Swap Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Hardware For A Trendy Rustic Alternative

The knobs and drawer pulls you select for your cabinets might seem like small elements within your kitchen's overall design, but they can actually have a major impact on the visual aesthetics of your entire space. Updating your hardware is a simple way to prevent your kitchen from looking outdated, and will often help ensure that the heart of your home remains highly functional as well. However, the challenging part of this process is sometimes simply finding the right style for these pieces. Today's homeowners have a ton of options when it comes to picking out kitchen hardware, and finding elements that provide equal measures of trendy and timeless appeal can be tricky. As it turns out, wooden knobs might give your kitchen the perfect balance of both.

The rising popularity of wooden knobs and other similar hardware for kitchens is great news for homeowners who like cottagecore design and rustic decor. Though wooden knobs and drawer pulls won't fit kitchens that focus solely on modern looking materials, these fixtures can definitely find a home within transitional, farmhouse, and Scandinavian style interiors. Plus, their warm, natural appeal can refresh your entire space without the hassle of a full kitchen remodel. If you are planning such a project, however, then these trendy hardware pieces are still one of the kitchen upgrades that definitely worth the price.

There are several reasons why you might want to choose wooden knobs and drawer pulls beyond their popularity. First, the natural materials of these fixtures give them unique graining, patterns, and colors. As a result of this variety, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to finding a set that goes well with your existing cabinets. In addition, they can be highly durable if they're properly treated. Wooden cabinet knobs are also a great choice if you're looking for a material that provides a contrast with matte surfaces or brightly colored countertops. If you like decorating your home like an English cottage, then you might also enjoy painting your wooden knobs so that they match the color of your cabinet fronts.

While there are several advantages to selecting these trendy hardware pieces for your next kitchen design project, there are also a couple of disadvantages that you should know about before you begin installation. The first is that the material can rot or crack over time if it's not properly sealed and regularly exposed to water or high levels of humidity. In addition, the cost of these fixtures can be higher than average depending on the type of wood you're aiming to use. Wooden knobs, as with other types of knobs, can also be more difficult to grab than traditional handles, which can reduce functionality.

Sprucing up your kitchen with wooden knobs and pulls doesn't have to be difficult or overly time consuming. To complete the job, you'll need the hardware itself, a drill, and a hardware installation template. If you don't already have one at home, then a MeasurePro cabinet door & drawer template kit is a solid yet inexpensive choice. Begin by removing any existing handles from your cabinets with a screwdriver. In ideal cases, you can simply use the prior hardware's drill holes for your new pieces. However, if that's not possible, you'll need to fill the old drill holes with wood filler, wait for them to dry, and then sand and repaint the cabinet fronts. Before using the wood filler, apply painter's tape to the back of the holes, so that the filler doesn't come through the back of the fronts.

If you're drilling into new cabinet doors, use your hardware installation template and a pencil to mark where you're going to place your new knobs and pulls. Avoid situating the knobs directly over the joinery between the cabinet's rails and stiles. If you're adding a handle to a taller drawer front, consider getting a King&Charles Cabinet Hardware Jig to make measuring easier. Pre-drill your holes, and then use a drill or screwdriver to attach the hardware. Touch up the paint around the pieces as needed. Now you finally have elegant, natural hardware that perfectly matches your other rustic kitchen ideas.