How to Choose the Right Cabinet Hardware.
Rather you’re installing semi custom DIY cabinets or you splurged on your dream custom cabinets, hardware can make or break any design.
While many think of hardware as an after thought, We recommend it be one of the first things you think of when designing your cabinets. Especially custom cabinets, as they can effect the build + Budget. Hardware should be considered the accessory of any cabinet, it helps create a personalized style to every space. Hardware comes in every style imaginable and many, many finishes. They can range in price from $4 to $200+ and that’s just for handles or knobs.
so, with so many options how do you chose what is right for you and your space?
5 Key Elements
To choose the right hardware Andy + I recommend considering 5 key Elements to help narrow your decision down.
function
Design
Size
Finish
Budget
let us help you break it down a bit further.
function
hardware isn’t just pulls and handles, it also includes hinges, drawer slides, and any extra bells and whistles you may want to add. Things to consider when designing your cabinets:
Hinges:
Overlay, partial overlay or Inset Cabinet Doors: Overlay Cabinet doors refers To a door that sits in front of the frame + covers the entire frame. A Partial overlay door sits on top of the frame and exposes some of the frame in between the doors. an inset door is flush with the frame. All types of frames can Accommodate Exposed or hidden hinges. Each type of door requires a different hinge install.
Exposed vs. Hidden: Hidden hinges give a streamline effect to cabinets because there’s no visual break with these hinges. they’re normally used in more modern or modern traditional kitchen designs. Exposed hinges bring a more ornate interest to a space and are Usually used in Classical, farmhouse, or traditional designs.
Soft Close: soft close hinges or European hinges prevent hinges from slamming. While Non-exposed European Hinges can be most cost effective, Exposed soft close hinges Can come in a variety of styles.
Traditional Hinge
Perfect for a vintage style kitchen, maybe even a farmhouse
Knobs vs. Pulls
The great thing about modern design is there’s no rules. While knobs traditionally have been used for classic or Vintage kitchens, modern kitchens are beginning to embrace the sleek designs today’s knobs have. they pair well with minimalist kitchens or can be mixed with contrast handles.
A good rule of thumb is, to use handles in heavy usage areas with upward or downward pull tension and Knobs on cabinets with less traffic and lateral pull tension.
Modern Cabinet Pulls
The Possibilities are endless.
Design / Size / Finish
After you’ve decided what functions you will need and want it’s time to hone in on the style or design. Honestly, the choices are Unlimited. In order to narrow your Choice Down you will need to figure out:
Design: When figuring out your style We suggest looking at different design shops to see what you’re attracted to. While some may love the classic look of Rejuvenation. Others may prefer a more modern approach CB2 brings to life. For a more artsy or Antique approach to hardware Etsy may have just what you like. Also, never forget the power of a good Pinterest Mood board.
Size: Do you want your hardware to make a statement or be a subtle function? Size is the key to creating Either. Larger scale hardware will be the focal point of the cabinets. While small hardware can nearly disappear.
Finish: Most common finishes are Satin Nickel, Antique Brass, Matte Black, and Brass. I Have a love for champagne bronze, considering this is the finish we’re currently putting in our kitchen update. Finishes can also aid in the hardware making a subtle or Large statement. the more contrasting the finish is to the cabinet the more it will stand out.
Extras: Another way to add a personalized style is to add design elements such as cabinet Latches or Cremone Bolts
Cremona Bolts run the length of the cabinet and Latch at the top into the cabinet frame
Budget
Setting a budget is the most Important part of any home Project, but it can also be the most overwhelming. Once you’ve established what you need + want, including hinges, soft close Slides for drawers, knobs or pulls, and any extras, you can begin researching what the average cost of these items may be.
Many contractors / Designers will already have a Medium price built into their cost, which can easily run an extra $200+ per cabinet door for 2 hinges and 1 drawer pull. Note, this price does not reflect install or Time + Material cost. Some contractors / designers may allow you to purchase products, but I Wouldn't be surprised if they don’t.
You may be asking Yourself why it’s so expensive. the answer is, quality hardware is expensive and cheap products equal cheap results. So many contractors / designers do not want to support using products they can’t rely on. Most quality slow close drawer slides can cost $130, and that’s for Something you won’t even see on finished cabinetry.
Overall to set up a budget know how many of each product you will need, research Average price per Piece (make sure to look up price in your area), this will give you a low estimate of what the cost will be. As always we recommend adding 20% to the cost for extra materials.
After doing the math you may begin to Realize you may have to change the design a bit to fit your budget. In this case, always know what your priority is. meaning… do you value a soft close (no slam) hinge or would you rather splurge on the pretties you get to see?
We hope this makes your search for the perfect hardware a bit easier. let us know if this helped you out and what else you’d like us to add to a future Blog post.
