New cabinet hardware costs can range widely, starting under $100 and topping $10,000
Installing new cabinet hardware might seem like a simple project, but it can have a huge impact. Changing up the handles and knobs on your cabinets adds new energy and style to your kitchen and can even add value to your home.
However, new cabinet hardware installation is a project that can get pricey quickly—like, $10,000 pricey, if you opt for ornate or novelty hardware. In this guide, you’ll learn how to keep your cabinetry project within your budget when upgrading your kitchen.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinet Hardware?
Installing new cabinet hardware is a choose-your-own-adventure situation. Because you have so many different options at your fingertips, it’s difficult to nail down a price range that fits your unique kitchen. Cabinet hardware costs range from under $100 and can go all the way up to $10,550. However, you’ll find that many cabinet hardware projects fall under $1,000. The final cost depends on the materials you opt for (metal and stone cost more than many wood or plastic options, for example), along with customization. The size of your kitchen and installation costs will also play a factor.
For most projects, the price-per-unit of new knobs or handles is what largely determines the cost. If each piece of equipment costs $1 or $2, you could redo your hardware for under $50, even in a big kitchen, if you self-install. For pieces that cost $100 to $200 each, you’ll be looking at spending a few thousand dollars at a minimum.
The large range in price can seem dizzying at first, but you can find new cabinet hardware to fit virtually any budget because there is so much flexibility.
Which Cabinet Handles Can I Install on My Budget?
These four price ranges can help you decide which types of knobs or handles fall within your desired price range. Remember, though, because prices can vary so much, you won’t know for sure until you look into your desired hardware and figure out how much you’ll need to outfit your kitchen.
<$500
For under $500, you can select from ceramic, wood, and plastic knobs or handles. You may even be able to equip your kitchen with more affordable bronze or iron hardware if you just have a few cabinets. If your kitchen is large or you have many cabinets to upgrade, installing them yourself is a good way to cut costs and make your kitchen cabinets look new again.
$500 to $2,000
Glass, metal, stone, and resin all become cabinet hardware options for a standard-sized kitchen past the $500 mark.
Contractors typically charge by the hour or by the number of handles they’re installing. The average job, which covers removal and installation, takes about three hours. Removing the old handles yourself could help you save on labor costs, but if you’d rather someone else handle it, you might consider hiring a local handyperson.
$2,000 to $5,000
All the previously mentioned materials fit the bill in this price range, as well as some low and mid-end types of crystal.
$5,000+
It will probably amaze you how quickly new cabinet hardware gets expensive. At $5,000, you can start considering outfitting a large kitchen, getting custom hardware made, or using higher-end materials (particularly expensive metal products made from bronze, iron, or steel, or gold).
With new hardware and about an hour of your time, you can give your kitchen a new look. Customization is the name of the game once you surpass the five-figure mark. You can work with a local cabinet contractor or kitchen remodeler to get exactly what you want (or need) for your space. If this is your budget for just cabinets, you may want to also consider a larger remodel. A kitchen remodel costs $25,000 over average, which would mean you cabinetry would make you around 20% of the total project.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinet Hardware Yourself?
On average, labor costs between $130 and $275 when installing new cabinet hardware. That figure may seem low given the price tag of some materials, but even for higher-end materials, installation costs remain fairly consistent.
That said, some situations may require you to pay more, such as:
When you renovate an old kitchen
When you’re simultaneously installing new cabinets (or reface old ones)
When you have a larger-than-average sized kitchen
When removing old hardware is difficult due to kitchen layout or space
In these cases, anything you can DIY (hardware removal, sanding, painting) can reduce costs.
Cabinet Hardware Cost Breakdown
These five factors make up the total cost for your new kitchen cabinet hardware.
Cabinet Hardware Materials
Materials largely determine the final cost of your cabinet hardware project. Here are some price ranges to give you an idea of how much you could pay:
| Material | Price Range per Piece |
|---|---|
| Glass | $3 – $25 |
| Crystal | $3 – $75 |
| Ceramic | $1 – $15 |
| Resin | $3 – $10 |
| Stone | $3 – $50 |
| Wood | $1 – $10 |
| Plastic | $1 – $5 |
| Brass | $1 – $200 |
| Bronze | $1 – $200 |
| Copper | $1 – $200 |
| Iron | $1 – $200 |
Please note: These figures are per piece. You’ll need one piece for every cabinet you’re upgrading or outfitting, so counting the number of replacement knobs or handles you’ll need can help you establish a budget. Reviewing all of the kitchen cabinet terms can help you decide how many pieces you need for your cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Labor
The average kitchen cabinet hardware project costs under $300 for installation. That said, you may incur higher costs if you hire a cabinetmaker to create and install custom hardware. The average installation takes about three hours to complete, so you may use that number to factor an hourly rate when using a handyperson.
Tools
If you go the DIY route, you’ll need access to several tools. A power drill with drill bits, a level, a tape measure, and a Phillips head screwdriver will all come in handy during installation. A utility knife and crowbar may also be necessary for removing cabinets.
Hidden Costs
Hardware removal, re-sanding, and painting are all possibilities that could add to your cabinet hardware project cost. Especially on old cabinets, sometimes additional work (refitting or refacing) is needed to complete the job, resulting in more material and labor costs.
In some cases, hiring a local professional kitchen remodeler could make sense if you’re doing several projects at once in your kitchen.
Shipping Costs
Big home improvement store chains typically offer free shipping or delivery when you order online or in-store. Boutique custom designers, on the other hand, may charge shipping.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Cabinet Hardware by Style?
At lower budgets, style doesn’t necessarily change the price of your new cabinet hardware. But novelty and ornate pulls will almost certainly up the price. Weigh the pros and cons of matching home hardware or mix-and-match styles.
Round/Oval
Round and oval pull knobs are two of the more popular options you’ll find from manufacturers. From glass to wood to various metals, you’ll likely find knobs or handle products in these shapes made from all materials. Expect to pay anywhere from $1 (ceramic, wood, plastic) to $200 (bronze, copper, etc.).
Square
For a slightly different aesthetic, some may opt for square knobs or handles over round or oval. Material costs will still make up the bulk of these products. Again, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $200 per handle, depending on the material.
Novelty
Novelty cabinet hardware is great for those looking for a little flair and could include (but isn’t limited to) fun designs, interesting shapes and color designs, memorable textures, and even animal figures. Materials will still play a factor but expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $200+ for these original items.
Ornate
Ornate cabinet pulls come with intricate, often elegant designs, shapes, and patterns. Cabinet hardware made with natural stone and vintage brass, bronze, and even gold are all possibilities in this category of hardware. You can expect to pay $20 to $30 each as a starting point. Custom designs and rare creations could cost $500+ per piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you want a cabinetmaker to assess your kitchen and build out the aesthetic for you, purchasing hardware should fall to you. Replacing kitchen cabinet hardware yourself, especially the removal of old knobs and re-sanding or repainting, could save you hundreds in installation costs. If you know what you’re doing or are already tackling a DIY cabinet project, taking care of it yourself is a great strategy to stay within your budget.
Ultimately, this home improvement project comes down to materials. You can find specific patterns at lower costs if you opt for plastic, wood, or ceramic over expensive metals, for example. Decide which material you think will look best in your home and at your budget, and then find the right product for you.
