Cabinet Hardware Cost
Knobs, pulls, hinges, and slides: small parts that add up and get used every day.
Hardware is easy to overlook in a budget because each piece seems inexpensive. Multiply by the number of doors and drawers, though, and it becomes a real line item. It is also the part of a cabinet you touch every day, so quality matters.
Decorative hardware: knobs and pulls
| Type | Typical price per piece |
|---|---|
| Basic knobs and pulls (home center, multipacks) | About $2 to $10 |
| Mid-range solid metal pulls | About $8 to $25 |
| Designer, long appliance pulls, or specialty finishes | $25 to $100 or more |
| Installation by a pro (drilling and mounting) | Often a few dollars or more per piece, or included in cabinet install |
Estimates only. Broad typical ranges based on published contractor and industry cost guides; actual prices vary widely by location, materials, and scope. Get written quotes.
How many you need: count every door and every drawer front. A medium kitchen commonly has a few dozen pieces. Wide drawers may need two knobs or one long pull. Tall pantry doors may need a longer pull.
Choosing pulls
- Hold samples in your hand; heavy solid pieces feel better than hollow ones.
- Check the center-to-center hole spacing if you are replacing hardware without refinishing. Matching existing holes avoids filling and redrilling.
- Some finishes show fingerprints and water spots more than others. Living finishes like unlacquered brass change color over time.
- In humid or coastal areas, ask about corrosion resistance; solid brass and good stainless steel generally hold up better than plated steel.
Functional hardware: hinges and slides
Hinges
Most current cabinets use concealed (European-style) hinges that adjust in three directions. Soft-close hinges are standard on many lines. If yours are not, replacement hinges or add-on dampers are an inexpensive upgrade, often in the range of several dollars to about $25 per hinge depending on brand. Most doors have two hinges; tall doors have more.
Drawer slides
Slides determine how drawers feel. Common types:
- Side-mount ball-bearing slides: durable and common, often full extension.
- Undermount concealed slides: hidden under the drawer, smooth, often with soft-close. Usually more expensive.
- Basic epoxy-coated roller slides: found in budget cabinets; they often do not extend fully.
Replacement slide pairs commonly run from about $10 to $60 or more each depending on type and load rating. Retrofitting undermount slides into old drawers can require new drawer boxes.
Organizers and accessories
Pull-out trash centers, roll-out shelves, lazy Susans, tray dividers, and spice pull-outs are usually priced per unit, from under a hundred dollars for simple inserts to several hundred for engineered pull-out systems. They are often worth it in the cabinets you use most.
Where to spend
- Spend on slides and hinges for drawers and doors used every day.
- Save on decorative hardware if needed; it is easy to upgrade later.
- Order one or two extra pulls for future repairs, since finishes and models get discontinued.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for cabinet hardware?
It depends on the count and style. Basic hardware for a medium kitchen may cost a few hundred dollars; designer hardware can cost a thousand dollars or more. Count your doors and drawers and multiply by the price per piece.
Knobs or pulls?
Pulls are usually easier to grip on drawers. Many kitchens use knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. It is mostly a style and comfort choice.
Can I add soft-close to old cabinets?
Often yes, with replacement concealed hinges or add-on dampers. Older exposed hinges or unusual doors may need other solutions.
Is hardware included with new cabinets?
Hinges and slides are. Decorative knobs and pulls are often sold separately. Ask whether installation of decorative hardware is included.
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