Replacing Cabinet Hardware

Looking to update your space affordably? Consider replacing cabinet hardware! Read on for options, tips, and ideas on how to replace cabinet hardware the right way.

black cabinet with unlacquered brass knobs

Hardware is like the jewelry of cabinetry. And whether you have a dated kitchen, a worn bathroom, a tired home office, or simply boring drawers anywhere in your home, new hardware can make a huge difference. Also, along with painting existing cabinetry, it’s a wonderful way to update a space without the significant cost of a full renovation.

FAQs on Replacing Cabinet Hardware

Before we look at how to replace cabinet hardware, let’s go over a few FAQs.

Is it easy to change hardware on cabinets?
It can be! If the new hardware can use the same holes as the old hardware, then it’s a very easy job. If not, then it’s a bit more complicated. Read on for details on both options.

How much does it cost to replace kitchen hardware?
This depends entirely on the hardware you choose and the number of cabinet doors and drawers you have. There are some wonderful kitchen cabinet hardware options at almost any price point (see some of my favorites here), and if you’re willing to do it yourself, then it can be a great budget-friendly project.

Does the process differ for replacing furniture hardware?
The steps are all the same! You can apply these same principles to a freshly painted desk or an updated dresser, too.

The Easiest Way to Replace Cabinet Hardware

The easiest way to replace cabinet hardware is to choose hardware that can use the same holes as your old hardware. For cabinet knobs (which use only a single screw), you’ll just want to make sure that the knob you’ve chosen will fit in the spot with the original knob hole. To do this, simply check the dimensions of the knob and hold that up to the door or drawer front.

For door and drawer pulls (which use two screws), you will also need to know the center-to-center measurement. Center to center means the distance between the center of one screw to the center of the other screw. So the cabinet pulls below, for example, have a dimensions of 5″ x 1/2″ but a center-to-center measurement of 3 inches.

white bathroom cabinets with brass cabinet hardware and marble countertops

You will want to limit your search to handles with the same center-to-center measurement as your existing hardware.

If you choose this route, you can update the hardware with nothing more than a screwdriver or drill. Simply unscrew the old hardware and insert the new hardware into the same holes. Tighten each screw carefully.

installing kitchen cabinet hardware with a screwdriver

How to Update Existing Cabinet Hardware

Another option that does not require changing the old holes is to simply update the existing hardware with a new finish. I have updated so many items with my favorite gold wax finish to give them a brass look that I’ve lost count.

To update this way, I recommend the following steps:

remove the hardware from the cabinets
if the finish is polished, lightly sand it with 220 grit sandpaper so the new color can adhere
clean the hardware with a degreaser
insert it into scrap cardboard or lay it out on a drop cloth
paint or rub ‘n buff the hardware and let dry
reinstall the hardware

update drawer pulls with rub n buff gold leaf

Such an affordable option for a whole new look!

inset pulls updated with rub n buff for a brass look

How to Change Cabinet Hardware

But what if the existing screw holes can’t be reused? What if your heart is set on something bigger or smaller? Or you want knobs instead of pulls? Or what if the previous hardware was placed oddly? In any of those cases, you’ll need to fill the old holes and make new ones.

Unfortunately, filling hardware holes on cabinets is not as easy as filling nail holes in sheetrock. If you truly want the old holes to disappear, then you will need to fill, sand, and repaint. To truly hide the old holes, you will need to repaint the entire door or drawer (not just the section with the hole), which becomes a really big job.

If you are already planning to repaint your cabinetry, though, then that’s the perfect time to change hardware! Here is a full tutorial on repainting cabinetry. Filling and moving hardware holes becomes a fairly easy job when you are repainting.

I would not recommend trying to fill old holes on stained wood cabinets. While they do make wood putty that can take stain, I have never been able to completely hide old filled holes without painting because it is difficult to match the wood grain.

How to Fill Old Hardware Holes

In replacing cabinet hardware filling holes properly is key to a quality finished look. Using a putty knife and high-quality wood filler, completely fill the hole with wood putty. Remove any significant excess with a damp cloth, but don’t try to scrape it smooth with the putty knife; it’s better to overfill the hole a little. Let it dry completely. Next, sand the wood filler down until it is completely smooth with the surface of the wood. Then prime and paint.

How to Drill New Hardware Holes

I have found that using a template like this is extremely helpful for uniformity. Simply determine which set of holes fits your hardware placement best and repeat using those same holes on every door or drawer. You can also create a DIY jig from a piece of scrap wood if you need something more custom.

using a cabinet hardware template to install new cabinet pulls

I like to pencil it all in before I actually drill holes so that I can catch any issues with my placement choices with the new holes before it’s too late. I also hold up the cabinet handle to the pencil marks each time before drilling (better safe than sorry!).

Choose a drill bit the same size as your hardware’s machine screws. Drill slowly and carefully through the door or drawer front on the spot you marked.