Should I Have Cabinet Pulls or Knobs?

One of the most notable features of any kitchen is the cabinetry. If you are looking for ways to update your kitchen, changing your cabinet pulls or knobs can be a fast way to make a big change.

There are plenty of options available for hardware, so choosing a style, design, and type to suit your needs will surely be accomplished. Everything from bar pulls and ring pulls to cabinet knobs and finger pulls are available. Hardware finishes can include painted, stained, untreated, plated, and poly-coated. Styles include everything from contoured or painted art to designer shapes and select finishes. Here are the different cabinet handle options, styles, and types to explore so you can be sure that you get the right hardware for the job.

Types of metal cabinet handles include, but are not limited to:

• Bar pulls
• Bail pulls
• Ring pulls
• Cup pulls
• Finger pulls
• Recessed drawer pulls
• Drawer knobs

Vinyl and Plastic Cabinet Pulls

The most affordable cabinet pull options include those made of vinyl or plastic materials. The strength of these handles greatly depends on the mixed ingredients during the manufacturing process. Vinyl is usually more durable, but plastic is highly affordable. Finishes often include paint coatings, colorants that tint the plastic during the manufacturing process, painted designs, protective coatings, or untreated plastic. When it comes to painted artwork on vinyl and plastic handles, they are plentiful and popular.

Types of vinyl and plastic cabinet handles include, but are not limited to:

• Bar pulls
• Cup pulls
• Recessed drawer pulls
• Drawer knobs

Wood handle types include, but are not limited to:

• Bar pulls
• Cup pulls
• Recessed drawer pulls
• Drawer knobs

Finding the Right Cabinet Handles for Your Drawers

When building your custom cabinets, the drawers need specific types of drawer pulls to function reliably, easily, and to prolong the life of the cabinets.

Handles for Wider Cabinet Drawers

Drawers that are on the heavier and wider side benefit from pull bars that are 4 inches or wider. You could also use two spaced out pull rings, cup pulls, or recessed drawer pulls. You may find wider, heavier drawers with ring pulls, but they are prone to pulling off the base or wearing out from the pressure. Solid-metal drawer pulls are best for heavy and wide drawers because they are stronger and more resistant to pressure and wear.

Handles for Small Cabinet Drawers

Smaller drawers hold less weight and are typically aren’t as wide so they work great with knobs, ring pulls, and finger pulls. Vinyl, wood, and stone handles are perfect for smaller, lighter capacity drawers because they experience less pulled pressure and wear.

Specifics to Keep in Mind for Cabinet Drawer Pulls

The most common drawer pulls for kitchen cabinets include knobs, pull bars, and recessed drawer handles. The kitchen drawers may be prone to grease, cleaners, water, etc. so knobs make it easier to clean while pull bars provide a solid grip under any conditions. When designing your future kitchen cabinets, this is something you should consider.