Now that you’ve picked out the hardware of your dreams, you need only to install them to finish the look of your cabinets. If you’ve never installed hardware before, you might be intimidated by the idea of using a level or marking off the correct spots for placement; you might be particularly intimidated by the thought of using the dreaded drill.

Take a breath before you begin and don’t worry about the task ahead. The entire process is easy and fairly quick. Make sure to have the following tools on hand as you start. This will ensure a smooth process and will diminish the chance of a mishap.

1. Drill (most commonly a 3/16” drill bit)

2. Level

3. Marker

4. Masking tape

5. Nail or center punch (to make an indentation for where to start the drilling)

6. Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead depending on your specific hardware)

Knobs or handles

Whether you are installing knobs or handles, you should first try to choose a piece that has the same drill center(s) as the existing hardware. If you are choosing hardware for cabinets that haven’t been drilled before, knobs are the easiest choice since they have only one screw. Some types of knobs and handles come with attached screws, making a simple procedure even more effortless.

If you’ve chosen to install pulls or handles, you’ll need to measure the distance between the drill centers. Do not measure the length of the handle, as the handle itself may extend beyond the drill centers.

Let the installation begin

Solid wooden cabinets and drawers might split as a result of drilling into them. In order to avoid this, refrain from drilling holes closer than an inch from the edge.

Standard contemporary flat-panel doors are complemented nicely by knobs installed 1 ½” to 2” from the open corner of the door. Pulls should be installed 2” – 4” from the bottom horizontal edge of the door and 2” from the open vertical edge. After you’ve marked off the correct places for drilling, simply drill holes and insert the hardware screws into the holes. Match up the screws and the handle or knob and, using your screwdriver, tighten until the hardware doesn’t wobble.

In general, cabinet doors are made of the ¾” lumber; in this situation, the standard 1” screw will fit perfectly. Drawers with applied faces, for example, might be thicker than usual and will likely require longer screws. When purchasing hardware, be sure to specify to the vendor your special requirements.

Now, with all of this new information, you are ready to get busy! Install your new hardware and give your cabinets a face lift. Who knew that such a straightforward process could yield such beautiful results?