Are you looking to refresh your kitchen without investing in a complete redesign? Updating the cupboard hardware is one of the simplest ways to enhance your kitchen! By just changing your kitchen cabinet handles, you can give your kitchen a fresh look without breaking the bank. In this guide, we've compiled a step by step guide for replacing cupboard door handles in your own kitchen.

 

When selecting new kitchen cupboard handles, there are various styles to consider:

Pull Handles: These are typically straight bar handles with two fixing holes, allowing for installation horizontally or vertically.

Cup Handles: These handles are enclosed at one side to provide enhanced grip, making them suitable for cupboard drawers.

Cupboard Knobs: Available in a range of shapes, cupboard knobs feature a single fixing point and can be used on both drawers and cupboards.

 

If retrofitting cupboard door handles to an existing kitchen, you may choose the same style previously used to conceal any preexisting fixing holes. For pull handles and cup handles, it's essential to know the existing fixing centers to specify the most suitable handle correctly. For new kitchens, the style, fixing centers, and handle length are determined by the customer's preference.

 

 

Since the 1980s, cupboard handle sizes have been standardized. Before then, finding new handles with the same measurement between the screw holes was nearly impossible. The distance between the screw holes is referred to as the CC-size, where CC stands for center to center, indicating the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. If your kitchen is from the 1980s or later, changing the handles on your cupboards or drawers will be straightforward. Start by measuring the distance between the screw holes. The easiest method is to open the cupboard/drawer and measure the distance between the centers of the screws on the backside in millimeters. The most common measurements are CC 64 mm, CC 96 mm, CC 128 mm, and CC 160 mm. If you measure and get a distance of 98 mm, it's most likely that you have CC 96. Small discrepancies in measurements, such as a few millimeters, are usually insignificant and nothing to worry about.

 

Before proceeding, it's important to check for any damages behind the old handles. Remove a handle and inspect the area behind it for indentations or scratches. If you notice any marks, be sure to choose a new handle that will cover the damage. If you don’t find any damage, consider yourself fortunate and feel free to choose any design you want for your new kitchen cabinet pulls.

 

The easiest way to proceed is to select a new handle with the same CC-size. You can filter our product pages based on several attributes, including the measurement between screw holes. Simply navigate to the "Handles and pulls" category and click on "CC size." There, you will find all the CC-sizes we carry. Choose the one you measured in step 1.

 

Once you've selected your CC-size in step 3, you can now further refine your search by sorting and filtering based on other attributes such as color, material, and brand. The more filters you apply, the more specific the assortment of handles you'll see. Click on the handle that you believe meets your requirements to access more detailed information about it.

 

Many kitchens feature both handles and knobs on their cupboards, depending on whether they have doors or drawers. Once you've found the handles you like, it's easy to find other products that match. For example, if you selected a handle in polished brass, you'll find related products in the same material and style further down on the product page.

 

Before ordering the hardware you desire, it's always wise to measure the thickness of the cupboard door. We typically include screws that fit doors measuring the standard, which is 16-19 mm in thickness. However, if your doors have different measurements, please inform us so we can include the correct screws.  

Begin by removing the old handles. Take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the area behind the old hardware; it's a rare chance to give that spot a proper cleaning. When replacing handles, ensure to use the correct screwdriver. All our screws feature combination heads, allowing you to use either a Phillips or straight screwdriver.

Enjoy your new handles.

 

Installing cabinet hardware might seem daunting at first, but it's definitely manageable with the right approach.

Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the installation process. There are many factors to consider, so take your time to think through the placement carefully. You've invested a lot in your cabinets, and rushing through the installation could lead to costly mistakes.

Level and Adjust Cabinet Doors and Drawers: Modern cabinet doors and drawers often come with adjustment features, such as screws for fine tuning. Take advantage of these features to ensure that your cabinets function efficiently.

Use the Right Tools: Having the appropriate tools on hand will ensure a smooth installation process. A cabinet hardware jig can help you align your hardware accurately and speed up the process. In addition to the jig, you'll need a drill (battery-operated or corded), the correct drill bit size recommended for the hardware, a tape measure, a pencil, and a screwdriver. 

Don’t Sacrifice Function for Style: While it's important for the hardware to look great, it also needs to function properly. Ensure that your chosen handle or knob placement works well on all doors and drawers in your kitchen, without any exceptions for oddly placed or sized items.

Test the Placement of Your Hardware: Use tape or sticky tack on the back of the hardware to test its location. Experiment with different placements until you're satisfied, then measure and mark the final placement for installation.

 

 

Filta offers an impressive range of furniture handles designed to accommodate diverse furniture hardware. If you're considering the benefits of incorporating hardware pulls into your setup, explore Filta for a myriad of options. Your future kitchen hardware is within easy reach with just a click!