Cabinet Hardware: Getting to Know the Basics

Many homeowners fret over the kitchen cabinets. They can serve as both focal point and style-setter for the entire space. In many ways they define the overall stylistic feel of the home. Your selection of material, finish, and design are important, but these are not your only considerations. Upon choosing cabinets, you must also choose the cabinet hardware. Knobs, pulls, hinges, and latches can change not only the overall look of the cabinets but also how they are used, so it is important to pin down your kitchen needs and your style desires before making a selection.

Cabinet Hinges

Selection of your cabinet hinges will depend largely on the type of cabinets you have in your home. Style and function matter, but whether you have frame or frameless cabinets will matter more.

Face frame cabinets are built with a hardwood frame on the face, which hides the ends of side panels, provides added stability and acts as a strong base on which the hinges can be attached. Bottom face frame cabinets may not need a top panel because the frame provides significant structural strength. Cabinet doors close flush with the frame or are completely or partially overlaid on the frame.

Most hinges cost between $2 and $15 each, with price variations due to size and quality, not style. However, surface mount hinges, which are totally visible, may have decorative detailing that will affect price, which can range from $2 to $40 per hinge.

Overlay Hinges

Overlay hinges are for use with frameless cabinets and full overlay doors. The hinge's two wings are attached to the inside wall of the cabinet and the back of the door, making the hinge invisible when the door is closed. Overlay hinges are more functionally significant than aesthetically important.

Wrap Hinges

When using a wrap hinge for a partial overlay door, only the knuckle and pin show when the door is shut. The door wing attaches to the back of the door, but the frame wing may wrap around two or three sides of the frame before attaching on the side or back. Since wrap hinges aren't invisible, they are available in a variety of finishes and may have some decorative elements.

Flush Hinges

Flush or full inset hinges are appropriate for face frame cabinets where the door is fully flush with the frame. The wings are attached to the cabinet's interior sides and door, with the knuckle and pin showing when the door is shut. Like wrap hinges, flush hinges are available with various finishes and pin decorations.

Face Frame Hinges

Face frame or face mount hinges, like flush and wrap hinges, are only partially concealed and therefore available in a range of styles and finishes. The door wing attaches to the back of the door, while the frame wing is mounted visibly on the front of the frame, showing along with the pin and knuckle.

Surface Mount Hinges

Surface mount hinges are totally visible, as both wings are mounted on the outside of the cabinet. High visibility means a large style variety, and a wide range of colors and finishes.

Self-Closing Hinges

A self closing hinge, available as a flush or face mounted hinge, is an undeniably convenient piece of cabinet hardware.

Getting a Handle on Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

Knobs and pulls provide an easy mechanism for grasping and opening the cabinet. Knobs are mounted to the cabinet with a single screw and bolt, while pulls are longer, and require a screw and bolt at each end. Both knobs and pulls can be directly attached to the cabinet door or drawer or can be placed on a back plate, which provides an accent and some protection to the cabinet.

In general, buyers will choose the same style of knob or pull for every door or drawer, but alternating selections or developing a theme can be an interesting project.

Because there are nearly unlimited style options, buyers are often tempted to choose something safe, simple, and cheap. It's true that a basic brass pull or plastic knob may be just what your home needs, but it's beneficial to consider a broad range of materials and styles. Here, we've listed the most common material options.

Metal

Metal can be worked in a variety of ways, making it one of the most versatile fixture materials. Metal is strong even when stretched and shaped and is therefore ideal for customization.

Brass

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is popular for its durability, strength and manipulability. Brass knobs and pulls are available in gold, silver or copper tones. It can come with an antique finish or high shine and in many shapes. Small and basic styles begin at $1, while elaborate styles may cost over $100 each.

Copper

Copper, which has a familiar reddish tone, adds a sophisticated, beautiful accent to any kitchen and is available in a variety of shapes. A darker patina will accent the details of the design, while an antique finish provides a brushed, classic appearance. Copper is not as well suited as other materials to be used for larger pulls, so its price range is smaller, with knobs and pulls ranging from $1 to $30 each.

Bronze

Bronze is generally mixed with tin or other minerals and has a distinct dark tone that complements an antique style kitchen. Highly polished bronze complements several types of wood. Bronze, like brass, is easily customized and can cost between $1 to $100 per knob or pull.

Iron

Iron is extremely strong and versatile. Iron knobs and pulls can be formed into intricate shapes and finished into a high polished silvery or flat black, making them significant style enhancements. Basic mass produced iron knobs will begin at $3, while less common shapes, finishes and qualities will cost up to $100. Because iron can be shaped with such detail, many artists produce customized knobs that cost significantly more than $100.

Other Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic knobs are easily maintained and durable and have a clean, classic style. Available most commonly in a standard white, they can also be found in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. Ceramic knobs and pulls often consist of a metal or wood base and a ceramic insert, but are also available as stand-alone knobs.

Crystal

Crystal knobs and pulls provide a simple and elegant way to add a bit of sparkle and brightness to any kitchen. Most are clear or frosted and shaped as a modified sphere, though they can also be purchased in geometric shapes or customized for the buyer's taste. For example, if your kitchen has a flower theme, crystal knobs can add shine and a break from the general colors of the theme. Crystal knobs and pulls, especially those from makers like Swarovski, may reach $50 each in price. However, more affordable crystal can be found starting at $3 each.

Glass

Glass, like crystal, adds some classy sparkle to a kitchen, but this material is even more customizable. Glass is easy to shape and takes color easily, making it inexpensive and widely available in many styles. Glass knobs and pulls generally cost $3 to $25 each, depending on quality and style.

Stone

Stone is more difficult to work with than other materials, making stone more expensive than other options. Still, stone knobs and pulls introduce a unique element of style to your kitchen, especially as a complement to granite countertops. Stone knobs range in price from $5 to $40 each, depending on stone style, type, and size. Basic granite knobs cost about $20 each, often less.

Plastic

Plastic knobs and pulls, at $1 to $4 each, are less durable than other knobs. While available in a variety of colors, styles are limited and basic. Plastic offers an inexpensive option, but less customizability.

Wood

Wood knobs are available in a plethora of styles, varieties, shapes and colors and are a perfect complement to wood cabinets. Wood, like metal, has many types, including mahogany, cherry and oak. Buyers can choose a high quality finish or no finish at all, so the knob is able to be perfectly matched to the cabinets. Wood knobs cost between $1 and $10 each, though higher quality or many custom attributes may cost more.

The Bottom Line

Both style and function play an important role in choosing cabinet hardware, so the process can involve many decisions. Whether shopping for hinges, knobs, or both, be sure to evaluate your cabinet to decide what you need and consider your style to decide what you want. Keep in mind how many cabinets you will be outfitting to determine budget. When in doubt, test them out. Hold the knob in your hand to evaluate texture, or ask to see a self-closing hinge in action. With so much variety in cabinet hardware, careful consideration can be the key to getting you exactly what you imagined.