Depending on comfort and trend, it’s tricky to pick between cabinet knobs and pulls. However, the essential facts are their size and function of them. You can get a great touch in your kitchen by using any of them. However, it is better to decide thoroughly after considering all the aspects between knobs and pulls.
Pulls and knobs make it easier to open cabinets in the kitchen. They also keep the kitchen clean by preventing the oil transfer from your hands to the front of the cabinet. Although they come in ample varieties and sizes, you must choose according to your cabinet color, size, and pattern.
So, I am here to inform you about the trending kitchen hardware and how to match cabinet pulls and knobs accordingly. You’re going to get all the information that needs to decide the best. Keep reading to know more.
How to Install Cabinet Knobs And Pulls? (9 Steps To Go)
Installing cabinet knobs and pulls is not something extremely time-consuming or difficult to manage. A basic understanding of installing hardware is a plus point. However even if you are a newbie to such a simple installation, there’s nothing much to worry about. Let’s start with the tools and materials needed for this project.
Step 1- Tools & Materials To Gather:
Following tools and materials are required to install cabinet knobs and pulls.
- Matching knobs and pulls for cabinets.
- Hardware templates.
- Measurement tape.
- Matching head screwdrivers.
- Drilling machine.
- Drill bits.
- Pencil or marking pen.
- Painter’s tape.
Step 2- Marking Up with The Templates:
Is spending extra money on hardware templates really worth it? I’m sure pretty much a lot of people reading this have such a question. Well, you can go without one. However, for those who are trying it for the first time, its’ totally what you need. These are time-saving and also avoid a lot of panic possible later.
Decide which holes are the right ones to give you that desired placement. Next, use the tape and marker to create a circle and a big arrow on those placements. There are usually more than a few holes available with templates.
And so, accidentally drilling through the wrong points might happen. Marking will make those silly mistakes and never waste your moments. At this point, you have your desired spread and drops for holes.
Step 3- Use Painter’s Tape for Cabinet Fronts:
On the spots where you are going to place hardware, roughly apply painter’s tape. This way you’ll be able to save your cabinet from marks and also the finish will be less prone to cracking and splitting while drilling.
You should work on taping all drawers in one cabinet at the same time. Go through all the way around that space by taking one area at a time like that.
Step 4- Each Front Needs a Center Line:
In the case of stacked drawers, you should never skip this step. Or else there’s a chance of off-center and poorly leveled pulls later. Start by measuring the door’s complete width. Now figure out the half measurement of what you’ve calculated. Use the tape to mark that center measurement. You should check twice to be double sure.
Now you need to similarly mark every center of each drawer. Between the marking sessions, don’t forget to test the dots visually. See whether they look lined up or not. You should put bigger marks while doing so. This way it becomes easier for later steps. Finally, have the last check on all the center marks to be completely assured.
Step 5- Holding Template on Marked Center Line:
Go to the first drawer and hold the lip of the hardware template on top of it. You need to center the template with previously created lines. Make sure your desired holes fall right with the marks you just made.
Once everything is lining up the right way and evenly resting on top of the drawer, it’s time to clamp. This is important so that it does not move when you continue with the next remaining steps.
Step 6- Pilot Holes Drilling:
Now some people would prefer marking the holes with a pen and then drilling. However, I think, if you directly drill those holes, a better result is possible. Go with smaller drill bits and make tiny holes to start each so that it’s easier with the template holding.
You should carefully drill the holes so that it goes all way through a drawer and pokes from the backside. Make sure your drilling is as gradual and controlled as possible. That way you can avoid potential cracking towards the drawer’s backside.
If you are not confident about avoiding splinters, use some painter’s tape again. Put some tape on the drawer’s back where the drill bit is supposed to poke through.
After you are done with the first drawer, repeat the centering template and drill pilot holes for the rest of the drawers. That way you can use smaller drilling bits at the same time. This will get you into the nice rhythm of finishing things faster.
Step 7- Drilling the Bigger Holes:
It’s time to remove the template but not tape. Go for the bigger drill bits now and create holes that are larger than before. You want to gradually drill through the previously done pilot holes. Use less force to get nicely go through the back of door holes. Once it’s done, remove the tape.
Step 8- Fixing Pulls & Knobs:
Now you need to screw the pulls and knobs into YOUR fixed place of door or drawer front. You can use your hands to tighten the screws. Once the pulls seem loosely attached, use regular screwdrivers to make it firm.
Step 9- Finishing Off:
Clear out all the drill shavings USING a vacuum hose next. You want to get rid of all mess from the drawers, cabinets, and floor. And with that, you draw the finishing line for this project successfully.
5 Tips To Make Cabinet Knobs And Pulls Installation Easier
You may face some difficulties when installing the knobs and pulls in cabinets. For this, this task of installation can seem quite complicated. However, it’s enough to follow some strategies. Therefore, follow these tips to install knobs and pull them effortlessly:
Tip-1 Mounting Putty:
Mounting putty determines the placement and is easy to attach to your knobs or pulls. If you are not sure about the marked area, must use it to check if it looks good or not. And move it around if you want to change the position without a hassle.
Tip-2 Center Punch:
It’s better to use a center punch before drilling into your cabinets as the drill might slip over a delicate cabinet surface, so it’s better to use a center punch to make a hole for a drill to pass through. It looks like your cabinet is flawless. To smarten up, use the center punch.
Tip-3 Painters Tape:
Painter tape can minimize the splinters in the back of the cabinet. Some of the cabinets are delicate, or if the drill is not sharp enough, the drilling may cause splinters, so painter tape can reduce the damage and give you a flawless finish. For secure drilling or any screwing for a knob or pull of your cabinet, should use the painter’s tape.
Tip-4 Double Check:
It is best to check which place is convenient for using knobs and pulls with your hands. After pointing where you want to place the knob or pull, ensure you are not drilling into the cabinet frame. So, if you do the work by checking frequently, there will be no possibility of mistakes. Follow the tips to avoid mistakes.
Tip-5 Mechanical pencil:
Due to the decor in cabinets or drawers, it’s hard to mark where you want to insert the pull or knob. Using a template to draw from the mechanical pencil. When you have to drill the cabinet, a marking that can give direction is very important. That’s why try to use a mechanical pencil and mark before a drill or any screw fixing.
How Do You Decide Between Knobs And Pulls? (9 Things To Consider)
To decide between knobs and pulls, one should consider the cabinet or drawer surface and its pattern. It will make choosing easier for your area. Plus, you must follow the given tips to decide which will suit your cabinet better:
1. Easy Installation Process:
In order to easily install a knob on the cabinet and a pull on the drawer, should consider your comfort zone. Knobs are not costly and can be used for cabinets and drawers. Also, it needs a screw to install the knob.
Moreover, pulls come in various sizes, provide the perfect grip, and give a statement look. They are perfect for larger cabinets and drawers with linear shapes. But, pulls are a bit more expensive than knobs according to their sizes.
2. Hardware:
Choose hardware that matches the kitchen style and is comfortable to use. Take samples and place them against the cabinet surface to check if they’ll go with your pattern and are a perfect fit for a drawer or cabinet.
Furthermore, Ensure to choose one style of pull and knob. It should come with the same finish throughout the kitchen. Also, inquire about the delivery date, some vendors send orders within a week, and some take longer than a month.
3. Size:
Check the size of knobs and pulls that are a perfect fit for cabinets and drawers according to their size. It depends on the hardware’s balance, harmony, and function, as a large cabinet or drawer needs a large piece, and small ones need smaller hardware.
Additionally, Pulls in traditional or transitional style must be installed one-third of the length of the cabinet drawer, and for the larger drawers, like 8 inches, might require two pulls or knobs. Also, for contemporary styles, you need long pulls, at least two-thirds of the drawer or cabinet door length.
4. Position:
Pulls need to be installed horizontally on drawers and vertically on doors. In contemporary kitchens, consider placing pulls horizontally on the doors.
Although knobs are installed with a single screw with one entry point, pulls need two screws through two different points on the door or drawer. Furthermore, must consider the knobs and pull positions before permanently attaching them to the cabinet or drawer.
5. Finishes:
After selecting the hardware, the next step is choosing the finishes. In addition, ample finishes are available in the market, polished, brushed, antique, matte, satin weathered, painted, and oil-rubbed. Pick according to your desire or depending on the kitchen pattern.
Primarily, stainless steel pulls and knobs work perfectly for a contemporary-style kitchen, and brass and pewter go well for traditional settings. Bronze will work on the rustic kitchen but will patina over time, and for a traditional kitchen, black finish material goes well with light colors.
6. Price:
Prices depend on the size, materials, and finishes. Knobs and pulls have various options available, and so does the price range. So you have a wide range of materials and can choose according to your budget.
Moreover, knobs are not costly, but pulls are slightly more expensive than knobs according to their sizes. That’s why if you want to keep the budget low, have to choose the knobs option. But according to the size, you can switch your choice.
7. Easy To Use:
Hardware can be rough if the finishes aren’t done correctly or your hands don’t fit properly. So, one must choose carefully and check if the material is easy to use and has enough space for the grip.
Moreover, knobs and pulls with fancy designs have sharp edges and ridges, so if you feel annoyed switch your option. Hence, choosing the best one is a crucial matter.
8. Durability:
Kitchen hardware is available in various types. Most are available in metal alloys such as brass, bronze, stainless steel, etc. And most of them are durable and withstand years.
However, if you don’t maintain them, they will turn pale or might catch debris or corrosion, so it’s better to clean them after finishing the work, or the material finishing can be damaged.
9. Quality:
Any hardware that you choose must match the design of the kitchen. That is a quality product. So, must go for quality materials to make it pop up and beautify your area. These are the quality materials that must consider.
Finally, after considering everything, choose the best one which meets your daily needs. If looking for a convenient option on a low budget, then the knob is the best. Again, the pull is the best if there is no budget issue. Check and buy in this way and meet the demand.
Related Questions:
Can You Mix Pulls And Knobs On Cabinets?
You can mix and match according to your taste, as there are no rules for kitchen cabinet pulls and knobs. It’s more comfortable to use knobs on cabinets. However, use pulls for drawers as it provides the whole hand to grab instead of only the fingertips. Sticking to only pulls or knobs looks dated and dull.
Moreover, one must consider the angle of the pulls. Put horizontally for drawers and vertical for cabinets. Use pulls for oversized doors and drawers for a better experience. Besides, the knob works perfectly for the upper side of the kitchen cabinets as it makes it easy to open them.
How Do You Match Cabinet Pulls And Knobs?
One must consider cabinet style, lightning fixtures, countertop edge, and other elements designs. You can select shapes and patterns according to your taste, as it comes in varieties. Also, knobs are primarily considered for putting on doors, and pulls are more flexible in a kitchen due to their versatility of better experience.
Additionally, must go for pulls for larger cabinets as it provides comfort and grip to open heavy drawers. Plus, you need to support weight for larger drawers to pull out the drawer. And for slim doors or other spice-outs, go with the knobs around 1, and 1 ⅜ inch works brilliantly.
How Do You Mix And Match Knobs And Pulls In A Kitchen?
There is no rule that you must follow to install knobs and pulls in your kitchen. However, two ways to insert them seamlessly into your kitchen are to mix and match pulls and knobs to your cabinets.
You may apply knobs on all the upper cabinets and for the lower cabinets, apply pulls to add more versatility and beauty. Moreover, the second way is to put the knobs on all the doors and pull on all the drawers, as it will work more effectively for most people.
Also, you can match the finishes to make it more seamless or go for your comfort zone. But, the pulls and knobs must feel comfortable to touch and don’t feel rough or sharp will work fantastic when mixed and matched. This way, you must mix and match knobs and pulls in a kitchen.
What Is The Trend For Cabinet Knobs And Pulls?
The trending way is to choose depending on the color and style of the cabinet or drawer. Sometimes it’s installed as a gem, or you need to understate it. Furthermore, wood cabinets with nickel, beadboard fronts with iron, and transparent doors with high gloss are trending. The mentioned pulls and knobs styles are trending and work for any cabinet.
Satin or matte black comes in a bundle with the same finishes, and the black color is trending and due to its black color, it makes stains invisible. Copper pops up the whole cabinet and is trending in kitchen hardware. Also, it’s affordable, but it looks more traditional or farmhouse-style. These are the trends for your cabinet knobs and pull.
Should You Use Pulls Or Knobs On Cabinets?
Surely you should use pulls or knobs on your cabinets. Pulls and knobs on cabinets are necessary because they prevent oil stains from transferring to cabinet fronts, make it easy to open and add a beautiful touch to your kitchen. The kitchen gets messy, and any cabinet can get dirty if you haven’t installed them.
It is essential for the longevity of the doors and drawers. Alternatively, You must choose them according to the cabinet and drawer size. In addition, pulls are tricky as it depends on the size of the drawer or cabinet, but you may choose a 3¾-inch distance on your screw holes to give it a better look.
Does Kitchen Faucet Need To Match Cabinet Hardware?
If the other finishes complement the faucet design, you don’t need the another to match the cabinet hardware. Alternatively, there are limited options available, such as white, clear glass, pewter, or black to match the chrome faucet. Plus, chrome and brushed nickel are most famous among many house owners, and ample other finishes are available to light up your kitchen.
Although it depends on the faucet, brushed nickel, or brushed stainless design, which one will suit the finishes better, such as antique pewter, light or dark bronze, or satin brass suits mostly with every faucet. Also, oil-rubbed bronze, aluminum, black matte, and rust can be tricky to find but looks mesmerizing.
Final Verdict
The pulls and knobs work like a gem to the kitchen cabinets and keep everything clean. But to make it more pop and full of life choose them carefully. Cabinet knobs and pulls should be comfortable, coordinated, and enhance the designs.
Additionally, check the local store before buying them as they will have a large variety in store. Also, prices are based on finishes and patterns, so copper and bronze might be expensive. However, it is wise to order a few pieces extra in case the finish starts rubbing off or the screw is lost.
