Contemporary Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
If you’re in the market for contemporary kitchen cabinet hardware, you may be overwhelmed by the many decorative styles of pulls, knobs and hinges that are available. By learning more about cabinet construction and the different types of cabinets, you will be able to make an informed purchase decision.
Swapping out your cabinet hardware is a simple, easy way to upgrade your kitchen. Watch this video to learn more about this DIY project.
Cabinet Construction
Kitchen cabinets come in two different constructions: face-frame and frameless (also called European). For face-frame cabinets, the door may be completely flush with the face of the frame or overlay the face frame completely. Another face-frame option is a 3/8-inch inset or lipped door is an overlay door with a rabbet cut on the back edge. For frameless cabinets, the door may be flush or inset with the face of the cabinet, or it may cover a half or all of the end panel (half- or full-overlay).
Cabinet Hinges
There are two types of cabinet hinges: non-mortise and mortise. Non-mortise hinges are fastened with screws. Mortise hinges are permanently installed and require cutting out the area of the cabinet door and frame for attachment. Hinges consist of a door wing, frame wing, knuckle and pin. They are made specifically for frameless or framed cabinets and for left- and right-hand doors. They can be semi-concealed (only the knuckle shows) or fully concealed. Hinges come in a range of sizes to support different door weights. The larger and heavier the door, the more hinges you need.
Self-closing hinges can be categorized as follows:
- Frameless or European: used on inset and full-overly doors of frameless cabinets and on face-frame cabinet doors
- European Overlay: used on half-overlay doors of frameless cabinets and overlay doors of face-frame cabinets
- Variable Overlay: used on face-frame cabinets with doors that completely overlay the frame and have no rabbet on the back edge
- 3/8-inch Inset: used on doors that overlay the face-frame and have a rabbet cut on the back edge
- Partial Wraparound: used on face-frame cabinets
The following types of hinges do not self-close:
- Butterfly: used on flush doors; the hinge wings are mounted to the outside surfaces of the cabinet frame and door
- H-Style: used on flush doors; one side attaches to the frame and the other to the door
- Full-Inset Pin or Butt Hinges: used on doors completely flush with the cabinet face and can be surface-mounted or recessed on face-frame cabinets
- T-Style: horizontal piece attaches to the door and the vertical piece attaches to the door frame
- 3/8-inch Offset H: for offset doors
Cabinet Door Catches
For cabinet doors that do not have self-closing hinges, you will need to install catches. Friction catches work via spring tension and provide a secure grasp of the door; their catch is invisible on an inset door. Magnetic catches consist of a metal plate mounted on the door and the magnet mounted on the frame and open and close with a light push. Spring roller touch catches have a catch mounted on the door and one or two rollers mounted on the cabinet frame and set close together. They close when the rollers hook on the strike plate and make less noise than magnetic catches.
Cabinet Drawer Slides
Drawer slides have load ratings of light, medium or heavy, so you will need to know the weight capacity required for your drawers along with the drawer and slide length before purchasing. You can get options such as drawer stops, self-closing design, partial or full drawer extension and ball bearing or nylon rollers. Full-extension slides provide access to the entire drawer. Side-mount hardware is more durable than center bottom mount or mono-rail slides.
Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
Knobs and pulls are the most visible part of the cabinet hardware and are available in a variety of finishes. Knobs are handles that are mounted with a single bolt and screw. They range in size from 3/4-inch to 2 inches in diameter and may be used alone or combined with a backplate. Pulls are similar in function to knobs but are larger and mounted with two screws. Common metals and finishes for knobs, pulls and hinges include aged bronze, antique brass and copper, iron, nickel, and polished chrome and sterling.
While you may be tempted to choose the latest style, you need to consider what will look best in your kitchen. Finishes with a high gloss-metal or enameled shine will blend in with contemporary-style kitchens, while brushed finishes, nickel, pewter or polished brass will complement traditional-style kitchens.
