The choice of using a knob or a pull is entirely personal.
Cabinet knobs and pulls are among the last components installed in a new kitchen. They are both decorative and functional, and their placement can affect the way the kitchen looks and the way the doors and drawers open. A knob or pull placed too close to the hinges on a cabinet door can make it more difficult to open. Likewise, a knob or pull placed in an unusual place may affect how the cabinet looks. Installed properly, however, new knobs and pulls can help enhance the entire kitchen.
Placement for Use
Cabinet knobs and cabinet pulls are typically installed between 2 1/2 and 3 inches from the corner of the cabinet doors furthest from the hinges. For upper cabinets, this is the lower corner; on base cabinets, this is the upper corner. Knobs and pulls installed on a kitchen drawer front are typically centered in the middle of the drawer, both top-down and side-to-side. Despite these rules, however, there is some room for variance, particularly depending on personal preference of the homeowner and how they look. Oversized knobs or pulls may look better placed lower down on a cabinet, for example, or geometric knobs that mirror the lines of the cabinet might work better placed slightly closer or further from the edge.
Use a Template
A cabinet drill template is a piece of plastic that hangs from the corner of the cabinet. It is covered in holes at varying distances apart from one another and is used to help get the correct placement of knobs and pulls on every cabinet door. Hang the template on the door, locate the hole or holes you need to drill and draw their outline onto the cabinet with a pencil. When the template is removed, you have the area to drill perfectly marked.
Drill the Holes
Once you know where you want the handles or knobs to be installed, holes need to be drilled for them. Use a drill bit that is the same size as the screws being used with the knob or pull. Drill from the front of the cabinet toward the back. Hold the drill level and drill very slowly, without a lot of pressure placed on the cabinet. This will keep the drill from splintering the back of the door as it pushes through.
Install the Knobs and Pulls
The knob hardware itself is held in place on the front of the door while the screws are inserted into the hole in the door from the back. While most knobs and handles come with screws, if your doors are very thick or very thin, you may want to get new screws so your pulls fit properly. Screw from the back into the pull or knob until it is snug against the door and doesn't rotate when you attempt to turn it. The screw head should be flush to the backside of the door.
About the Author
Sarabeth Asaff has worked in and has written about the home improvement industry since 1995. She has written numerous articles on art, interior design and home improvements, specializing in kitchen and bathroom design. A member in good standing with the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Asaff has working knowledge of all areas of home design.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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