Cabinet Hardware Types, And Styles
While hinges and door latches are ordinarily included with the cabinets, customers usally get to choose their own
knobs and pulls. This gives the buyers the opportunity to express their individual taste in their selections, and their choices.
Hardware is available in every conceivable style and color. In fact, it's almost impossible to show a representative cross section of
styles because there are simply too many. Here ars some of the basic types that are available and how they're used.
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Hinges
Hinges come in different sizes and shapes to support different door styles and weights. Some hinges are made specifically for
framed or fremeless caintes. There are two main types of hinges: Mortise, and non-mortise hinges.
Mortise hinges are a permanent installation
hinge. The area of the cabinet door and frame is actually cut out for the hinge to attach.
Non-mortise hinges do not need to be set into
the side of the door or cabinet. You simply fasten the hinge down with screws.
When choosing your hinges you will want to choose a
hinge that complements whatever style of knobs and pulls that you have choosen. Obviously this is less important with a concealed hinge.
But unless the cabinet is custom built, you'll find the hinge selection rather limited.
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Basic Types Of Knobs
Knobs - Thes are handles mounted to doors or drawers with a single screw or bolt. Knobs may be combined with back-plates
or used alone. They typically rand in size from 3/4" to 2" in diameter.
Some knobs have screws built in, making them easier to install.
They are becoming ever more popular because they are easeir to use than small latch handles. They have the added advantage of being more
easily replaced than pulls because they don't pose a problem in matching existing holes.
One question asked by new customers is "Are knobs
limeted to being round?" No, knobs aren't limited to being round. They can be flat with rounded edges, round like a ball, square, "T" shaped, or even
bun shaped. They come in a variety of finishes, from wood to metal, and can be decorated.
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Basic Types Of Pulls
Pulls perform the same service as knobs, but tend to be larger or more elaborate, and can greatly alter the
look of the cabinet. Pulls may be combined with a backplate or used alone; they're usually attached with two or more screws, or
have movable parts such as a ring handle. They can also come in many different styles. Some of the more common types are "D"
handles, "bail" handles, "ring" handles, "latch" handles and "cup" pulls.
The "D" handle is a fixed position pull,
named for its shape. This type of pull is mounted by two screws and may be used with or without a backplate. It is the most common
type of pull and is often simply called a pull with no special designation. It is sold in thousands of differnt styles and finishes.
The Appliance Door Handle are large pulls for use on appliance doors (such as refrigerators and freezers), they
are available in complimentary finishes and designs for most door pulls and knobs.
The Bail handle is characterized by
an open llop that hangs freely between two fixed mounts. It is a modern version of a loop of rope tied between two holes. Bail handles are
mounted either on a single decorative backplate or on a pair of smaller plates (rosettes), one behind each post. Single backplates
protect the wood behind the handle from damage from both fingernails and the bail itself, but both types serve to reinforce the mounting holes.
The Drop handle is similar to a bail handle except that it requires no separate rosette or backplate. The mounting
post on each side has a built-in flange that protects and reinforces the wood.
A Lifting handle is commonly
used on movable chests. It looks similar to a bail handle, either mounted to a pair of smaller rosettes or on a larger single plate.
However, it has a stop that prevents the handle from rising past 90 degrees. In addition, while bail handles are usually mounted through
the wood with a threaded post and nut, lifting handles are generally face mounted with wood screws.
The Ring handle
is also similar to the bail handle, but it's mounted with a single screw. The ring and mount are often partnered with a backplate. In some
cases, the ring is countersunk into the backplate, forming what some manufacturers call a plate handle. The backplate reinforces the wood
where the mounting post is fastened. The bail handle also provides the opportunity for wide variety of imaginable decorative pattern.
The Latch handle is really a vertically mounted "D" pull that mimics a door latch, except that it has no moving parts.
It comes in a variety of sizes and should be proportioned to the door on which it is installed. If it's too small for fingers to grip, it will be
harder to use than a knob.
The Cup handle or bin pull is a solid handle in the shape of an inverted half-cup or
shell. It may have an integrated back plate or small screw flanges for mounting. It was traditionally used on tilt-open bins where large bags of
flour or similar commodities were stored. Today, it is a popular choice for drawer pulls.
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Choosing A Style:
Decorative hardware is a great way to express one's unique personality. Whether one prefers gothic, modern,
or classical, the hardware selected can alter the appearance of the cabinets and set the tone for the entire kitchen.
If a home is designed around a specific period then hardware choices should probably be limited to designs of that time. On the
other hand, generic traditional styling offers more options. The same cabinet can be dressed up or down substantially depending
on a choice between rustic iron knobs or oval plate handles for example. Both might be appropriate and attractive, and both will
work fine but one typifies "Country" and the other "Formal".
Function and comfort are the most important considerations
in selecting hardware. If a drawer is heavy or very deep, it will require a heaver pull. Hardware should also be properly sized. A small knob on an
oversized door will look out of place; likewise, a large latch handle on a small cabinet will overpower it visually.
The shape of the hardware is often coordinated with light fixtures, cabinet panels, or accessories in order to integrate different
elements in the kitchen or room. So it is a good idea to come up with a scheem that you want before puchasing your hardware.
One popular trend is to combine different designs for an unique look. For example, each drawer in a band of drawers could have a differnt pull,
or the pulls for drawers might be one design while the pulls for cabinet doors might be another. Experment with different looks and look for examples
at your local hardware store on online.
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Materials and Finishes:
The finish of the knobs and pulls can make a statement in them selves. It can effectively complete the look of a room,
giving it style. Hardware is available in a huge variety of colors, materials and finishes such as:
Antique or Aged Copper, Polished or Brushed Chrome,
Polished, Antique, or Oil-Rubbed Brass, Polished, Antique, or Satin Nickel, Polished or Antique Gold or Silver, Polished or Antique Pewter,
Polished or Aged Bronze, Ceramics or Porcelains, Forged or Wroght Iron, Enameled Steel or Aluminum, Molded or Cut Glass or Crystal,
Ganite, Marble or Stone, Machined or Carved Wood, Machined or Molded Plastics or Acrylics.
Each one of these materials
has a number of subsets, and every manufacturer offers different shades or patinas that make cross matching very hard. For that reason,
all hardware should be bought from the same company and form the same product line. Knobs and pulls don't have to be the same style,
but their finishes should be compatible and remember to make sure that your hardware matches your hinges.
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