Cost to install cabinet hardware & handles
Cost to install cabinet hardware & handles
$1 – $30 per handle (materials only)
$6 – $60 per handle installed
$120 – $2,400 average kitchen (20 to 40 handles installed)
Cost to install cabinet hardware
The cost to install cabinet hardware is $6 to $60 per handle, depending on the style and material. Cabinet hardware installers charge $5 to $30 per piece for labor to install kitchen cabinet handles. An average kitchen project with 20 to 40 handles costs $120 to $2,400.
| Kitchen size | Square footage | Number of handles | Average total installed cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen | Less than 100 | 10 – 20 | $60 – $1,200 |
| Average kitchen | 100 – 200 | 20 – 40 | $120 – $2,400 |
| Large kitchen | 200+ | 40 – 60 | $240 – $3,600 |
Labor cost to install kitchen cabinet handles
The labor cost to install cabinet handles is $5 to $30 per handle if hiring a professional cabinetmaker, while a handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour. The average kitchen handle installation takes about 3 hours.
| Factor | Average cost per piece | Average cost per kitchen (20-40 handles) |
|---|---|---|
| New cabinet handles | $1 – $30 | $20 – $1,200 |
| Installation labor | $5 – $30 | $100 – $1,200 |
| Total cost | $6 – $60 | $120 – $2,400 |
Factors that affect the cost of installing cabinet hardware include:
Kitchen size – Larger kitchens have more cabinets and hardware, increasing material costs. However, installers typically charge less per handle for large projects.
Hole spacing – Labor costs are cheaper when replacing the old hardware with new hardware that matches the existing hole spacing.
Prep work – Costs increase if cabinets need refitting, new hinges, refacing, or refinishing before the new hardware installation.
Cabinet refacing costs $5,000 to $13,000.
Cabinet refinishing costs $1,500 to $4,500.
Repairs – Cabinet repairs cost $120 to $600 on average to replace cabinet hinges or water-damaged cabinets.
Cabinet hardware material prices
Cabinet hardware costs $1 to $30 per piece on average for most materials and up to $200 for handles made of high-end metals like copper and zinc alloy.
| Material | Price per piece* |
|---|---|
| Brass | $5 – $55 |
| Bronze | $10 – $70 |
| Ceramic | $2 – $16 |
| Copper | $5 – $200 |
| Crystal | $6 – $30 |
| Glass | $6 – $30 |
| Iron | $5 – $35 |
| Plastic | $1 – $12 |
| Resin | $4 – $20 |
| Stainless steel | $4 – $32 |
| Wood | $3 – $30 |
| Zinc alloy | $5 – $100 |
*Not including installation.
Brass, bronze, and copper hardware are naturally antimicrobial, making them a great choice for kitchens.
Stainless steel handles are durable, easy to clean, and come in multiple finishes to suit any style.
Glass, crystal, and ceramic knobs offer a vintage look.
Iron and copper are ideal for rustic, farmhouse kitchens.
Cost to install cabinet hardware by style
Cabinet hardware costs $1 to $25 per piece for simple round or square knobs, while ornate knobs and pulls cost $5 to $50 per piece, not including installation. Novelty hardware costs $10 to $200 each for unique pieces that highlight a hobby or decorative theme.
| Style | Price per piece* |
|---|---|
| Round knob | $1 – $20 |
| Square knob | $3 – $25 |
| Ornate knob or pull | $5 – $50 |
| Novelty knob or pull | $10 – $200 |
*Not including installation.
Modern kitchens use sleek, minimally detailed finger pulls made from stainless steel or nickel.
Farmhouse kitchens often include a cup-pull on drawers, paired with square or rounded knobs on cabinets in rustic copper or matte black materials.
Coastal kitchens often use starfish, seashells, or other beach themed novelty hardware.
Knobs are typically installed on cabinets, while pulls are better for drawers.
Cabinet hardware FAQs
Where to buy cabinet hardware
Buy cabinet hardware from any home improvement store or online retailer to avoid the markup charged by cabinet installers.
Should I buy or install cabinet hardware myself?
You can easily buy and install cabinet hardware yourself with a few simple tools. Carefully measure and mark the drill holes using a template. Use a drill bit slightly larger than the screws. Drill with the door or drawer open to avoid drilling into the frame by mistake.
Replacing old hardware is a simple DIY switch if the center-to-center hole measurements are a match.
How long does it take to install cabinet hardware?
Installing cabinet hardware takes about 3 hours, depending on the number of cabinets and drawers. Knobs only require one screw, making them faster and easier to install.
Are cabinet handles standard sizes?
Cabinet handles are measured by the space between the center of the screw holes, with 3” and 4” center-to center measurements being most common.
When choosing handle sizes, use drawer pulls that measure 1/3 the length of the drawer and cabinet pulls between 5” to 7” as a standard.
Do kitchen cabinets need handles?
Kitchen cabinets do not need handles, especially when designing a modern, minimalist space. However, adding hardware protects your doors and drawers from wear and tear and even adds value to the home.
Which is better for kitchen cabinets – knobs or handles?
Both knobs and handles can be mixed throughout the kitchen. Knobs are cheaper and easier to install since they are secured with a single screw. Pulls are easier to grip, making them ideal for drawers and large doors such as a pantry or trash-pull out.
Can you change kitchen cabinet doors to soft close?
Yes, you can convert any cabinet to soft close by replacing the hinges or by adding soft-close adapters to the cabinet doors and drawer slides.
Hiring someone to install cabinet hardware
When hiring a cabinet hardware installer, be sure to:
Look for a cabinet contractor or handyman that has been in business for 5+ years.
Choose companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates with similar hardware to compare.
Avoid the lowest quote as it may indicate poor-quality workmanship.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the project begins.
Negotiate a payment plan and make the final payment when work is completed.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have installing cabinet hardware?
Do I need to empty my cabinets?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the repairs take?
How do I safely clean the hardware?
Do you offer a guarantee of your work, and if so, what does it include?
Will you provide copy of your insurance policy for my records?
May I have a list of references with contact information?