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Cabinet Door Hardware

While hinges and door latches are ordinarily included with the cabinets, customers usually get to choose their own knobs and pulls. That affords buyers the opportunity to express their individual taste in their selections, and their choices are virtually limitless.

Hardware is available in every conceivable style and color. In fact, it’s impossible to show a representative cross section of styles because there are simply too many. This article describes some of the basic types that are available and how they’re used.

Hinges Basic types (knobs, pulls, backplates) Choosing a style

Materials and finishes Installation Making the purchase

Hinges
Hinges and exposed latches are ordinarily selected from a handful of options offered by the cabinet manufacturer, and are chosen to match the knobs and pulls.

Each manufacturer works a little differently, but most offer a choice of a small number of hinges to complement whatever knobs the customer wants. Obviously this is less important with a concealed hinge. But unless the cabinet is custom built, you’ll find the hinge selection rather limited. Generally, the hinges will vary by finish and design, and they do change from time to time without notice.

Basic types
Knobs - These are handles mounted to doors or drawers with a single screw or bolt. Knobs may be combined with backplates or used alone. They typically range in size from 3/4" to 2" in diameter.

Some knobs have screws built in, making them easier to install. They are becoming ever more popular because they’re more versatile than pulls, and easier to use than small latch handles. They have the added advantage of being more easily replaced than pulls because they don’t pose a problem in matching existing holes.

Knobs aren’t limited to being round. They can be flat with rounded edges, round like a ball, square, "T" shaped, or even bun shaped. They come in a variety of finshes, from wood to metal, and can be decorated or plain .
Most questions concerning knobs involve size, quantity or positioning. Knobs are like eyes and noses; their size and placement on a cabinet can have unpleasant results if not well planned.

For all but the largest cabinets, a knob between 1" and 1 1/2" diameter is appropriate.

If knobs are used on the drawers, they should be the same size or bigger than those on the doors. Wood knobs should generally be one size larger than an equivalent metal knob.

Most knobs come with a machine screw sized for 3/4" thick material. For thicker wood, a longer screw may need to be special-ordered. American made knobs are commonly threaded for 8/32 screws that can easily be found in most local hardware stores. European manufacturers use screws with a wide range of threads from 2mm metric to 1/4", which may not be readily available.

Pulls
Pulls perform the same service as knobs, but tend to be larger or more elaborate, and can greatly alter the look of the cabinet.

Pulls may be combined with a backplate or used alone; they’re usually attached with two or more screws, or have movable parts such as a ring handle. They also come in many different styles. Some of the more common types are D handles, bail handles, ring handles, latch handles, and cup pulls. There is some confusion in naming conventions across manufacturers, so you may see similar types of pulls given contradictory names by different companies.

The D handle is a fixed-position pull, named for its shape. This type of pull is mounted by two screws and may be used with or without a backplate. It is the most common type of pull and is often simply called a pull with no special designation. It is sold in thousands of different styles and finishes.

Appliance Door Handles
Large "D" handle pulls for use on appliance doors (such as refrigerators and freezers), are avaiable in complimentary finshes and designs for most door pulls/knobs.

The bail handle is characterized by an open loop that hangs freely between two fixed mounts. It is a modern version of a loop of rope tied between two holes.

Bail handles are mounted either on a single decorative backplate or on a pair of smaller plates (rosettes), one behind each post. Single backplates protect the wood behind the handle from damage from both fingernails and the bail itself, but both types serve to reinforce the mounting holes.

A pair of rosettes has the added advantage of allowing some adjustment in width by opening or closing the bail, which can be helpful in replacement situations.

In a typical application the bail should be wide enough to accommodate four fingers of a hand. This requirement has established a spread of 2 3/4" - 3 1/2" center to center for the mounting posts as the norm. Bails will usually take either the simple "D" shape or the more ornate swan neck form.

The drop handle is similar to a bail handle except that it requires no separate rosette or backplate. The mounting post on each side has a built-in flange that protects and reinforces the wood.

A lifting handle is commonly used on movable chests. It looks similar to a bail handle, either mounted to a pair of smaller rosettes or on a larger single plate. However, it has a stop that prevents the handle from rising past 90 degrees. In addition, while bail handles are usually mounted through the wood with a threaded post and nut, lifting handles are generally face mounted with woodscrews. These handles are rarely used on kitchen cabinetry, but are often used on period pieces in other rooms of the house.

The ring handle is also similar to the bail handle, but is typically mounted with a single screw. The ring and mount are often partnered with a backplate.

In some cases, the ring is countersunk into the backplate, forming what some manufacturers call a plate handle. The backplate reinforces the wood where the mounting post is fastened. It also provides the opportunity for every imaginable decorative pattern.

Ring handles come in a wide range of sizes. Their low profile makes them a good choice in tight places such as internal drawers; many of the smaller sizes have an overall projection of less the 3/8" and even the larger sizes are commonly less than 5/8".
The latch handle is really a vertically mounted D pull that mimics a door latch, except that it has no moving parts. It comes in a variety of sizes and should be proportioned to the door on which it is installed. If it’s too small for fingers to grip, it will be harder to use than a knob.

The cup pull or bin pull is a solid handle in the shape of an inverted half-cup or shell. It may have an integrated back plate or small screw flanges for mounting.

It was traditionally used on tilt-open bins where large bags of flour or similar commodities were stored. Today, it is a popular choice for drawer pulls.

Backplate - This is a trim plate placed between the door or drawer surface and the knob or pull. The backplate is frequently used to protect the cabinet surface. It may also cover existing holes in the cabinet surface, or it may simply be used to enhance the look of the decorative hardware. Backplates may be plain or fancy, and can greatly alter the impact of the knob or pull mounted on them.

Escutcheons are similar to backplates, but are used to trim and protect openings in the wood, such as keyholes rather than to supplement knobs and pulls.

Choosing a Style:
Decorative hardware is a great way to express one’s unique personality. Whether one prefers gothic or modern, classical or whimsical, the hardware selected can alter the appearance of the cabinets and set the tone for the entire kitchen.

Space prevents a thorough discussion of period styles here; but most interior designers are trained to make appropriate choices. There also seem to be no hard and fast rules. For example, Shakers rarely used knobs bigger than 1 1/4" diameter even on the largest casework, yet other cabinetry of the same period often used larger mushroom or bun shaped knobs. Sheraton styles of the early 19th century popularized large decorative brass knobs, but few have survived the wear and tear of use or changes in taste over the years.

If a home is designed around a specific period then hardware choices should probably be limited to designs of that time. On the other hand, generic traditional styling offers more options. The same cabinet can be dressed up or down substantially depending on a choice between rustic iron knobs or oval plate handles for example. Both might be appropriate and attractive, and both will work fine but one typifies "Country" and the other "Formal".

Still, function and comfort are the most important considerations in selecting hardware. If a drawer is heavy or deep, it will require a substantial pull.

Hardware should also be properly proportioned. A tiny knob on an oversized door will look out of place; likewise, a large gothic latch handle on a small cabinet will overpower it visually.

The shape of the hardware is often coordinated with light fixtures, cabinet panels, or accessories in order to integrate different elements in the room.

One popular trend is to combine different designs for an eclectic look. For example, each drawer in a bank of drawers could have a different pull, or the pulls for drawers might be one design while the pulls for cabinet doors might be another.

Materials and Finishes:
The finish of the knobs and pulls can make a statement. It can effectively complete the look of a room, giving it style and polish. Hardware is available in a huge variety of colors, materials and finishes such as:

• Antique or aged copper
  
• Polished or brushed chrome
  
• Polished, antique, or oil-rubbed brass
  
• Polished, antique, or Satin Nickel
  
• Polished or Antique Gold or Silver
  
• Polished or Antique Pewter
  
• Polished or Aged bronze
  
• Ceramics or Porcelains
  
• Forged or wrought Iron
  
• Enameled steel or aluminum
  
• Molded or Cut Glass or Crystal
  
• Granite, Marble, or Stone
  
• Machined or carved Wood
  
• Machined or molded Plastics or acrylics
  

Each of these materials has a number of subsets, and every manufacturer offers different shades or patinas that make cross matching virtually impossible. For that reason, all hardware should be bought from the same company and from the same product line. Knobs and pulls don’t have to be the same style, but their finishes should be compatible (and don’t forget that they also need to match any exposed hinges.)

Different architectural themes or period designs are associated with certain hardware styles and finishes. Interior designers are skilled at choosing appropriate patterns and colors, but there are a few common guidelines to keep in mind.

A simple iron knob is a good choice for rustic kitchen cabinets. It can also be the most versatile; its simple form allows the beauty of wood cabinetry to remain the focal point of the kitchen, while adding a touch of handcrafted warmth. While it goes well with rustic or contemporary cabinets, it also works with mission style cabinetry.

A traditional style home may use brushed finishes, polished brass, nickel or pewter. A popular current trend is the Old World look that shuns polished finishes. Examples of these finishes include crackled porcelain, weathered, oil-rubbed or hand-rubbed metals.

Craftsman style homes often feature clean-lined handcrafted furnishings and natural materials. Simple, sturdy metal pulls that look hand-forged are often used in arts-and-crafts-style kitchens

Colonial decor typically uses flat nickel or wooden knobs or pulls. But most wood knobs are lathe turned from lengths of wood, with the end grain showing, and end grain absorbs stain more readily and will appear much darker unless the wood is properly prepared before the finish is applied.

For a classic look, some manufacturers will fabricate porcelain knobs and pulls to match most types of granite countertops.

Contemporary décor often calls for finishes with an enameled or high gloss-metal shine or themed hardware to blend with the overall look of the kitchen. Stainless steel hardware complements currently popular stainless appliances. Satin nickel is another good choice for contemporary designs.

If glass hardware is desired in the kitchen, it should be located only in low-usage areas, since glass pulls break more easily than metal pulls. Consider substituting acrylic instead.

With proper care, all hardware should provide customers with years of beauty. Many manufacturers include warranties on their finishes. The Warranty will only cover normal wear, though; using harsh cleaners will void the warranty. These products should only be cleaned with non-abrasive moist cloths. Use only mild soapy water and then dry immediately.

Installation:
There are no set rules for placement of knobs or pulls. They may be thought of as artistic accents as well as functional pieces. Still, their placement can be crucial to the overall integration of the cabinetry plan. When placed with care a knob should blend into its context. Poorly placed knobs disrupt the aesthetic balance of an otherwise well-proportioned kitchen.

Most new cabinetry is traditional in design, but sometimes in an effort to be trendy, designers try placing knobs in non-traditional places. When deciding on their placement there are some caveats that should be remembered:

Cabinet Doors:
Whenever possible, avoid placing knobs on a center panel. A veneered panel will not be as strong as the wood frame surrounding it.

Drawer Fronts:
Generally a single knob or pull is used on drawers under eighteen inches wide, while drawers over eighteen inches call for either two knobs or two pulls. Drawers over 24" wide should have two knobs/pulls to prevent the drawer from twisting when pulled. For visual continuity, pulls or knobs should be installed on false front drawer fronts as well.

To position a drawer handle successfully, first determine it’s visual center of mass (the absolute center od the pull). A knob’s center of mass will be the mounting screw.

As a general rule, If a drawer is wide enough to need two knobs/pulls, each should be centered about 1/6th of the drawer length from the edge of the drawer and positioned slightly above center.

Placement of Multiple Drawer Pulls:
Length ÷ 6 = center of knob/pull
Using this formula, if the the drawer is 24 inches wide, the middle of the pull should be 4 inches from the outside edge of the drawer front.



In some cases it is impossible to place a handle at the optimum height because of such things as cross banding or overcrowding on a narrow upper drawer. In these instances the eye is generally forgiving.

Bail handles derive more of their visual mass from the rosettes than do plate handles where the bail is recessed on a field of brass. This means a rosette handle will be placed a little lower than a plate handle whose mass is mostly a function of the backplate. The goal in all cases is to mount the handle so that the center of mass is slightly above the centerline of the drawer front. The deeper the drawer front the higher the handle should be placed above the centerline.

Don’t forget that the thickness of the door or drawer must be considered when ordering screws to make certain that the proper length screw is purchased.

In replacing a pull, the old one should be used to measure the new one. Remember to measure from the center to center of each screw (not the length of the pull) to determine the size pull needed. If the old holes will be patched, or if a backplate will be used, size will be flexible; but don’t forget that the holes go all the way through, so that the plate it won’t cover them on the inside. If this matters, a second plate may be needed.

It’s always best to leave hardware installation to professionals who will accept responsibility for their alignment. These experts use special jigs to assure a proper match across the cabinets, which is extremely important visually.

A cabinet can only be drilled once and it must be perfect the first time; if a hole is drilled wrong, the only way to repair it is to cover the hole with a backplate and start over. But that means that every other cabinet in the kitchen will require a matching backplate. And don’t forget that once drilled, the cabinet cannot be returned.

Making the purchase:

Most manufacturers provide their dealers with display boards showing each design of door pulls/knobs, in a group, such as the one at the right from Top Knobs.

The display board has the advantage of being able to view all available options and combinations together for each design group from each manufacturer. This makes the selection process a little easier.

If you can’t decide on a specific knob, wait a few days and look them over again; ask a friend for advice; or order samples and try living with them for a few days. After a while, you’ll find the choice much easier to make.

Don’t be embarrassed to seek help in choosing a style that will complement the architectural theme of the home. If you’re not working with a designer, our staff will be happy to assist you in making your selections.

Be cautious about truly unusual designs, however, if you intend to sell the house in a few years. Cute trendy styles can become tiresome after a while and may not appeal to everyone. Good taste lasts forever. Drill options could make them difficult to replace.

 

See Also:
Cabinetry   Stock, Semi-Custom, Custom Quality Construction - Part1 Quality Construction - Part2 Cabinet Door Types Cabinet Door Styles Cabinet Door Options Cabinet Hardware Other: Bathroom Vanities		About Cabinet Materials/Finishes Solid Wood Cabinetry Engineered Wood Wood Veneer Wood Samples Cabinet Finishes: Wood Stains / Dyes / Glazes
related pages: Cabinetry Cost: Allowances, Budgets, Allocations