Selecting hardware for your kitchen cabinets

When selecting hardware for your kitchen you should consider the style, finish, ease of use, durability and budget. Often, hardware is a last minute thought with the idea that “I’ll just get something better later” thinking, when really it should be part of the overall design process. Handles and pulls have many different hole spacing and future replacement with a specific style may be limited or non existent.

Knobs, handles and pulls should not only compliment the cabinets, but their style should compliment and accent other items in view, such as appliances, faucets, door and window hardware or any furniture in the room. The style should match the cabinetry in size, finish and style: modern, traditional, transitional, rustic, etc. You can mix both handles and knobs, drawers get one style, and doors another. Or divide them by upper and lower cabinets. All upper cabinets can be knobs and all lower doors and drawers can be handles.

Think durability and longevity when choosing a finish. Yes you want the finish to compliment the sink, faucet, other household hardware or appliances, but always have the durability factor in your mind. Painted finishes eventually get scratched., brass finishes can oxidize once their protective layer is breached, aluminum can lose it luster, and wood pulls and handles wear and develop a rustic patina over time. Even stainless steel can sometimes betray you. Stainless steel comes in many different grades and some rust easier than you would expect for “stainless” steel. Give stainless steel the magnet test. If it is attracted to a magnet, move along. More rust resistant stainless alloy has nickel and is not attracted to a magnet.

When selecting your handles and knobs, consider the ease of use. Is the knob or handle easy to grip? Are the edges finished and not sharp? (Many poorly cast pulls have sharp edges on the back side.) Is it big enough for the largest hands in the family and user friendly to manicured nails? Are they sturdy enough to stand up to the daily use of kids and adults alike? Spend a few minutes when selecting hardware and get a good feel for how they will be positioned. Grab them from up high and down low to simulate opening an upper cabinet and a lower drawer.

Obviously the better designed, quality knobs and pulls will cost more. Plan this into your initial budget. A simple kitchen with 25 cabinets can easily have over 50 pieces of hardware. Even at only $5 - $20 each, you are looking at $250-$1000. Many people forget to include this to their budget and end up with low quality, or “temporary” pulls that will be replaced in the future. Don’t be one of these people. It’s much better to include your cabinet hardware into the kitchen plan from the start. These are items you will touch daily for many years and a little planning and foresight will go a long way.