Cabinet Upgrade: A Guide to Updating Your Drawer Knobs, Pulls, and Handles

A simple update on your cabinet hardware makes a huge difference. It dramatically transforms its look for far less than the cost of replacing it. Plus, it lets you customize and add a personal touch to your drawer, dresser, kitchen cabinet, or cabinet doors.

However, there are some things you need to consider before deciding whether to do a retouch or completely replace your cabinets.

When to Replace Your Cabinets

Before we spend time, money, and effort on a cabinet replacement, we want to make sure that we are making the best decision. Just because the cabinet looks aged doesn’t mean it loses its function and quality. First, we need to do a general check.

Below are some of the most common signs that your cabinet needs a replacement:

You can easily tell the difference between a good shape and not. If the cabinet is too worn for you to drill new holes for door installation, then you might be risking a lot of expenses here. Replacing it is the best and most practical decision you can make. 

There are a lot of reasons why cabinets go soft after years of usage. Termites are the number one culprit but we should also look for water damage. Since most cabinets are made from wood, we should pay attention to these early signs:

• Warp wood
• Bubbling
• Delamination
• Dark color spots
• Mold
• Not closing or opening properly

Be sure to find the source of the water and take immediate action.

If molds went too far and seem quite hard to control, then that’s it! You need a replacement.

Not seeing any of these problems, then you can go for a simple cabinet update!

New Hardware: A Simple Home Upgrade for Cabinets

We’ve seen it a lot that new hardware brings major makeover for the cabinets we once thought is out-dated. Who would have thought that this simple fix can give you a brand new cabinet without actually spending hundreds or thousands of dollars?

There are tons of varying knobs and pulls readily available online or in hardware stores. But before you go shopping, think about what type of hardware will feel the most functional for your lifestyle.

Types of Cabinet Hardware

There are two main classifications of cabinet hardware: knobs and pulls. They might seem to have the same function but there are actually some minor advantages and disadvantages when choosing one from another. 

Knobs

Knob is a versatile hardware as it can be used for both drawers and cabinets. The main difference it makes to pulls is quite obvious. Knobs have smaller profiles. Plus, there are seemingly endless options when it comes to design. 

Another key difference to take note of is that knobs are significantly cheaper compared to standard pulls. They are also easier to install as they commonly require only one (1) screw. Therefore, opting for knobs can be the best option especially if you have a couple of cabinets to update.

Pulls

Pulls, on the other hand, tend to provide an easier grip. They own a linear shape which is pretty noticeable in cabinet doors. Unlike knobs, pulls are attached to the drawer using two or more screws. They vary in size and therefore require more measurements before they are ready to install.

Knobs Vs. Pulls: Final Thoughts

Depending on your style choice, either of these two will make a huge difference to your old cabinets. However, if you want to save time and money while adding a classic touch to your cabinets, go for knobs. There are significantly more design options compared to pulls. Plus, they offer a quick and easy installation.

But if you can spend a little more and achieve a contemporary look, go for pulls. They are also a great choice for a simple and minimalistic appeal.