

1.Remove the Old Cabinet Handles
If you are replacing cabinet handles, you’ll need to first remove the old handles.

Use a screwdriver to remove the cabinet pull’s fastening screw(s). These are usually found on the back of the cabinet door. Measure the distance of the screw holes from one another and from the edge of the cabinet door. Determine if they are appropriately spaced to be reused for your new cabinet pulls.

If you need to create new screw holes, patch the old holes with a wood filler that matches the finish of your cabinet. Paint over or refinish the patched holes as needed.

2.Measure and Mark Locations for New Handles
If you can reuse the existing screw holes, insert the new fastening screw into the hole and tighten the new handle into place. If you are creating new screw holes, measure and mark the new screw hole locations.

If your cabinet doors have stiles (also called framing), cabinet pulls are usually 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge of the door. They should be centered on the width of the stile.
If your cabinets have slab doors without stiles, cabinet pulls are usually 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge of the door. They will be the same distance in from the side edge.
Measure and mark this location with a pencil.
When installing a knob, this marked location will be where you drill your screw hole.
When installing a handle with two fastening screws, this marked location will be the middle of the handle. Measure the distance between the two fastening screws on the cabinet handle.
Divide that number in half to get the distance between your center mark and two new marks that indicate the top and bottom screw hole locations.

Tip: To avoid having to measure every cabinet door, make a template using a piece of cardboard. Assume the corner of the piece of cardboard is the corner of the cabinet door. Mark the screw hole locations accordingly. Line up the template with the cabinet door and poke a nail through to start the screw holes on the door.
3.Drill Holes
Most cabinet screws need a 3/16-inch diameter hole, so use a power drill with a 3/16-inch twist bit to create the screw holes. The cabinet pull manufacturer’s instructions will specify the required drill bit size as well. If you’re unsure of the size, drill a test hole into a piece of scrap wood to see if the fastening screws will fit.
Hold the door open with one hand as you drill or prop it open with a towel to avoid drilling into the cabinet frame.
Drill through the door at the marked screw hole locations.
4.Install New Cabinet Handles
Your holes are now drilled. It’s time to start installing cabinet hardware. This process is the same if you’re learning how to install cabinet knobs as well. Here’s how to install cabinet hardware correctly:

Insert the fastening screw(s) through the backside of the hole.
Thread the knob or handle onto the screw(s).
While holding the knob or handle with one hand, use a screwdriver to tighten the fastening screw.
Avoid over-tightening the screw, as this can crack or damage your cabinet door.

Tip: Cabinet and drawer pulls usually come with two screws of different lengths. The shorter screw is made for cabinet doors with a standard thickness. The longer screw is made for thicker cabinet doors or false-front drawers.
Installing cabinet hardware and updating the drawers isn’t a difficult process. Transforming your spaces with new pulls and knobs is also quite rewarding. Best of all, you don’t need to be a DIY professional to upgrade your hardware today. Now that you know how to install cabinet handles, you can easily change the style of your cabinets.

1.Place the cabinet hardware (measure as needed) to find the position you like. Center the pull handle on width and height.

2. Measure the hole centers. Using your Cabinet Hardware Jig, adjust and tighten the Sliding Drill Guides. Cover the unused bushing with tape in order to prevent accidental drilling.