Cabinet Hardware Plays an Important Role in Remodeling

Don't Ignore Your Cabinet Hardware

As a child, you most likely were told to clean your room. Did you try to cram everything under your bed and in your closet? Chances are, you were caught and then had to spend even more time de-cluttering your room. As adults, we are guilty of a similar crime: cramming pots, pans and food items in our cabinets and pantries. Have you ever taken the time to examine the doors you’re hiding items behind? Over the years, the nicks, dings, cracks and spills accumulate on your kitchen cabinet hardware and inevitably illustrate a home well worn in, stains and all. But just as we were told as children, you cannot ignore the reality that you should replace your cabinet hardware!

Check It and Chuck It

Evaluate the cabinetry in both your kitchen and bathroom. Look for major problems such as splintering wood and cracked frames as well as loose hinges, crooked hanging, stubborn drawer slides and missing nails. Of course, salvage what you can. Even if your cabinets are outdated and the finish is unsightly, a quick buff with sandpaper and a fresh coat of finish will save you more money than simply purchasing a new set of cabinet units. However, you also should let bygones be bygones; if you cannot easily reverse the damage, throw it out or add it to your wood pile!

Shop Around for Home Hardware

Though installing new cabinet units is quite easy, it is also easy to simply forget all the necessary items you’ll need for this project. Be sure to write down the number of nails, hinges and cabinet handles you will need. It’s always best to buy a few extra items just in case something goes awry. Additionally, purchasing these items in bulk might save you a few nickels and dimes which definitely add up over time!

Mix and Match

With all your cabinet items purchased, you’ll be ready to reinstall your new fixtures. However, not all cabinets are alike. Appliances in your kitchen that are often tugged on or carelessly slammed shut should be equipped with thicker, more durable cabinet pulls such as stainless steel. Other cabinet knobs should compliment your appliances and overall style previously established in the kitchen. Do not add wacky colors or jagged-edged knobs. Rather, simple French country kitchen knobs will suite just about any homeowner’s tastes and can be purchased to match any color scheme. For an ultra-modern feel, opt for glass knobs that are sturdy, timeless and can be created to match specific patterns.

Contrarily, bathroom cabinet knobs are primarily decorative and are a great place to install novelty knobs in fun, interesting shapes, colors and sizes. Consider using larger sized knobs for shelves that are used most frequently or are harder to reach—this will prevent you falling off of chairs and tables as you wildly grasp for the miniscule handle!

Safety and Security Options

In addition to choosing what interesting styles and colors your cabinet woodwork and knobs should include, you should also consider safety devices. Small children love to climb and play with pots and pans. That is why it is absolutely critical that all kitchen cabinet hardware be securely tightened and installed so that no loose nails, hinges or handles cause any accidents when weight is applied. Security locks and catches can be easily installed to the top of each cabinet’s corner.

Most likely, you store harmful chemical agents below your sink or in your bathroom. Drop down latches are the easiest to install to prevent any spills or accidental ingestion; however, these security items are easily figured out so be sure to watch your little ones!

To dissuade guests and children, install cabinets with finger wells; finger wells are hard to see and even harder to use (for children). If you are very concerned about curious hands, simple install a key pay that locks sliding cabinets and hinged doors.