How to Install Cabinet Hardware

After a successful renovation project, the last thing to do is install cabinet hardware. When replacing old pulls or using flatpack cabinets, you just need to screw your hardware into the pre-drilled holes. But if you’re drilling the holes yourself, the process can feel more intimidating.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install cabinet hardware. Gain insights into what tools make the job easier, how to resolve common challenges, and the expert tips that will elevate your project. Whether you want to know how to install cabinet handles or how to choose the right hardware, find the answers to all your queries in this guide. 

What is cabinet hardware?: Common types

Cabinet hardware refers to knobs, pulls, and hinges on cabinet doors and drawers. Hardware serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It allows you to open and close cabinets with ease while injecting them with personality.

Whether you prefer minimalism or extravagance, there are a range of styles to choose from. The most common types of cabinet hardware include:

• Knobs: Compact round or square handles attached with a single screw. Knobs are available in various styles and are popular choices for smaller drawers.
• Pulls: Elongated handles that you can grasp with more than one finger. They require two screws and are best for larger drawers and cabinets.
• Hinges: Essential for attaching cabinet doors to the box. You can choose concealed or exposed hinges, depending on your preferences.
• Catches: Used to automatically keep cabinet doors closed. Magnetic catches, ball catches, and roller catches are examples of mechanisms used for this purpose.
• Latches: Fixed to the outside of the cabinet, latches must be manually operated to keep doors closed, such as in the case of turn latches.
• Backplates: Decorative pieces often paired with knobs or pulls. Backplates provide a decorative base for the hardware and help protect the cabinet surface from wear.

Why would you need to install cabinet hardware?

There are many reasons why you might want to install cabinet hardware. It enhances the functionality, appearance, and safety of your cabinets so that you can enjoy them for years to come. Cabinet hardware is also a simple way to reflect your personal style and improve the overall design scheme of your space.

Broken hardware

If you have broken cabinet hardware, you need to replace it. Faulty handles or loose knobs cause safety issues and stop cabinets or drawers from functioning properly. 

Damaged hardware also makes your living space look untidy and compromises the integrity of your cabinets. By replacing any broken hardware, you will restore the cabinets’ visual appeal and extend their lifespan. 

Improve aesthetics

Installing cabinet pulls, handles, and other hardware accessories transforms ordinary cabinets into customized pieces that uplift the decor of a room. 

There is a cabinet hardware style for every taste. If you have traditional cabinets and want to complement them with ornate details, you might like decorative backplates, brass scroll cup pulls, or antique style drop pulls.

If you prefer a more contemporary look, edge pulls are sleek and discreet options. Other minimalist hardware include tapered knobs, slim brass handles, and push latches, which attach to the insides of your cabinets. 

Increase functionality

The most obvious reason for installing cabinet hardware is to provide a means to open and close cabinets and drawers. Effortless functionality is crucial in busy areas like kitchens, where you need quick and easy access to essentials.

Properly installed cabinet hardware is also safer. Knobs and pulls keep fingers away from edges where they could otherwise get trapped. Latches and catches similarly prevent accidental openings or slamming, reducing the risk of injuries and damage.

Tools needed to install cabinet hardware

The first step to learning how to install cabinet hardware is to understand the required tools. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

• Screws and screwdriver: Essential for attaching hardware to cabinets. Ensure the screws are the appropriate length for your cabinets’ thickness.
• Tape measure: For measuring hole placements before drilling. Measure carefully to achieve consistency across all your cabinets and drawers.
• Pencil: Use to mark the desired placement of your hardware before installation. This gives you the chance to make any corrections.
• Level: Important for keeping everything straight and aligned. If you plan to install long cabinet handles, use a level to line up the screw holes.

Optional tools:

• Drill: If your cabinets don’t have holes for the hardware, you will need to create some. Make sure to use a drill bit that matches the screw size you’re using.
• Template: Useful for achieving precise hole placement. Templates allow you to install hardware evenly across multiple cabinets and drawers.
• Anchors: If your cabinets have a hollow or thin backing, anchors provide a secure installation. These are often used for heavy or long handles.
• Screw hole plugs: If you make a mistake or need to relocate hardware, use screw hole plugs to fill in the old holes before drilling new ones.\
• Masking tape: Add to your drill bit as a depth guide or apply to the cabinet surface to prevent it from chipping while drilling.

How to install cabinet hardware: pulls, handles, knobs

The process of installing cabinet hardware is similar to pulls and knobs. The main difference is that pulls or handles require two screws and more measuring. Knobs, on the other hand, only need one screw and are easier to arrange.

Installing cabinet pulls 

Installing cabinet pulls is very DIY-friendly. With basic tools and careful measurements, you can install them with precision and achieve a professional look. 

• Measure: Use a tape measure and pencil to mark out where you need to drill. Be careful when measuring the distance between the screws on the pulls. These must be accurate for the hardware to sit straight.
• Create a drill template: If you’re installing multiple pulls and want consistent placement, create a drill template from cardboard, plastic, or wood. Position it against the corner of your cabinet, mark where you want the hole, drill through and then use this to mark every same-sized cabinet.
• Prepare for drilling: When you’re confident about your hole placement, prepare the surface for drilling. For example, if your cabinet wood is likely to split, lay down masking tape over where you’re drilling. If your pulls are heavy, consider adding anchors for extra security.
• Drill holes: With a drill bit that matches the diameter of the screws you’re using, carefully drill holes at the marks you made earlier. Drill into the door without applying excessive pressure.
• Attach pulls: Place the pulls over the drilled holes and insert the screws through the back of the cabinet door. Tighten with a screwdriver until the pulls are securely attached. Don’t over-tighten as this damages the door and strips the screws.
• Check alignment: Use a level to check the pulls’ position. If necessary, make adjustments by loosening the screws and repositioning the pulls. If you need to drill new holes, use screw plugs to fill in the old ones.
• Repeat: If you’re installing cabinet pulls on multiple doors and drawers, repeat this process for each one. Use the same measurements or template to achieve visual consistency.
• Final inspection: Remove any leftover tape or markings. Double-check all the pulls are straight and securely attached. It is easier to spot discrepancies if you step back. Make any final adjustments as needed – and then enjoy!

Installing cabinet handles

If you’re wondering how to install cabinet handles, it’s simple: follow the same process as before. Measure your cabinets and screw holes, prepare the surface, and drill through the holes. Then screw the handles into place, check their position and make any final adjustments. 

Here are some extra steps you can take:

• Line up the bottom of the handle with the top of the cabinet door’s lower rail
• To save time, buy a premade drilling template from Amazon or any hardware store
• Preserve screw tightness by adding thread sealant after you’ve screwed them in 
• Instead of screw plugs, you can use color-matched putty to fill in old holes 

Installing knobs on drawers

The key difference between installing cabinet pulls and drawer knobs is that one requires less drilling and less measuring. Here’s how to install knobs on drawers:

• Measure and mark where you want to place the knob – usually, this is in the center
• Drill through, remembering to use masking tape if splitting wood is a concern
• Since knobs only require one screw, you only need to drill one hole per drawer
• To save square knobs from twisting, add super glue to the backs before securing
• Holding your hardware firmly in place, tighten the screw from the back
• Step back to check all the drawers’ knobs are even and make any final touches 

9 tips for installing cabinet hardware

When learning how to install cabinet hardware like a professional, there are some general tips you can follow to streamline the process and achieve a skillful result: 

1. If you’re not using a template, record your measurements for faster installation
2. Always double-check your measurements to get drilling right the first time around
3. Clean your cabinets, drawers, and hardware thoroughly before and after installation
4. When swapping handles for knobs, you can install backplates to cover old holes
5. For larger bottom drawers, place hardware higher up to keep handles evenly spaced
6. Check the thickness of your doors and drawer fronts to ensure correct screw length
7. Don’t twist knobs into the screw. Always tighten the screw from the back
8. Drill from the outside in so that any wood splintering is out of sight
9. Test out your hardware’s placement by using mounting putty or Loctite’s Fun-Tak

It’s important to know how to install cabinet hardware with unique features, like backplates. Set yourself up for success by knowing exactly what your hardware needs, from different screw sizes to space allowances. For example, installing hinges or latches with strike plates requires more screws, measurements, and fiddling than installing pulls or knobs. 

Our final tip is to check how the hardware complements your cabinets before installation. While something may sound good in theory, it could be a different story in practice. 

For example, you may love the idea of big, chunky handles, but if you have small cabinets, these will be too overpowering. Similarly, if you have large drawer fronts, opting for dainty knobs will make the drawers seem unbalanced. Always give your hardware a trial run before committing to it – this is where mounting putty comes in handy. 

Learn more with The Cabinet Door Store

Installing cabinet hardware is a straightforward and rewarding home improvement task. Whether you’ve chosen to install cabinet handles with ornate backplates or minimalist drawer knobs, the steps in this guide will empower you to tackle your project with confidence and precision.

If you’re looking to replace your cabinet hardware, doors or drawer fronts, look no further than The Cabinet Door Store. Our mission is to elevate your renovation project with top quality materials and accessories. Browse our selection online today. If you have any bespoke requirements or would like to know more, contact our friendly team.