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4 Steps to Install Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Once your new kitchen cabinets are installed, you may be stuck wondering how to install cabinet hardware. These finishing touches can bring the entire look of your cooking space together. Hardware features serve a substantial purpose in the kitchen for functionality, so it's important to install your knobs and pulls with care and precision.

Before you begin your cabinet hardware installation, collect the proper tools. For this project, you'll need a drill, a jig, masking tape, a tape measurer, knobs, ruler, hammer, finishing nail, and a ruler or straightedge.

Once you've collected the necessary materials, it's time to get to work. Plan where you're going to place your hardware, temporarily attach it, mark the placeholder, and finally, drill the hole and attach your accessories.

How to Install Cabinet Hardware

Person measuring wood drawers with tape measurer.
1

Where to Place Knobs on Kitchen Cabinets

Person measuring wood drawers with tape measurer.

The first step to installing cabinet hardware is planning the placement for your knobs and pulls. Decide if you want a modern or traditional placement. Modern placements are generally not centered while traditional hardware placements are centered. When working with tall cabinets, make sure the cabinet pull is installed directly above the bottom of the panel for the correct point of access.

Tip: Center your knobs or pulls two to three inches from the top or the bottom of a door for a standard placement.

Person marking drawer face with pencil using ruler.
2

Mark Cabinet Knob Location

Person marking drawer face with pencil using ruler.

The drill holes for your hardware should be spaced evenly. Use a temporary adhesive to attach the cabinet accessories to ensure you're happy with the height before making permanent modifications. If you don't have a jig, create a template with a piece of cardboard the same size as your drawer front and mark the center. Once you decide where you want to place your cabinet pulls, make pencil marks to indicate the drill hole locations.

Tip: Cover the holes that you aren't using with a piece of painters tape to lower the risk of marking your cabinetry incorrectly.

Cabinet pulls and loose screws sitting on desk with tape measurer
3

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Placement

Cabinet pulls and loose screws sitting on desk with tape measurer

If you have multiple accessories to install across an entire kitchen, use a jig to ensure an identical location for each pull or knob. Before drilling, cover the location indicated with masking tape and mark the drill location over the adhesive. This will prevent holes and scratching while drilling the hardware to its final location.

Tip: Add a small amount of superglue or thread sealant into your knob to keep the screw from coming loose or over twisting.

Hand steadying drawer face and holding drill to make holes for hardware
4

Drill Door Knob Hole

Hand steadying drawer face and holding drill to make holes for hardware

Drill from the front of the cabinet door and use a modestly-sized drill bit for the first hole. Hold your cabinet pulls so they're facing you. Once you've drilled the first successful pull or knob, clean off any debris and move on to your second handle, repeating the same process until all of your hardware is installed.

Tip: Start drilling with a smaller bit and then build-up to the correct size to prevent splintering the wood.

MORE CABINET HARDWARE INSPIRATION

Gray cabinets with wooden knobs. White cabinets with curbed metal handles. Sleek shiny white cabinets with thin and long metal hardware. Dark grey cabinets with thin and long metal handles. White detailed wooden cabinets with curved black hardware.

How to Install Cabinet Hardware FAQs

When installing your hardware, you may feel pressured to get things right the first time. Consider these frequently asked questions before you begin the project to ensure you've covered all your bases.

How do you install cabinet pulls without a template?

Install cabinet pulls without using a jig by imagining that your cabinet is divided into four quarters and placing the knob in between the middle two. Alternatively, cut the exact size of your cabinet or drawer face from a piece of cardboard. Measure the width of your pulls and mark the center of the cardboard for a uniform stencil.

Should I use knobs or pulls on kitchen cabinets?

Although using pulls or knobs on kitchen cabinets is a personal preference, most people prefer to use pulls on kitchen drawers and knobs on kitchen cabinets. For drawers larger than 24 inches, consider using two knobs.

How do you drill holes in cabinet pulls?

To drill holes in cabinet pulls, decide where you want to place each accessory first. Cover the space with masking tape and mark the location. Drill the hole with a modest drill bit, and finally, screw in the hardware.

Should all cabinet pulls be the same size?

Your cabinet pulls don't have to be the same size, however, it will make the repetition of hardware install more straightforward. If you have an extra-wide drawer, you may want to use two separate pulls centered on the drawer.

When you're questioning how to install cabinet hardware, the pressure's on. There's not much room for error when you take your drill to your new cabinets. Luckily, with a little bit of planning, your kitchen is a few steps away from being outfitted with new hardware accessories at a fraction of the cost of a professional installation.

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