Cabinet Hardware

Home owners are spoilt for choice when it comes to cabinet hardware. These range from small hinges to new synthetic materials and processed woods. Today, various cabinet hardware kits are available for D.I.Y. installations. The kits are simple to use and your own cabinet installation can look like it was done professionally.

Types of Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet hardware can be categorised into three general types, namely:

• Hinges and screws
  
  
• Cabinet frames and doors
  
  
• Door handles

The screws and hinges make up the functional workings of the cabinet, whereas the other two categories complete the aesthetics.

Hinges and Screws

Modern hinges are not only designed for opening and closing doors easier, but also allow for adjustments and door alignments. Your choice in hinge is therefore dependent on the cabinet door that is installed. Examples include:

• Overlay hinge – used on doors that fully overlap the frame
  
  
• 3/8" Inset hinge - used on doors that only partially overlap the cabinet frame
  
  
• Full inset hinge - used on doors that are flush with the cabinet frame

Some cabinets may even have frameless doors. For these door types, frameless hinges are available.

Today, an enormous range of screws are available. Each manufactured for a specific material and screwdriver. Most kitchen and bathroom cabinet suppliers have taken the headache out of deciding which screws to use. When buying readymade cabinets, for example, the right hardware is provided with your purchase.

Cabinet Frames and Doors

Here, choosing the material and colour of your cabinet is the most important hardware choice. Cabinets are primarily manufactured from:

• Wood
  
  
• Synthetics
  
  
• Metal

Each choice has its pros and cons.

Wood Cabinets

Real wood cabinets are warm, luxurious and timeless. These cabinets, however, can be expensive and may require periodic maintenance. Also, depending on the climate in your area as well as moisture generated in your kitchen or bathroom, some wood may not be suitable for cabinets.

Synthetic Materials

Laminated pressed wood and other non solid wood cabinets are made from synthetic materials. Synthetic materials are usually very hard wearing and moisture resistant. They are also available in a variety of colours which can simulate the any wood type you may want. Buying synthetic hardware is also much cheaper compared to other available choices, and are usually available in mix and match sets.

Metals

Metal cabinets can be great with stainless steel kitchen cabinets. They are both beautiful as well as practical. Metal cabinets also work well in a garage or hobby room, and can be purchased as standalone cabinets. The disadvantages are that metal can look cold and impersonal, and can be susceptible to rust.

Door Handles

Modern hinges make opening and closing cabinet doors so easy that any choice in door handle will be functional. This makes door handles almost a purely aesthetic decision.

Door handles may be small but they can transform the look of a cabinet completely. They are also available in a range of designs and styles, and can therefore compliment the decor of the rest of your home.

Installation

Cabinets can either be installed by professionals or as a D.I.Y project. It all depends on what you want to achieve. D.I.Y. kits are user friendly and are accompanied by the necessary hardware and installation instructions.

Cabinet Hardware Considerations

Your choice in cabinet hardware will be influenced by:

• Your budget
  
  
• The purpose
  
  
• The look you want to achieve

Depending on what you want to achieve, your cabinet hardware need not be expensive. It is, however, recommended not to skimp on cabinet hardware quality, especially if it will be fitted in the bathroom and kitchen