It’s only natural that I am asked for my opinion about cabinet & drawer hardware sizes and mounting as it relates to a particular kitchen project. It may seem like I dance around the answer but my response will always be in the form of a suggestion that never specifically states yes or no.

Construction Paper, Scotch Tape & The Blink

A less expensive and damage free test to see if you like the eventual hardware layout is to cut colored construction paper in the size and shapes of the hardware you are considering. And by shape, I mean general shape. Hardware can have some ornate curves and cuts, I don’t suggest spending too much time on the intricate detail! Specially if you seize the opportunity for a fun arts & crafts project with some little ones looking for something fun to do.

Scotch Tape = No holes drilled in your cabinetry!

The Blink = Step back after you’ve placed your "hardware". Pay attention to the first blink. Your eye will tell you immediately if it works or not. Don’t second guess your first blink!

Don’t be quick to throw out your "construction paper hardware", that’s your hardware count! All you need in an easy to track form.

UPPER CABINETS

For cabinet knobs, mount the knob just slightly higher than the corner of the door. For cabinet pulls, place the top hole 1/3 of the height of the door.

LOWER CABINETS

For cabinet knobs, mount the knob just slightly lower than the corner of the door. For cabinet pulls, place the bottom hole 1/3 of the height of the door.

DRAWERS

For knobs and drawer pulls, align the holes in the center of the drawer.

For bail pulls and cup pulls, align the holes so that the mounted hardware will sit in the center of the drawer. For bail pulls, this will place the holes slightly higher than center. For cup pulls, this will place the holes slightly lower than center.

WIDE DRAWERS

Longer pulls (a.k.a. oversized pulls) are recommended for oversize drawers, pot & pan drawers and appliance drawers. However, two knobs or two pulls can be mounted instead of one long pull. Mount long pulls in the center of the drawer. For two knobs or pulls, center the hardware 1/3 of the width of the drawer.

PANTRY, APPLIANCE & OVERSIZE CABINET DOORS

Popularly known as appliance pulls, mount the hardware at the elbow height of an adult. This will make it comfortable to use, and allow children to reach the pull. Depending on the height of the door, this may or may not put the pull in the center of the height of the door.