Replacing Cabinet Knobs with Handles

Installing handles is an excellent “aging in place” project for older homeowners who have a hard time grasping knobs. With a significant portion of seniors suffering from ailments such as arthritis, small round-shaped cabinet knobs can be a challenge (or even painful) to use. Cabinets without any pulls (no knobs or handles) can make for an even larger problem for seniors. Adding handles to cabinets can help reduce the difficulty seniors have opening cabinets. Opposed to using their entire hand to open a cabinet, a handle allows seniors to use a finger or two to open it. Replacing knobs with handles is a quick way to update a kitchen while making it more comfortable and convenient to use.

Low-end cabinet handles can be priced as low as $1 each. High-end handles range between $15 to $20 a piece. However, most basic handles are somewhere between the $4 to $7 range. The average kitchen typically requires approximately 25 handles to cover every door and drawer. In this blog, we will show you how to perform a DIY installation. (Installation is not difficult.) If you do get these installed, expect to pay about $100 to $200 for installation if you have an average-sized kitchen. The two popular types of handles are “C type” (refers to a handle that looks like the letter “C” when viewed from the side) and “D type” (refers to a cupped style pull that looks like the letter “D” when viewed from the side).

A few things to keep in mind before ordering cabinet handles:

• Before making a large order or purchase, try buying one handle in several styles to ensure you can open your cabinet pain-free. Also, you can see which style matches your kitchen décor the best!
• Be sure to ask if the handles include screws. Some handles come without them. If that is the case, you want to be sure to order the correct amount of screws.
• Lastly, count the number of drawers and cupboards prior to making an order or purchase. The last thing you want to do is not have enough handles during installation.

How to Install

Installation of cabinet handles is moderate in difficulty and is a project you can do yourself. Here is how to do it!

1.) Get a ¼” dowel of similar wood type and wood glue

2.) Drill out a ¼” inch hole in each of the holes that you need to hide, and cut the dowel to the correct length to fill in the hole.

3.) Wipe wood glue around the dowel and then insert it in the drilled hole.

4.) Sand the dowel flush with the cabinet.

5.) Match the wood stain of the existing cabinets.

As always, if you need a home project done, contact your local Mr. Handyman by calling or request service in your area.