When you're looking to upgrade your kitchen, one of the most impactful changes you can make is updating your cabinet hardware. While it might seem like a small detail, new hardware can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. It's the finishing touch that can turn a nice kitchen into a stunning one.
For many homeowners in Omaha, the decision to upgrade cabinet hardware often comes alongside a cabinet painting project. This combination can give your kitchen a complete refresh without the need for a full renovation. However, choosing the right hardware isn't always straightforward. With countless options available, from styles and finishes to materials and prices, the process can feel overwhelming.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we've helped numerous Omaha homeowners transform their kitchens with fresh paint and new hardware. We've seen firsthand how the right hardware choices can elevate a space, and we understand the considerations that go into making these decisions.
In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the cost of cabinet hardware. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to choose cabinet hardware that enhances your kitchen's aesthetics, complements your newly painted cabinets, and adds lasting value to your home.
Basics of Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware isn't just about function; it's the jewelry of your kitchen. It's like picking out the perfect accessories for your favorite outfit.
Types of Cabinet Hardware
- Cabinet Knobs: Cabinet knobs are small, rounded, or squared hardware pieces used to open and close cabinet doors and drawers. They are typically attached with a single screw and require a pinch or light grip to operate. Knobs come in various shapes, including round, square, and novelty designs. They not only provide functionality but also add a decorative touch to enhance the overall look of cabinets.
- Cabinet Pulls: Cabinet pulls are handle-like hardware pieces used for opening and closing cabinet doors and drawers. Unlike knobs, pulls usually require two screws for installation and offer a full grip, making them easier to grasp, especially for larger or heavier doors. They come in various shapes, such as bar, curved, or cup designs.
- Hinges: Cabinet hinges are hardware components used to attach cabinet doors to the cabinet frame, allowing them to open and close smoothly. They come in various types, including concealed (or hidden) hinges, which are installed inside the cabinet for a clean look, and exposed hinges, which are visible when the door is closed. They can be self-closing, soft-closing, or standard, depending on whether they help the door shut automatically or quietly.
Cabinet Hardware Materials
The material of your hardware isn't just about looks; it affects durability and cost too. Here are some common options:
- Brass is durable and stylish, adding warmth to your space. Its golden tone fits both traditional and modern designs, and it develops a patina over time for a vintage look.
- Stainless steel is strong, corrosion-resistant, and sleek. It's ideal for modern or industrial kitchens, offering a professional look that's easy to clean and maintain.
- Bronze brings old-world charm and a rustic feel. It ages beautifully with a patina and works well in traditional, farmhouse, or vintage settings.
- Glass adds elegance and sparkle to cabinets, with various colors and styles available. It's more delicate than metal, making it better for lighter-use areas.
- Wood provides a natural, rustic look and is great for farmhouse or cottage styles. Different wood types can be stained or painted, but it requires more care in moist areas.
- Zinc alloy is versatile and budget-friendly, available in many finishes like brushed nickel or chrome. It mimics the look of more expensive materials without breaking the bank.
- Acrylic offers a modern, lightweight option with a clean appearance. It's available in different colors, but scratches easily, making it best for decorative use.
- Ceramic knobs and pulls add character with various colors and hand-painted designs. They fit eclectic or vintage styles and are durable, though they can chip.
- Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and gives a modern, industrial vibe. It's usually finished in different colors, making it suitable for minimalist designs.
- Nickel, in brushed or polished finishes, provides a versatile and timeless look. Brushed nickel resists fingerprints, while polished nickel adds shine for a classic touch.
- Black matte hardware offers a bold, sophisticated look. It pairs well with many cabinet colors and hides fingerprints, making it a practical choice for high-use areas.
Average Cost of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
The cost of cabinet hardware can vary wildly, kind of like Nebraska weather. You could spend as little as $2 per piece or upwards of $50 for fancy hardware. On average, most homeowners in Omaha spend between $3 and $10 per piece. The average cost to upgrade cabinet hardware in a medium-sized kitchen ranges from $250 to $500.
Let's break it down:
- Knobs: $2 - $30 each
- Pulls: $3 - $50 each
- Hinges: $2 - $20 per pair
Now, before you start hyperventilating at that $50 price tag, remember that's for the fancier larger hardware.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Cabinet Hardware
- Brand: Designer brands will have you paying more for the name. But hey, if you want your cabinets to wear Gucci, who are we to judge?
- Size: Larger pulls generally cost more than smaller knobs.
- Finish: Special finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or satin nickel might bump up the price.
- Quantity: Don't forget to multiply your per-piece cost by the number of cabinets you have. The average kitchen has 20-40 pieces of hardware.
Cost To Install Cabinet Hardware
- Included Service: Many professional painting companies include basic hardware installation as part of their cabinet painting service. This typically covers removing old hardware, installing new hardware in the same location, and ensuring everything is properly aligned and secure.
- Filling Old Holes and Drilling New Ones: This is where you may have to pay for the service through your painter. If your new hardware doesn't match the layout of your old hardware, the process becomes more complex:
- Filling old holes: This involves wood filler, sanding, and potentially touch-up painting.
- Drilling new holes: This requires precise measurement and specialized tools to ensure proper alignment.
- Cost: For this type of work, or an hourly rate of $50-$80, depending on the painter.
- Basic Installation: For a straightforward swap of old hardware for new in the same locations, you might expect to pay between $2-$4 per piece, or an hourly rate of $50-$80.
- Custom Work: For particularly complex installations or custom hardware, costs could be even higher and would typically be quoted on a case-by-case basis.
Should You Replace Your Cabinet Hardware?
Deciding whether to replace your cabinet hardware is a question many Omaha homeowners face. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several scenarios where upgrading your hardware can be particularly beneficial.
When You're Painting Your Cabinets
As we've mentioned, cabinet painting presents an ideal opportunity to update your hardware. According to a 2023 report by Remodeling Magazine, updating your cabinet hardware along with a fresh cabinet paint job can recoup up to 80% of the cost when you sell your home. Not too shabby for some new knobs and pulls!
Here are some more reasons why:
- Clean Slate: With the old hardware removed for painting, you have a perfect opportunity to start fresh. This is especially beneficial if your cabinet door or drawer needs new holes drilled in to accommodate for the new hardware.
- Cohesive Design: New paint and new hardware allow you to create a fully coordinated look.
- Efficient Process: The cabinets are already being worked on, making it a convenient time to make multiple upgrades.
- Cost-Effective: Many painters can handle both painting and hardware installation, potentially saving you money on separate service calls.
When You're Not Painting Your Cabinets
Even if you're not planning to paint your cabinets, replacing the hardware can still be a worthwhile upgrade. Consider replacing your hardware if:
- Your Current Hardware is Outdated: If your hardware style no longer fits your aesthetic preferences or home decor, new hardware can provide a quick and impactful update.
- Functionality Issues: If your current hardware is difficult to grip, prone to snagging clothes, or simply doesn't work well, new hardware can significantly improve your daily kitchen experience.
- Wear and Tear: Over time, hardware can show signs of wear such as tarnishing, chipping, or loosening. New hardware can restore a polished look to your cabinets.
- Home Value: If you're preparing to sell your home, updated hardware can be a cost-effective way to freshen up your kitchen's appearance and potentially increase your home's value.
- Partial Kitchen Update: If a full kitchen renovation isn't in the budget, new hardware can give your kitchen a noticeable refresh at a fraction of the cost.
- Design Refresh: Sometimes, you love your cabinet color but want a new look. Changing just the hardware can dramatically alter the style of your kitchen without the need for painting.
- Improved Accessibility: Switching from knobs to pulls (or vice versa) or choosing hardware with a more comfortable grip can make your cabinets easier to use, especially for family members with arthritis or hand strength issues.
Remember, while pairing new hardware with freshly painted cabinets creates a dramatic transformation, hardware replacement alone can still significantly impact your kitchen's look and functionality.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Cabinet Hardware
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some final tips to help you make the best choice for your Omaha home:
- Consider Your Home's Style: Your hardware should complement the overall style of your home. A Victorian-style knob might look a bit out of place in an ultra-modern kitchen.
- Think About Functionality: If you have large, heavy drawers, sturdy pulls might be a better choice than delicate knobs.
- Factor in Your Lifestyle: If you have kids, you might want to avoid sharp edges. If you cook a lot, easy-to-clean hardware might be a priority.
- Don't Forget About Comfort: Try out the hardware before you buy. Make sure it feels good in your hand.
- Consider the Long Term: While it's fun to follow trends, classic styles tend to have more staying power. Think about what you'll still love 5 or 10 years down the road.
- Bring Samples Home: Lighting can change how the hardware looks. What seems perfect in the store or in a booklet might look different in your kitchen.
- Don't Be Afraid to Mix and Match: Some of the most interesting kitchens have a variety of hardware styles.
Replacing Cabinet Hardware in Your Kitchen
Whether you are planning on a full transformation with a cabinet painting project or just choosing to replace the hardware, your cabinets are about to get the glow-up they deserve.
That's where we at Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE come in. We've been painting cabinets and installing hardware for Omaha homeowners since 1996, and we'd be thrilled to help you bring your vision to life.
Click the button below to talk with our team and get a quote on your project.
The color and design of your cabinet painting project is one of the most important factors. You deserve to have a project that you will love. Click the button below to download your paint color and design guide so that you can be confident while choosing your cabinet paint color and hardware design.