Quck answer
Installing cabinet hardware is a simple process that can instantly update the look of your cabinets. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Measure and mark: Determine the placement of your hardware by measuring and marking the desired locations on the cabinet doors or drawers.
2. Drill pilot holes: Use a drill with a small drill bit to create pilot holes at the marked locations. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you attach the hardware.
3. Attach the hardware: Place the hardware over the pilot holes and secure them with screws. Make sure they are tightened securely.
4. Test and adjust: After attaching the hardware, test the doors or drawers to ensure they open and close smoothly. If needed, adjust the position of the hardware for optimal functionality.
5. Enjoy your updated cabinets: Step back and admire your newly installed cabinet hardware. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the overall look of your cabinets.
When it comes to cabinets, the hardware is an essential part of the design. Whether you’re renovating or building new cabinets, the door handles, drawer pulls, and hinges all play a functional and decorative role. However, all the effort put into choosing the hardware goes to waste if it’s not installed correctly. This is especially true for door latches, which won’t work if they’re not aligned properly.
Even the most decorative handles won’t look their best if they’re not aligned correctly.
The mechanics of installing hardware are simple, and a drill is often the only tool needed. However, placement can be a challenge, especially for cabinets with multiple drawers and doors. Even a small mistake can ruin the appearance of the cabinet. You also need to decide on a logical placement scheme. Should the door handles be closer to the bottom or the middle of the doors? How far should the hinges be from the top and bottom of the doors?
After measuring and marking, you’ll need to drill holes and drive screws. This is usually straightforward, but it’s possible to make mistakes. One of the most common errors is drilling straight through a door and damaging the back, leaving an unsightly gouge visible when the door is open. However, this is easy to avoid.
What You’ll Need
- Drilling template (purchased or homemade)
- Drill with twist bits
- Pencil
- Level
- Screwdrivers
- Tape measure
- Cabinet hardware (hinges, door handle, drawer pulls, as needed)
Use Templates for Multiple Holes
You can buy a template for installing cabinet hardware at any hardware store. It’s a plastic plate with predrilled holes that helps avoid small measurement mistakes that can have a big impact. When you align the template with a corner or edge of a door or drawer front and use it to mark your holes, alignment is guaranteed.
Using a template is the easiest way to ensure all handles are aligned.
You can also make your own template from a piece of cardboard. Make a mark on the cardboard, drill a hole on the mark, and use that hole to mark drill locations for all similar doors and drawers.
Tip
The ideal template for installing door handles and drawer pulls is made from two pieces of 1/4-inch plywood attached to a wooden core to form a U shape. Slip the template over the edge of the door or drawer front, position it where you want it, and drill the hole. If the core is the same thickness as the door or drawer, the template automatically prevents tear-out on the back of the door.
Selecting and Installing Cabinet Hinges
There are various types of cabinet hinges, some visible and some concealed. The type of hinge required depends on whether the doors overlay the door frame or are inset. Some hinges require mortises in both the door and cabinet, while others can be secured with screws. It is important to select hinges that align with your doors and to carefully read the instructions provided, as installation methods vary depending on the hinge type. A general installation procedure is as follows:
Hinges that require mortises usually come with detailed installation instructions.
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Iurii Garmash/iStock/GettyImages
- Install each hinge on the door, ensuring that the hinges are positioned uniformly from 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the top and bottom of the door.
- If installing hidden hinges, open the door and butt the edge against the frame. For overmount hinges, hold the door in the closed position and align it with the frame.
- Mark the top hole of the top hinge, remove the door, and drill a pilot hole for the screw using an 1/8-inch drill bit. Reinsert the door and secure it in place with a screw.
- Level the door using a spirit level and mark the hinge hole positions. Drill pilot holes and install the remaining screws.
Tip
Remember to leave a 1/8- to 1/4-inch gap between doors. Concealed hinges that attach to the inside of the cabinet frame automatically create this gap, provided that the doors are the correct size. For hinges that butt against the cabinet facing, the gap needs to be created manually.
Placing and Installing Cabinet Handles
Cabinet handles are typically placed in the center of drawer faces or near the tops or bottoms of doors, depending on ease of reach. For consistency, the same placement should be used for all similar drawers or doors. A template can be used to ensure uniform placement, or a tape measure, ruler, pencil, and level can be used instead.
To complete the installation, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
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bodu9/iStock/GettyImages
- Measure and mark the distance of the handle from the top or bottom of the door and from the edge. The distance from the edge will depend on whether the door has molding or not. For doors with molding, center the handles on the molding. For doors without molding, the handles are typically placed about 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the door.
- Make identical marks on all similarly placed doors, such as all the upper cabinets or all the lower cabinets.
- Use a spirit level to check the alignment of the marks. The bubble should be centered when the level is held horizontally or vertically between a pair of marks.
After making all the marks, drill a hole through each one using a drill bit with a slightly larger diameter than the handle screws. To prevent tear-through on the backs of the doors, place a piece of tape on the back of the door, drill through the tape, and remove it when the hole is made.
If the handles have more than one screw, install the first screw through the hole that has just been drilled, tighten it, and then adjust the handle to make it vertical or horizontal using the level. Mark the position of the second screw, then rotate the handle out of the way and drill the hole for it. Finish the installation by tightening both screws down with a drill or screwdriver.
Tip
Using a store-bought template for handle placement has the advantage of having holes with standard spacing for most two-screw handles.
FAQ
1. What tools do I need to install cabinet hardware?
To install cabinet hardware, you will need a few essential tools. These include a drill, a screwdriver (either manual or electric), a tape measure, a pencil, and a level. Additionally, you may need a template or a jig, especially if you are installing multiple pieces of hardware and want to ensure they are evenly spaced. It is also a good idea to have a cloth or towel handy to protect the cabinet surface while you work.
2. What is the best way to measure for cabinet hardware?
Measuring for cabinet hardware is relatively simple. Start by determining where you want to place the hardware on the cabinet door or drawer. Use a tape measure to measure the distance from the edge of the door or drawer to the desired placement point. Mark this spot with a pencil. If you are installing multiple pieces of hardware, use a level and a template or jig to ensure they are evenly spaced. Double-check your measurements before drilling any holes.
3. How do I install cabinet hardware without damaging the cabinet?
To install cabinet hardware without damaging the cabinet, follow these steps. First, place a cloth or towel over the area where you will be working to protect the cabinet surface. Use a tape measure and a pencil to mark the desired placement points for the hardware. Next, use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you attach the hardware. Finally, use a screwdriver or electric screwdriver to secure the hardware in place, being careful not to overtighten and damage the cabinet.