Changing old handles on your kitchen handles and doors is one of the most inexpensive and quickest ways to upgrade the look of the kitchen. Over time, every part of a kitchen, including the handles, can get old, ugly, broken or mismatched and can make the kitchen look less appealing. By changing the door handles, you can give your kitchen space a boost in style without the need for major work. Follow the steps outlined below to replace old kitchen door handles with new ones and improve the look of your space.
Why Replace Kitchen Door Handles?
kitchen cabinet and door handles are to be used as intended, but they also serve a beautifying purpose. With the new handles on your cabinets and drawers, you can achieve a more up-to-date look and make it easier to use too. Do you want a contemporary airy space that has no clutter or a cozy and traditional one? Handles will always contribute to the look. Also, old and worn-out handles harm the beauty of the kitchen, while new ones add charm and value to it.
Choosing the Right Handles
Proper selection of handles essential to your kitchen decor. Prior to setting out to replace them, it is important to think of what else will be beneficial for you. Below are some of the considerations you should put in mind:
- Style: Pick bar handles for modern kitchens, while choose ornate or vintage handles for traditional or farmhouse kitchen designs. Ensure your choice works best for your kitchen decor.
- Finish: Choose a finish that will go hand-in-hand with the rest fixtures like your faucet or light. Finishes such as matte black, antique brass, and brushed nickel as well as chrome are popular.
- Size: Make sure you consider the proportion between the handles to the cabinet doors or drawers. Large doors with tiny knobs will not serve too well, while small doors with oversized handles might get overpowered.
- Quality: Note that the best finishes for handles, especially in a kitchen which has high traffic, include stainless steel, zinc alloy, or brass.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
For this task, replacing the kitchen door handles is a simple do it yourself project with basic requirements. The following things will be needed at the start.
- Screwdriver (Using flat-head or Phillips depending on the type of screws)
- Drill (Optional, only if new holes need to be created)
- New handles or knobs
- Pencil or Marker
- Screws (These usually accompany the handles)
- Level (Optional, for accurate alignment)
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Kitchen Door Handles
- Removing the Previous Handles Start by unscrewing the old handles or knobs making sure to keep hold of the screws as they can be of use in future projects. If the handles are stubborn due to not moving for years, try gently jiggling them to loosen up.
- Cleaning the Surface After the old handles are removed, clear out any dirt or grease that may have accumulated from the surface area surrounding the handles. These marks can be quite unpleasing to look at so make sure to tend to them. A gentle cloth or a mild detergent also does a great job at ensuring the surface is clean.
- Cleaning the Surface After the old handles are removed, clear out any dirt or grease that may have accumulated from the surface area surrounding the handles. These marks can be quite unpleasing to look at so make sure to tend to them. A gentle cloth or a mild detergent also does a great job at ensuring the surface is clean.
- Attach The New Handles New handles must be aligned to either the already existing holes or the newly drilled holes. Loosely slide the screws from the back to the front of the cabinet. The screws should then be held with a screwdriver from the front. Do not apply too much force into tightening as, excessively tight screws can break or delete the handle.
- Test The Installation When the new handle has been installed, it is recommended to check by opening and closing the cabinet or drawer in question. Make sure the handle feels intact and is properly set. Make adjustments where necessary.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Use a Template: To ensure uniform placement, especially for multiple handles, use a hardware installation template. This tool helps maintain consistent spacing and alignment across all your cabinets.
- Match All Hardware: For a cohesive look, ensure all your handles, knobs, and even hinges match in style and finish.
- Inspect for Damage: While replacing handles, inspect the cabinet doors and drawers for any signs of wear or damage. Minor repairs, such as tightening screws or filling in old holes, can help your cabinets look their best.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Handles
The Perks of Investing The decision to replace the door handles for kitchens goes beyond the mere enhancement of appearance. Primarily, it bolsters the operations of the cabinets, enabling easy opening as well as closure. Moreover, it is relatively cheaper considering the benefits attained versus the expenses incurred as opposed to setting up an entire kitchen overhaul. In addition, the lifespan of the cabinets can be extended when quality handles are installed.
Conclusion
The process of changing old kitchen door handles does not involve a lot of work, but the benefits that come with it are tremendous in terms of enhancing the look of the room and additional space. All that is needed to do is select the style and colour appropriately and carry out these simple guidelines to the end. Also, regardless of putting your house on the market, with more emphasis on use in the kitchen we can agree that indeed, changing door handles is one enhancement that portrays simplicity and modifies the overall kitchen aesthetics.
