Cabinet Hardware

Unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, in most cases you should attach the hinges to the cabinet door before attaching it to the cabinet frame. Once you attach the hinge to the door, you can then align it with the cabinet frame and screw it firmly into place. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for best practices.

You can use a soft-close hinge adapter on existing cabinet doors instead of buying new soft-close hinges. If you want soft-close cabinet doors on a budget, invest in the small adapters that allow you to convert an existing hinge to a soft-close style. They’re much less expensive than new soft-close hinges and are simpler to install. However, they don’t always last as long. 

There are several ways to tell that your cabinet hinges have reached the end of their lifespan. For instance, you might notice your cabinet door wobbling as you open it, or that the door doesn’t seem level anymore. Squeaking noises and sticking can also point to bad hinges. In most cases, hinges can’t be repaired, so it’s best to plan out your replacement once you’ve noticed one or more of these signs.

Yes, you can and likely should mix knobs and pulls on different cabinets in your kitchen. Typically, pulls are helpful on cabinets at high levels and knobs are great for lower cabinets, but it’s all up to preference. Just be sure to keep the finish consistent between knobs and pulls for a stylish and cohesive look.