Replacing Polished Brass Door Hardware And Faucets With Oil Rubbed Bronze

We purchased our family home in early June this year and we loved everything about it except the 1980’s brass door hardware and faucets. I am an avid online shopper and know where to find the best prices and customer service. When I came across doorcorner.com, I was impressed with their selection of items and was able to select the Kingston door handles in oil-rubbed bronze and complimentary Crystal Cove faucets.

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We also ordered a pocket door handle and Cosmas cabinet knobs to finish out all the hardware in the house.

Replacing your home’s polished brass door hardware and fixtures with oil rubbed bronze is one of the most dramatic aesthetic improvements that you can make to your home.

 

Aaron – Frisco, Texas

Making Cabinets Furniture

 

 

It hasn’t been long since cabinets were only found in the bathroom and kitchen and used simply as a basic necessity to hide our goods and clutter!

Now cabinets have extended all over the house finding their way into dens, offices, laundry rooms, children’s rooms, play areas, hall areas and even replacing traditional dining furniture.  Cabinets have become part of the homes design and not just for function but in many cases cabinets are becoming the room’s focal point.

Drop zone areas in the laundry, hall and entry ways are a great example of marrying function and design. Often these cabinet, bench and shelving areas are designed with function in mind, but become beautiful designer showpieces.

As cabinets become part of the interior design throughout the home, the cabinet consumer has become more knowledgeable about their wants and needs. Cabinet vendors are seeing savvy consumers opt for the furniture grade cabinets which perform at a high level. They want self closing under mount drawer slides, soft close European hinges, and all the other small details that make a cabinet more appealing.

Homeowner really  are seeking more from their cabinets and these demands are being met with options such as slide out towel bars, pull down shelves and pull out waste cans. Hiding toys, refrigerators, recycling and laundry baskets – cabinets are no longer being used for bathroom and kitchen storage they are blending function and design all over the house!

Find your Kitchen Jewels!

Ahhh…the kitchen! Not just the heart of the home, but the pulse, the beat, and often times the backbone. The kitchen is the place where we spend most of our time, the place which gets the most scrutiny from potential buyers and the place where remodeling projects abound!

But remodeling your kitchen can be costly and disruptive. With money tight who can afford a whole new kitchen make over? Well here is an idea…instead of a make over – how about an accessory change?

Think of your cabinet and drawer knobs and pulls as earrings and necklaces for your cabinets! Inexpensive cabinet hardware is easy to replace and just like that perfect necklace or ring…it changes the whole look!

New accessories always make us feel better! So find that perfect handle or knob and update your kitchen…keep its heartbeat going!

How To Replace Cabinet Hardware

A. Pulls
When replacing pulls, the choices are numerous. You may choose to go with a pull with the same hole centers as your existing pull. Pull size is determined by measuring from hole to hole, not by the length of the pull itself. However, if you do choose to use a pull which is longer or shorter, the following information will assist you:
• On wall cabinets, reuse the bottom hole and drill a new top hole
• On base cabinets, reuse the top hole and drill a new bottom hole
• On drawers, drill two new holes and realign in the center

 
B. Knobs
When replacing knobs, simply unscrew your old knob. Leaving the old screw in place, screw on your new knob. Nothing could be easier!

 

 
C. Backplates
If you are switching sizes of pulls, or from a knob to a pull, or from a pull to a knob, there may be one or more exposed holes in the cabinet surface. To remedy this situation, you may choose to use a backplate.
• Backplates are used in conjunction with a knob or a pull.  It is placed between the cabinet door or drawer surface and the knob or pull. Backplates will also help to protect the wood surface, and visually enhance the existing decorative hardware. Note: If you are switching from a knob to a pull or from a pull to a knob, generally there will be one or more exposed holes in the cabinet surface!

How To Install New Cabinet Hardware

Step 1.   Location of Cabinet Hardware

While there are no hard, fast rules for placement of a knob or pull on a cabinet door, most cabinet makers will locate them approximately 3″-4″ above the upper non-hinged corner on base cabinets, or the lower non-hinged corner on wall cabinets. However, the decision is your to make!

Step 2.   Mounting Cabinet Hardware

When drilling for a knob or pull, a 3/16″ hole is recommended for most styles. The exception is pulls that have “studs”. A stud is simply an extension of the molded screw holes. If a pull has a stud, then a 1/4″ hole is required with studs sitting securely in the wood.

IMPORTANT  Screw Information

Most brands include 8-32 x 1″ long machine screws with most knobs and pulls because the typical cabinet door or drawer front is 3/4″ thick. This screw length should work in most applications. However, if your cabinet doors or drawer fronts are thicker than 3/4″, you will need to use longer screws for mounting.  Check the thickness of both a cabinet door and a drawer front in your kitchen, as the thickness dimensions may not be the same. In general, the screw length(s) used should be 1/4″ longer than the thickness of your cabinet door or drawer front material. It is not uncommon for some drawers to be constructed with a 3/4″ thick front attached to a 3/4″ thick drawer box. In this situation, the total drawer thickness is 1-1/2″, making a 1-3/4″ long screw necessary for mounting. These screws may be purchased from doorcorner.com and other online retailers.

A. Mounting Pulls

Sizes Available
Pulls can be obtained in U.S. measurements as well as metric.
Most brands offer a broad range of sizes to choose from.

How to Choose the Right Size
• Take note of all sizes available.
• 3″ is the most common size pull.
•  Size is determined by measuring from hole to hole, not by the length of the pull itself

Installation Tips: If you are using a pull, you will want to determine the hole center spacing of the pull. 3″ hole centers are the most common. However, most brands offer a wide variety of sizes. You may want to create or purchase a durable template prior to drilling to mark the mounting holes. This will help to ensure that they are parallel with the door or drawer edge and that they are the same placement height on every cabinet.

B. Mounting Knobs

Sizes Available
Knobs can be obtained in a variety of sizes, shapes, and diameters. Most brands offer a broad range of sizes to choose from.
How to Choose the Right Size
There are no right or wrong sizes when it comes to selecting the appropriate knob size. Choose the size that looks best in proportion to the size of your cabinet doors and drawers. A 1-1/4″ or 1-3/8″ diameter knob is the most popular. To create a dramatic effect, consider using a large (1-1/2″ diameter or greater) or small (1″ diameter or smaller) sized knob. Small sized knobs also work well on applications such as apothecary drawers, spice drawers, pullout cutting boards, etc.
Installation Tips: If you are installing a knob, it is suggested that you create or buy a durable template prior to drilling to mark the mounting hole. This will help to ensure that the knob is positioned properly on the cabinet door or drawer front and that there is the same
placement height on every cabinet.

Novelty Cabinet Knobs for Kids Bedrooms

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…these are a few of my favorite things. When it comes to decorating a child’s bedroom, nursery, playroom or that special theme room – novelty cabinet knobs and pulls are an excellent idea. Crafted from ceramic, metal, glass, and wood, these novelty cabinet knobs are sure to brighten any room.

                                    Baby Nursery and Animal Themed Knobs: For your younger ones, there is a wide selection of animal themed cabinet knobs, from furry pink bunnies, to big grey elephants, and even a Noah’s Arc! Nursery rhyme inspired knobs, like The Three Little Bears is perfect for the baby room and even playrooms. Themed cabinet knobs added to a dresser, bed, closet, change table or play chest gives any room that finishing touch and lets children’s imagination soar.

Fantasy and Space Travel Themed Cabinet Knobs:
The selection of fantasy knobs and space travel knobs are a great choice for the little dreamer and explorer in the family. The magical “fairy knobs” come in an array of colors, and are hand painted to display mystical settings and faraway places. Speaking of faraway places, how about a trip to Saturn or the Moon? The brightly painted ceramic solar system cabinet knobs let you explore the universe right from your home!

Sports and Action Themed Cabinet Hardware:
Let the adventure begin! Whether that adventure is a jungle safari or an exploration to the land of dinosaurs there are plenty of novelty cabinet knobs sure to capture your little one sense of excitement. For the older child or even for that special office or den – sports themed cabinet knobs let the inspired athlete of the family show off their passion. From golf, to football, to soccer, to hockey – all the popular sports are showcased in the cabinet hardware. Even extreme athletes can show off their love of sports with the surfboard or skateboard knobs.

When decorating your next theme room with your favorite things in mind – don’t forget about the cabinet hardware to add the finishing touch!

Blackrock Collection, from Amerock

Amerock is defining cabinet hardware fashion in homes everywhere. Amerock continues to introduce new designs, colors, and finishes, based on constant surveys of decorating trends and consumer preferences. Amerock brings you fresh, lasting looks which appeal to a variety of tastes.

Amerock is now offering the Blackrock Collection of cabinet hardware. The collection is available in 12 sizes, which includes standard and oversize knobs, in both round and square configurations; an Amerock pendant knob; 3-inch, 96 mm, 128 mm and 160 mm pulls; and 8-inch, 12-inch and 18-inch appliance hardware. Finishes include black bronze, bronze, oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel.

The Blackrock collection from Amerock offers sleek simplicity with a hardy hand and a contemporary indulgence. This new eclectic line features a new pendant knob that offers a unique patented design specifically quality-engineered to stop before hitting your cabinet, preventing surface damage. With 12 unique sizes and three distinct finishes, Amerock Blackrock fits comfortably.

What Kind of Cabinet Hardware is Best for Me?

Giving your home new knobs and pulls can completely change the overall feel of your kitchen, bath or home furnishings. Consider the selection of knobs and note how each of these knobs would change a basic oak cabinet. One cabinet knob is modern, another knob art deco, another knob traditional, and so on. Whether you want to give a classic sleek look, an edgy contemporary feel, a dramatic flare, or a splash of your own artistic style; there is a huge selection of knobs and a variety of pulls each which come in an array of designs and colors. You are sure to find the look you want.

Cabinet hardware selection can be overwhelming. If you are feeling confused by the selection process, consider which type of hardware you would prefer or which is easiest to replace. Cabinet hardware generally consists of four types; knobs, pulls, cup pulls and drop pulls. Generally, the difference between these items has to do with how many and where the screws are used to fastened the hardware to your cabinet. Some styles are interchangeable and all come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Knobs are anchored with a single screw and are often made of more fragile materials such as glass or porcelain. Cabinet knobs have a larger surface and therefore allow for a more decorative design. Knobs are not limited to circles and come in many different shapes and sizes. Knobs are sturdy and durable and easy to install.

 

Pulls are grip designed and use two screws during installation rather than one. Due to the limited surface a cabinet pull offers, there is less decoration but still many options for style. Pulls do come in a wide variety of finishes from brass, to copper to plastic and an endless assortment of colors and textures.

Cup pulls are similar to regular pulls in that two screws are required for installation, but they differ in their overall design. The cup pull cabinet hardware is a semi enclosed pull that allows for full grip. These beautifully configured pulls come in an array of materials, finishes and colors each giving a different look and feel to your home decor.

 

Drop Pulls include a swinging or pivoting handle. These are a hybrid of a pull and knob. The drop pull is mounted securely to the cabinet, while the handle acts as the functional pull. These cabinet handles also come in a variety of finishes and colors.

 

 

article courtesy of doorcorner.com