How to Install Decorative Cabinet Doorknobs

Updating a kitchen

Installing decorative cabinet doorknobs is an easy way to upgrade and update the appearance of kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Quality knobs can be inexpensive, and a handy person with a few simple tools can usually change out old knobs for new knobs in a few hours. You may need to fill holes and make some small repairs if your new knobs require drilling new holes in your cabinet doors, but your finished look should make the effort well worthwhile.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and water
• Scrubber pad
• Towel
• Cabinet knobs and handles
• Power screwdriver
• Cardboard
• Drill
• Wood filler
• 1-inch putty knife
• Fine sandpaper
• Stain matching pen

Instructions

1. Remove all existing cabinet knobs and handles using a power screwdriver. Your cabinet doors may need a good cleaning and there may be gunk around the old knob areas. Wash the cabinet doors and drawer fronts using dishwashing soap and a scrubber pad. Dry the wood immediately with a towel.

2. Determine how your new knobs or handles will be positioned on your existing cabinet doors and drawers. Pre-fit a handle or knob and then use a piece of scrap cardboard to create a drilling template if your new knobs will need new holes. This way you can be consistent from one door and drawer to the next.

3. Fill any unnecessary holes with wood fill. Use a 1-inch putty knife and press the wood fill into the hole. Scrape the tool across the surface to remove excess. Allow three to four hours for the wood fill to dry completely.

4. Match the stain of the cabinet using a stain pen or other stain matching tool. Many home stores have a variety of stain or coloring options to help blend small areas or nicks. You may need to use fine sandpaper to make any repairs smooth.

5. Position your cardboard template on each cabinet door and drawer front (you may have more than one template if you have different sized hardware). Typically a simple knob will be 1 1/2 inch from the bottom and side of a door corner. Most knobs and handles are centered on drawers. Mark where you will need to drill.

6. Drill holes in your cabinet doors and drawers. Position the handles or knobs on the outside of the cabinet door or drawer and screw the screw through the hole and into the hardware from the inside. Use a power screw driver on long screws but do not over tighten as it is often easy to strip the threads.

Tips & Warnings

• Knob and handle alignment templates are now sold at many home stores with convenient holes already measured to assist you in positioning your new hardware.

References

• Carina Works: Installing Knobs And Pulls