How to Install Cabinet Hardware: The Complete DIY Guide

Installing cabinet hardware might seem like a minor detail in your kitchen or bathroom renovation, but the right handles and knobs—properly installed—can transform the look of your space. This guide will walk you through the process of installing cabinet hardware with professional results, whether you're working with brand-new cabinets or updating existing ones.

Choosing the Right Cabinet Hardware Placement

Before drilling any holes, you need to decide where your hardware will look best. Hardware placement isn't just about aesthetics—it affects functionality too.

Cabinet Hardware Placement on Drawers

For drawers, you generally have two options:

1. Centre placement: Measure the width and height of the drawer front and mark the centre. This works well for knobs and small pulls.
2. Upper third placement: For larger drawers, especially in kitchens, placing hardware in the upper third of the drawer front is often more ergonomic and visually appealing.

For wider drawers (24 inches or more), consider using two pulls for better functionality and a more balanced appearance.

Cabinet Hardware Placement on Doors

For cabinet doors, the standard placement is on the side opposite the hinges. Typical positions include:

1. Lower corner (for upper cabinets): Place hardware 2-3 inches from the bottom corner of the door.
2. Upper corner (for lower cabinets): Place hardware 2-3 inches from the top corner of the door.
3. Centre edge: Some prefer centring the hardware vertically along the edge of the door.

For consistent results, decide on your preferred placement and maintain it throughout your kitchen or bathroom.

Manual Cabinet Hardware Installation

While templates and jigs make installation easier (more on those later), you can achieve excellent results with basic measuring and marking.

Tools You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill with appropriate bit sizes
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Optional: Cabinet hardware template or jig

Installing Hardware on Drawers Manually

1. Measure drawer width: Find the centre by measuring the drawer front width and dividing by two.
2. Measure drawer height: Determine your preferred height (centre or upper third).
3. Measure handle screw hole spacing: For pulls with two mounting holes, measure the distance between them.
4. Mark hole positions: Using your measurements, mark where the screw holes should go.
5. Drill pilot holes: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws.
6. Install hardware: Attach your knobs or pulls and tighten.

Installing Hardware on Doors Manually

1. Determine placement: Decide whether you want hardware in the corner or centred vertically.
2. Measure height: Mark your vertical position (typically 2-3 inches from the top or bottom edge).
3. Measure width: Mark your horizontal position (typically 2-3 inches from the edge opposite the hinges).
4. Transfer measurements for pulls: If using pulls with two mounting holes, measure and mark both positions.
5. Drill holes: Create pilot holes where marked.
6. Install hardware: Attach knobs or pulls and ensure they're secure.

Pro tip: To prevent wood splintering when drilling, place masking tape over your marks before drilling, or drill from the front side into a scrap piece of wood backing.

Using Cabinet Hardware Jigs for Perfect Results

For multiple cabinets, a hardware installation jig is worth the investment. Jigs ensure consistent placement across all your cabinets and dramatically speed up the process.

How to Use a Cabinet Hardware Jig

1. Adjust the jig: Set the jig to your desired measurements for consistent placement.
2. Position the jig: Place it on the cabinet door or drawer front.
3. Drill through the guide holes: The jig's guide holes ensure perfectly aligned holes.
4. Move to the next cabinet: Repeat the process without remeasuring.

Types of Cabinet Hardware Jigs

• Basic jigs: Simple templates with pre-set hole spacing
• Adjustable jigs: Allow customization of hole spacing and placement
• Door and drawer jigs: Specialized for different cabinet components

DIY Cabinet Hardware Templates

If you don't want to purchase a jig, you can create a simple template:

Making a Drawer Template

1. Cut a piece of cardboard or thin plywood to the size of your drawer front.
2. Mark your preferred hardware placement.
3. Drill holes through these marks.
4. Use this template by aligning it with each drawer front and marking through the holes.

Making a Door Template

Follow the same process, but create a template that can be aligned consistently with the edge of each door.

Tips and Tricks for Professional Results

Use Thread Sealant for Secure Hardware

Apply a small amount of thread sealant to prevent knobs and pulls from loosening over time.

Handle Installation Challenges

• Too-thick doors or drawers: Purchase longer screws that can reach through the entire thickness.
• Too-thin doors: Use shorter screws or cut existing ones to prevent puncturing the cabinet interior.

Fixing Mistakes

• Hide old holes: Cover unused holes with decorative back plates or wood filler.
• Fill and refinish: For visible holes, use wood putty matched to your cabinet colour.

Cabinet Door Alignment

If your cabinet doors aren't perfectly aligned, adjust the hinges before installing the hardware to ensure everything lines up properly.

Conclusion

Installing cabinet hardware isn't difficult, but attention to detail makes the difference between amateur and professional-looking results. Whether you choose to measure manually or invest in a jig, consistent placement and secure installation will give your cabinets a polished, custom look.

Remember that hardware is like jewellery for your cabinets—it's a relatively small investment that can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. Take your time with installation, and you'll enjoy the results for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size drill bit should I use for cabinet hardware? Use a drill bit that's the same diameter as your hardware screws, or slightly smaller for a tight fit.

How high should handles be placed on cabinet doors? For upper cabinets, 2-3 inches up from the bottom edge is standard. For lower cabinets, 2-3 inches down from the top edge.

Can I install new hardware in existing holes? Yes, if the spacing matches your new hardware. If not, you'll need to fill the old holes and drill new ones, or choose hardware with backplates that cover the old holes.

How much does professional cabinet hardware installation cost? Professional installation typically costs $2-$5 per piece of hardware, depending on your location and the complexity of the job.