Installing cabinet pulls can feel like a daunting task if you’ve never done it before, and maybe even if you have!! And while I am a believer that done is better than perfect, I’m ALSO a believer that we ALWAYS have more we can learn. I’ve previously shared my personal ins and outs of installing cabinet hardware, but now I want to share 5 tips to install cabinet hardware, from a professional. And no, the professional is not me!
more about the professional
He’s Derrick Lawless from D. Lawless Hardware! I’ve used their hardware for many projects, and not only is it a good product, but he’s a good guy, very knowledgeable!
Here’s a little more about him and his business:
- Been in business since 1984
- Been selling hardware online since 1999
- You can visit their showroom if you ever find yourself in Illinois
- Great guy, super friendly
…what else do you need to know!? That covers the high points!!
Plus, bonus points to him for taking some time and sharing his best tips and tricks with me, so I could share them with you! You can shop D. Lawless Hardware here and check them out if you’d like!
Now let’s jump into it!
5 tips to install cabinet hardware, from a professional
- When you are choosing hardware, and this is a tip for people ordering online more than in person, but it is a good idea to check the overall length of the pulls on the website, then use a piece of paper or something to see how this length is in proportion to your cabinet doors. Many times people order a pull that in their mind is plenty long, but once they get them in hand and hold them up to the cabinet door they look very undersized.
- It is important to measure over and over and make sure all measurements are correct before you drill any holes. This seems obvious, but people get excited when installing new hardware and we’ve seen people drill holes through many doors and then realize they’ve mixed up sizes. For example they order 3″ pulls for drawers and 3 3/4″ for cabinets and the next thing you know the cabinets have 3″ spacing because someone got too excited or the contractor wasn’t informed that there were two sizes of drawer pulls.
- Even if you are hiring someone, take no chances, separate the pulls for them. 3″ on the drawers, 3 3/4″ on the cabinets, or whatever that looks like for you.
- NEVER get rid of your old hinges. If you are remodeling older cabinets, it’s quite likely you have older hinges. Standards have changed and often time there is no replacing these hinges without drilling and filling every hole. It is quite often a better solution to paint your hinges in these cases. I probably advise two or three people a month that they are better off painting the old hinges (they’ll look fine don’t worry) because of the older style and spacing of their hinges. Rustoleum has almost every finish and you can match whatever knobs and pulls you’ve chosen.
- Bring your hinge to the store! If I can hold the hinge and see it, I can come to an answer for most people. If we are left to you describing your hinge then I can’t promise much and I will probably ask you to come back with the hinge.
And just to touch on those last 2 points… yes, hinges matter. You will often want your hinges to match your pulls or knobs for a more seamless look, so don’t forget those in all the excitement about the FUN hardware!
But there you have it!! 5 tips to install cabinet hardware, from a professional!! I thought they were extremely helpful to know, and it’s always great to have the inside scoop from someone who REALLY knows what they’re talking about!!
If you’d like to see my personal how-to on cabinet hardware, you can see that HERE!
You’re officially armed with all you need to get out there and install cabinet hardware… what’re you waiting for!?
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