Install Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of your kitchen. These small details make a surprisingly big impact on the overall look and feel. Perfectly aligned pulls and knobs signal quality craftsmanship, while coordinated finishes tie the whole design together.
Quick Summary
2-4 hours
Easy
$100-500+
High visual impact
Why Hardware Matters More Than You Think
After investing in beautiful new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, cabinet hardware might seem like an afterthought. But these small pieces serve as both functional touchpoints and design elements that you'll interact with dozens of times every day.
Well-chosen hardware can elevate budget cabinets to look custom, while poor hardware choices can cheapen an otherwise beautiful kitchen. The finish, style, and placement all contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Perhaps most importantly, consistent placement across all cabinets and drawers signals professional-level attention to detail. Inconsistent hardware placement is one of the most noticeable DIY mistakes.
Choosing Your Hardware Style
Knobs vs. Pulls
Knobs
- - Classic, traditional look
- - Work well on smaller doors
- - Less expensive per piece
- - Single drill hole required
- - Can be harder to grip with wet hands
Pulls
- - Modern, streamlined appearance
- - Easier to grab, even with wet hands
- - Better for drawers and larger doors
- - Two drill holes required
- - More size options (3" to 12"+)
Popular Finish Options
| Finish | Best For | Pairs Well With |
|---|---|---|
| Brushed Nickel | Transitional kitchens | Stainless appliances, gray tones |
| Matte Black | Modern, farmhouse | White cabinets, any appliance color |
| Brushed Gold | Warm, upscale kitchens | Navy cabinets, white marble |
| Polished Chrome | Contemporary, clean | High-gloss cabinets, modern fixtures |
| Oil-Rubbed Bronze | Traditional, rustic | Wood tones, darker cabinets |
Design Tip: Match your hardware finish to your kitchen faucet for a cohesive look. If your faucet is brushed nickel, choose brushed nickel hardware. This coordination creates a polished, intentional design.
Standard Placement Guidelines
While there's no single "correct" placement, these are industry-standard positions that look professional:
Upper Cabinets
Place hardware on the bottom corner of the door, opposite the hinge. Position 2.5-3 inches from both the bottom edge and the side edge. This puts hardware at the most natural reach point.
Lower Cabinets
Place hardware on the top corner of the door, opposite the hinge. Position 2.5-3 inches from both the top edge and the side edge. This mirrors the upper cabinet placement.
Drawers
Center pulls horizontally on the drawer face. Vertically, center small drawers or place pulls in the upper third for larger drawers. Knobs are always centered both ways.
Tall Pantry or Cabinet Doors
Place hardware at a comfortable reaching height - typically 36-40 inches from the floor. For double doors, hardware should be positioned symmetrically on both doors.
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Before drilling anything, document your placement strategy:
- Count all doors and drawers that need hardware
- Note the pull hole spacing (center-to-center measurement)
- Write down exact placement measurements for each cabinet type
- Verify you have enough hardware and matching screws
Step 2: Set Up Your Template or Jig
A hardware installation jig is essential for consistent results:
- 1.Set the jig to your chosen distances from door edges
- 2.For pulls, set the hole spacing to match your hardware
- 3.Lock all adjustments firmly
- 4.Test on a scrap piece of wood first
Budget Alternative: Create a cardboard template by drilling holes at your exact measurements. Hold it against each door and mark through the holes with a pencil.
Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes
For clean holes without tear-out:
- 1.Apply painter's tape over the drilling area (prevents chipping)
- 2.Position jig and hold firmly or clamp
- 3.Use a 3/16" bit (standard for most hardware)
- 4.Drill slowly with steady pressure
- 5.Remove tape and clear away any debris
Step 4: Install Hardware
- 1.Insert screws from the back of the door through the holes
- 2.Thread the hardware onto the screw(s) from the front
- 3.Hand-tighten until hardware is snug against the door
- 4.Use a screwdriver for final tightening - don't overtighten
- 5.Check that pulls are level before fully tightening
Step 5: Final Checks
- Open and close every door and drawer to check for interference
- Step back and visually verify consistent placement
- Wiggle each piece to ensure it's securely fastened
- Verify pulls are level using a small level
Common Problems and Solutions
Screws Too Long
If screws poke through the front of the door, either use shorter screws or add washers behind the cabinet door to take up the extra length. Never let screw tips show on the face.
Screws Too Short
Hardware screws that are too short won't grip properly. Purchase longer machine screws (same thread pitch) from a hardware store. Standard is 8-32 thread.
Hardware Interferes with Adjacent Doors
On cabinets where doors meet at a corner, hardware may collide. Move placement 1/4 inch inward or switch to a lower-profile knob style.
Drilled in Wrong Location
Fill the incorrect hole with wood filler, let dry, sand smooth, touch up paint, and re-drill in the correct location. The repair will be hidden behind the hardware.
FAQ
Where should cabinet hardware be placed?
For upper cabinets, place hardware on the lower corner opposite the hinge, 2.5-3 inches from both edges. For lower cabinets, place on the upper corner. Drawer pulls are centered horizontally. The key is consistency across all cabinets.
Should I use knobs or pulls on kitchen cabinets?
Both work well. Common combinations include knobs on doors and pulls on drawers, or pulls throughout for a modern look. Pulls are easier to grip with wet hands, making them practical for kitchens.
What hardware finish coordinates with stainless appliances?
Brushed nickel, satin nickel, and stainless steel complement stainless appliances. Brushed gold or champagne bronze provide warm contrast. Matte black creates a striking modern look. Match your faucet finish for cohesion.
Do I need a hardware installation jig?
For more than a few pieces, yes. A jig costs $10-20 and ensures every piece is placed identically. Without one, measuring each door individually increases the chance of errors that are noticeable across the whole kitchen.