Install Cabinet Hardware
The jewelry of your cabinets. Learn how to select and install knobs, pulls, and hinges that complement your design while ensuring smooth, durable operation throughout your remodeled home.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$500 - $3,000
Varies by style and quantity
Time Frame
1-2 days
DIY-friendly project
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Requires careful measurement
Why Cabinet Hardware Matters
Cabinet hardware may seem like a minor detail, but it serves as the finishing touch that ties your entire kitchen, bathroom, and storage design together. These small elements are touched dozens of times daily, making their quality, placement, and style critically important to both function and aesthetics.
The right hardware can transform basic cabinets into custom-looking furniture, while poorly chosen or sloppily installed hardware detracts from even the finest cabinetry. Hardware is also one of the easiest and most affordable ways to update a space in the future without a major renovation.
Beyond aesthetics, properly selected and installed hardware ensures smooth operation for years to come. Quality hinges with soft-close mechanisms prevent slamming, extend cabinet life, and reduce noise. Well-placed pulls reduce strain on cabinet doors and make daily use more comfortable and intuitive.
Hardware Types Comparison
| Hardware Type | Best For | Price Range | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Knobs | Upper cabinet doors, traditional styles | $2 - $25 each | Single hole, easiest |
| Bar Pulls | Modern kitchens, drawers, contemporary design | $5 - $40 each | Two holes, requires jig |
| Cup Pulls | Drawers, farmhouse and transitional styles | $8 - $35 each | Two holes, specific spacing |
| Edge Pulls | Ultra-modern, seamless look, European style | $10 - $50 each | Edge-mounted, precise cutting |
| Ring Pulls | Traditional, furniture-style cabinets | $5 - $30 each | Single hole, drop style |
| Finger Pulls | Minimalist design, handle-free look | $15 - $60 each | Routed into edge, professional install |
Popular Hardware Finishes
| Finish | Style Fit | Maintenance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushed Nickel | Transitional, contemporary | Low - hides fingerprints | Excellent |
| Matte Black | Modern, industrial, farmhouse | Low - powder coat resists wear | Very good |
| Polished Chrome | Modern, traditional, classic | High - shows fingerprints | Excellent |
| Satin Brass | Modern, transitional, warm tones | Medium - lacquer coated | Good to excellent |
| Oil-Rubbed Bronze | Traditional, rustic, Mediterranean | Medium - develops patina | Good |
| Unlacquered Brass | Traditional, vintage, living finish | Low if patina desired | Very good |
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Inventory All Cabinets
Create a comprehensive count of every door and drawer throughout your home. Walk through each room with a clipboard or phone, noting the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, built-ins, and any other cabinetry.
- Count upper cabinet doors separately from base cabinet doors
- Count all drawer fronts (single, double-stack, etc.)
- Note any specialty doors (lazy Susan, corner cabinets, pantry)
- Identify appliance panels that may need hardware
- Order 10-15% extra for spares and mistakes
Select Hardware Style
Choose hardware that complements your cabinet style, overall design aesthetic, and other fixture finishes in the home. Consider both form and function.
- Match or coordinate with faucet, lighting, and door hardware finishes
- Consider ergonomics - pulls are easier to grip than knobs
- Choose pull lengths proportional to drawer/door size
- Test samples in person before buying full quantities
- Budget for quality - you'll touch these daily for years
Determine Placement Standards
Establish consistent placement rules before drilling any holes. Standard placements create visual harmony across all your cabinetry.
- Upper doors: Bottom corner, 2.5-3" from edges, opposite hinge
- Base doors: Upper corner, 2.5-3" from edges, opposite hinge
- Drawers: Center horizontally, 1/3 down from top for small drawers
- Large drawers: May warrant two pulls for balance
- Document your measurements for consistency
Create or Obtain Drilling Templates
A good jig or template is the secret to professional-looking hardware installation. It ensures every hole is drilled at exactly the same position relative to door/drawer edges.
- Purchase an adjustable cabinet hardware jig ($15-50)
- Or make a custom template from scrap plywood or MDF
- Create separate templates for doors vs. drawers if needed
- Test template on scrap wood or an inconspicuous door first
- Consider pull center-to-center (cc) spacing when making jig
Prepare Cabinet Surfaces
Before drilling, ensure all cabinet surfaces are clean and ready. Mark your drilling locations clearly using your template.
- Clean door and drawer fronts of dust, grease, and debris
- Apply painter's tape over drill areas to prevent chip-out
- Mark hole centers with awl through tape for precision
- Double-check all measurements before committing
- Remove any temporary door bumpers or felt pads
Drill Pilot Holes
Use the proper drill bit size for your hardware screws. Most cabinet hardware uses standard machine screw sizes (typically 8-32 threads).
- Use a drill bit slightly larger than screw diameter (5/32" for 8-32)
- Drill straight through - use a drill guide if needed
- Support back of door to prevent blowout
- Drill at moderate speed to prevent burning
- Clear chips and check hole cleanliness
Install Knobs and Pulls
With holes drilled, installing the hardware is straightforward. Take care not to overtighten screws, which can strip holes or crack finishes.
- Insert machine screw from back of door through hole
- Thread hardware onto screw by hand first
- Tighten with screwdriver until snug - don't overtorque
- Ensure pulls are level before final tightening
- Use threadlocker on loose-fitting screws if needed
Adjust Cabinet Hinges
Now is the ideal time to fine-tune hinge adjustments. European-style hinges allow three-way adjustment for perfect door alignment.
- Check door alignment with adjacent doors and drawers
- Adjust side-to-side using front mounting screw
- Adjust up-and-down using base plate screws
- Adjust depth (overlay) using back screw on hinge arm
- Aim for consistent 1/8" gaps between doors
Install Soft-Close Mechanisms
If your cabinets don't already have soft-close hinges, consider adding soft-close adapters. For drawers, ensure slides are properly adjusted.
- Soft-close hinge adapters attach to existing hinges ($3-8 each)
- Cabinet door dampers mount inside cabinet ($2-5 each)
- Drawer dampers install on slides or drawer box
- Adjust damper tension for smooth, quiet closing
- Test operation with various closing speeds
Final Quality Check
Walk through every cabinet in the home and test each piece of hardware. Make any final adjustments for perfect operation.
- Test every door and drawer for smooth operation
- Verify all hardware is tight but not overtightened
- Check that pulls are level and consistently placed
- Ensure soft-close engages properly on all doors/drawers
- Clean hardware of fingerprints and installation debris
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knobs (each) | $2 - $5 | $5 - $15 | $15 - $40+ |
| Bar Pulls (each) | $5 - $10 | $10 - $25 | $25 - $60+ |
| Soft-Close Hinges (pair) | $3 - $6 | $6 - $12 | $12 - $25 |
| Hardware Jig | $15 - $25 | $25 - $40 | $40 - $80 |
| Whole Home (50-80 pcs) | $200 - $500 | $500 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $4,000+ |
| Professional Install | $150 - $400 (usually DIY) | ||
Pro Tips
Buy One, Test First
Before ordering all your hardware, buy a single piece to test in person. Check the size, finish, and feel. What looks great online may feel cheap or look different in your lighting.
Match Pull Length to Drawer
A good rule of thumb: pull length should be about 1/3 the width of the drawer front. A 15" drawer looks best with a 5" pull. Larger drawers can handle 6-8" pulls or even two smaller pulls.
Consider Backplates
If replacing existing hardware with different hole spacing, backplates can cover old holes elegantly. They also add visual weight and protect cabinet finish around high-use hardware.
Coordinate, Don't Match Exactly
Cabinet hardware doesn't need to perfectly match your faucet or light fixtures - it just needs to coordinate. Mixing metals is on-trend and adds visual interest when done intentionally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Eyeballing hole placement
Even small variations in placement are noticeable when viewing multiple cabinets. Always use a jig or template for consistent results across every door and drawer.
Buying hardware with wrong screw length
Cabinet door thickness varies. Measure your doors before ordering and buy the correct screw length. Hardware typically comes with standard 1" screws, but you may need longer or shorter.
Choosing style over function
Decorative hardware can be uncomfortable to use daily. Test how hardware feels in your hand and ensure pulls have enough clearance for your fingers, especially for heavy drawers.
Overtightening screws
Machine screws in wood can strip easily. Tighten until snug and stop. If screws spin freely, the hole may be oversized - use a toothpick with wood glue to repair.
Not ordering extras
Hardware styles get discontinued. Order 10-15% extra for mistakes during installation, future repairs, and any additions or changes down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use knobs or pulls on cabinet doors?
Both work well, but pulls are generally more functional for larger doors and drawers. Many designers recommend knobs on upper cabinet doors and pulls on lower cabinet doors and all drawers. Pulls are easier to grip when hands are wet or full. For a cohesive look, use matching knobs and pulls from the same collection.
Where should cabinet hardware be placed?
For upper cabinets, place hardware on the bottom corner of the door, opposite the hinge, typically 2.5-3 inches from the bottom and side edges. For base cabinets, place hardware on the upper corner, 2.5-3 inches from the top. Center drawer pulls horizontally; for vertically mounted pulls, place them centered on the upper portion of the drawer front.
How much cabinet hardware do I need for a whole home remodel?
Count every door and drawer that needs hardware. A typical kitchen has 30-50 pieces (including drawers), and each bathroom vanity adds 4-10 more. For a whole home, budget 50-100+ pieces total. Always order 10-15% extra for mistakes, future repairs, and to account for any discontinued styles.
What's the best cabinet hardware finish for durability?
Brushed nickel and satin brass are among the most durable finishes, hiding fingerprints and minor wear well. Oil-rubbed bronze develops a natural patina but may show wear at high-touch points. Polished chrome and polished brass show fingerprints and water spots easily. PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes are the most durable but cost more.
Can I install cabinet hardware myself?
Yes, cabinet hardware installation is a great DIY project. The key is using a consistent template or jig for drilling holes. Purchase or make a hardware installation jig to ensure all holes are drilled at the same position on every door and drawer. Take your time, measure twice, and drill once. The whole home can typically be completed in a weekend.