DIY Kitchen Cabinet Handles: Step-by-step Guide

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Twigandthistle.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Want to give your kitchen a fresh new look without spending a fortune? Making your own kitchen cabinet handles can be a fun and easy project. With just a few materials and tools, you can create custom handles that reflect your style. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, helping you transform your kitchen with unique, handmade touches. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or trying it out for the first time, this project is perfect for all skill levels. Grab your tools, and let's get started on making your kitchen cabinets one-of-a-kind.

Getting Ready for the Project

1. Gather Tools and Materials: Get a drill, screwdriver, measuring tape, pencil, level, and the new handles. Ensure you have the correct screws for your handles.

2. Safety First: Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Use gloves if needed to avoid cuts or splinters.

3. Clear the Workspace: Remove any items from the cabinets. Clear the area around the cabinets to have enough room to work.

4. Measure and Mark: Use the measuring tape to find the center of each cabinet door or drawer. Mark the spots where the handles will go with a pencil.

5. Double-Check Alignment: Use a level to ensure your marks are straight and even. This prevents crooked handles.

6. Pre-Drill Holes: Drill small pilot holes where you marked. This makes it easier to screw in the handles and prevents wood from splitting.

7. Install Handles: Align the handles with the pre-drilled holes. Use the screwdriver to attach the handles securely.

8. Check Stability: Make sure all handles are tight and secure. Adjust if any are loose or misaligned.

9. Clean Up: Remove any pencil marks and clean the area. Put back any items you removed from the cabinets.

10. Final Inspection: Open and close each cabinet to ensure handles are properly installed and functional.

What You Need: Materials and Tools

1. Cabinet Handles: Choose handles that match your kitchen's style. They come in various shapes, sizes, and finishes.

2. Screws: Usually included with handles, but double-check to ensure they fit your cabinet thickness.

3. Measuring Tape: Essential for accurate placement of handles. Measure twice to avoid mistakes.

4. Pencil: Use to mark drilling spots. Easily erasable if adjustments are needed.

5. Drill: A power drill makes creating holes for screws quick and easy. Ensure you have the right drill bit size.

6. Drill Bits: Match these to the screw size. Typically, a 3/16-inch bit works for most cabinet handles.

7. Screwdriver: Needed to tighten screws. A manual or electric screwdriver works fine.

8. Level: Ensures handles are straight. A small, handheld level is perfect for this task.

9. Masking Tape: Place on the cabinet surface before drilling to prevent wood from splintering.

10. Template: Optional but helpful. Templates guide where to drill, ensuring uniform handle placement.

11. Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from wood chips and dust while drilling.

12. Cloth: Wipe away pencil marks and dust after installation.

Required Skills and Time Commitment

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 1-2 hours

1. Gather Materials: 10 minutes
2. Measure and Mark: 20 minutes
3. Drill Holes: 15 minutes
4. Attach Handles: 30 minutes
5. Clean Up: 15 minutes

Detailed Steps to Follow

1. Gather Materials:

   • Cabinet handles
   • Screws (usually included with handles)
   • Drill
   • Measuring tape
   • Pencil
   • Screwdriver

2. Measure and Mark:

   • Use the measuring tape to find the center of the cabinet door or drawer.
   • Mark the spot with a pencil where the handle will go.

3. Drill Holes:

   • Choose a drill bit that matches the size of the screws.
   • Carefully drill holes where you marked with the pencil.

4. Attach Handles:

   • Align the handle with the drilled holes.
   • Insert screws through the back of the cabinet door or drawer into the handle.

5. Tighten Screws:

   • Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws until the handle is secure.
   • Ensure the handle is straight and firmly attached.

6. Repeat:

   • Follow the same steps for each cabinet door or drawer.

7. Check Alignment:

   • Step back and check that all handles are aligned and level.
   • Adjust if necessary.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Measure Twice, Drill Once: Before drilling holes, double-check measurements. Use a template or a piece of cardboard to mark where the screws will go.

Use a Level: Ensure handles are straight by using a level. Crooked handles can ruin the look of your cabinets.

Pilot Holes: Drill small pilot holes before using the larger drill bit. This prevents wood from splitting.

Painter’s Tape: Place painter’s tape over the area where you’ll drill. It helps prevent chipping and keeps the wood intact.

Screw Length: Make sure screws are the right length. Too long, and they’ll poke through the other side; too short, and they won’t hold the handle securely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Wrong Placement: Avoid placing handles too close to the edge. It can make opening the cabinet difficult.

Skipping Pilot Holes: Not drilling pilot holes can cause the wood to split, making it harder to install handles.

Uneven Handles: Not using a level or template can result in uneven handles, which look unprofessional.

Over-tightening Screws: Tightening screws too much can strip the wood or damage the handle.

Alternatives for Materials or Methods:

Adhesive Handles: For renters or those who don’t want to drill, adhesive handles can be a temporary solution.

Magnetic Handles: Magnetic handles can be another non-permanent option, easy to install and remove.

Different Materials: Instead of metal, consider wood or ceramic handles for a unique look.

Painted Handles: If you can’t find handles you like, buy plain ones and paint them to match your kitchen’s decor.

Estimating the Cost

Handles: $2-$10 each, depending on style and material. For a set of 20 handles, expect to spend $40-$200.

Screws: Usually included with handles, but if not, a pack of 50 screws costs around $5.

Drill: A basic cordless drill costs about $30-$50.

Drill Bits: A set of drill bits costs around $10-$20.

Measuring Tape: $5-$10.

Pencil: $1.

Screwdriver: $5-$15.

Template: Optional but helpful, around $10.

Total Cost: $106-$311.

Budget-friendly alternatives:

• Handles: Look for bulk packs online or at discount stores.
• Drill: Borrow from a friend or rent from a hardware store.
• Template: Make your own using cardboard.

Different Ways to Customize

Materials: Instead of standard metal, try wood, leather, or ceramic. Wood can be stained or painted, leather adds a rustic touch, and ceramic offers colorful, artistic options.

Colors: Use spray paint to match your kitchen's theme. Metallic finishes like gold, silver, or bronze can give a modern look. Bright colors like red, blue, or yellow add a playful vibe.

Styles: For a modern look, choose sleek, straight handles. Vintage styles can be achieved with ornate designs or antique finishes. Rustic handles might use raw wood or distressed metal.

Shapes: Experiment with different shapes like rectangular, circular, or geometric. Unique shapes can make your cabinets stand out.

Textures: Add texture by wrapping handles with twine, rope, or fabric. This can create a cozy, handmade feel.

Engravings: Personalize handles with initials, patterns, or designs. Use a wood-burning tool or metal engraver for this.

Mix and Match: Combine different materials and styles. For example, pair leather straps with metal brackets or wooden handles with ceramic knobs.

Recycled Materials: Use old belts, tools, or utensils as handles. This not only saves money but also adds a unique, eco-friendly touch.

Length and Size: Vary the length and size of handles to fit different cabinet sizes. Longer handles for larger doors, shorter ones for smaller drawers.

Mounting Styles: Try different mounting styles like hidden screws for a clean look or exposed bolts for an industrial feel.

Eco-Friendly Tips

Materials Needed:

• Old leather belts
• Wooden dowels
• Reclaimed wood
• Recycled metal

Tools Needed:

• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• Saw
• Measuring tape
• Screws

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Measure and Cut:

   • Measure the length needed for each handle.
   • Cut old leather belts or wooden dowels to the desired length.

2. Sand Edges:

   • Sand the edges of wooden dowels or reclaimed wood pieces to smooth any rough spots.

3. Drill Holes:

   • Drill holes in the ends of the leather belts or wooden pieces where screws will go.

4. Attach Handles:

   • Position the handles on the cabinet doors.
   • Use a screwdriver to attach the handles with screws.

5. Recycled Metal Option:

   • Find old metal pieces like spoons or forks.
   • Bend them into handle shapes.
   • Drill holes and attach them to the cabinets.

6. Finishing Touches:

   • Ensure all handles are securely fastened.
   • Check for any sharp edges and sand if necessary.

Using these eco-friendly materials and methods helps reduce waste and gives your kitchen a unique, personalized touch.

Your Kitchen, Your Style

You've got all the tools and know-how to install your own kitchen cabinet handles. By following these steps, you can save money, add a personal touch, and gain some serious DIY cred. Remember, measure twice, drill once. Take your time aligning everything to avoid any crooked handles. If you mess up, don't sweat it. Mistakes happen, and they can usually be fixed with a bit of patience.

Once those handles are in place, step back and admire your handiwork. You've just transformed your kitchen with a simple, yet impactful change. Now, every time you open a cabinet, you'll feel a sense of pride knowing you did it yourself. So go ahead, show off your new skills to friends and family. Who knows? You might inspire someone else to tackle their own DIY project. Happy crafting!