Cabinet Hardware

Cabinets are true multi-taskers in the home - they provide vital storage space while, on the outside, lending to the overall designscape of a room. Choosing the right hardware for your cabinets, then, is essential to both their functionality and their look - but what are all those small parts, anyway? Let's take a look at basics of cabinet hardware.

Knobs and pulls. Knobs are compact door or drawer handles with a single screw and bolt; screws can be either built-in or separate. Pulls are longer, more traditionally styled handles with two screws and bolts. Knobs and pulls can be used with or without backplates.

Backplates. Backplates are flat pieces of metal that can be used between a knob or pull and a cabinet door to protect the cabinet surface, cover existing holes or simply enhance decorative hardware.

Hinges. The right hinges for your cabinets depend entirely upon what cabinets you have, but the basic hinge types fall into two categories. Mortise hinges are permanent installation hinges that fit into pre-cut grooves in cabinet doors. Non-mortise hinges do not need to be set in cabinets doors; these can just be attached with screws.

Catches. Catches ensure that cabinets without self-closing hinges close securely. While magnetic catches are the most popular, other varieties include quiet spring-roller catches and easily concealed friction catches.

Drawer slides. Finally, if your cabinets include drawers, you may want to consider one of several types of drawer slides; options include side- or bottom-mount designs with nylon or ball-bearing rollers, extension regulators, and stopping mechanisms.