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Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
If a homeowner wants to create a new look and add some additional
conveniences in their kitchen without the expense and heart ache that
can be part of a total kitchen
remodeling project, they can consider changing their cabinet hardware. Those
homeowners who are considering changing their kitchen cabinets will also
have to consider what cabinet hardware to purchase. Most of today’s cabinets come
with hinges but few come with door pulls or drawer knobs.
Kitchen cabinet hardware can be broken down into four primary headings:
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Pulls: Pulls
include door and drawer handles and knobs. They
are available in a multitude of materials including
wood, metal, glass, plastic, and ceramic, which provide
the homeowner with a multitude of possible decorating
themes.
A modern theme can be developed with the
use of stainless steel bar pulls. They are
available in lengths from two inches to 16 inches.
Stainless steel
knobs come in a
variety of diameters from ¾ inch up to two inch in ¼
inch increments.
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With many homeowners opting for stainless steel or stainless
steel appearance appliances, stainless steel cabinet hardware
can visually merge the cabinets with the appliances.
Selection of drawer and cabinet
pulls
and knobs
Selection of back plates
For a more conservative look, the homeowner can choose
polished brass
or
antique bronze, or nickel satin
nickel pulls and knobs. The selection of
shapes and sizes fills many pages of catalogues and if you are an online
shopper, you can spend hours trying to decide on exactly what would be
perfect for your kitchen.
If you prefer a rustic look, the homeowner can choose from a selection
of
wood
knobs and pulls. There isn’t quite as much choice in the wood
pulls and knobs as there is with metal products, but the variety for the
homeowner who is looking for that theme should be sufficient to find the
right match.
Glass and
ceramic knobs and pulls can provide a contemporary but elegant
look, providing they are not overpowering in size.
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Hinges:
With hinges you are confined to metal materials, chrome, nickel,
or stainless steel. However, there are many choices in the
appearance and function on the hinge. Hinges can be visible on
both the frame and the door, visible only on the frame and mount
to the backside of the door, have only the joint of the hinge
visible between the frame and the door or they can be completely
invisible. The completely invisible hinges were developed in
Europe and are called euro-hinges euro-hinges by the trade, although they
are manufactured throughout the world.
Some hinges will automatically shut the cupboard door once it is less
than 25 to 33% closed and hold it tight against the cabinet frame. Most
of the euro-hinges work in this manner.
Selection of cabinet hinges
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Slides:
Drawers can slide on a wood slat in the center, beneath the
drawer, they can slide on two wood rails on the side of the
drawer, or they can be mounted using drawer slides. The use of
wood slides either beneath or on the sides of the drawer, do not
allow the drawer to open its full depth. Because the drawer
weight sits directly on the slide, the drawer can be difficult
to open. Metal slides will make the drawer easier to open and
close and some will allow the drawer to open its full depth.
The better metal drawer slides (Ball Bearing Full Ext. Drawer Slide) operate on ball bearings, making
the movement of the drawer literally friction free.
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Selection of drawer slides
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Accessories:
There are numerous door cabinet hardware accessories and depending
on your original choice of hardware some may be advantageous.
Some of the accessories include door bumpers, which prevent the
cupboard door from slamming shut.
Magnetic
or spring
catches can be added on the inside of the door and doorframe to keep
the door closed.
Latches can be added for decorative purposes or to prevent
children from having access.
Selection of catches, latches & locks
The cabinet hardware will make a big difference to the look of the
cabinets and the overall look of the kitchen. It is important that you
spend some time to consider your options.
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