So you got all the new recessed hardware for your kitchen cabinets but you do not have a clue how to install them. You need an upgrade in the kitchen but could not afford to buy brand new cabinets. The good news is that installing the hinges and pulls is incredibly easy to do and only takes a few short steps. With these few steps, your new recessed hardware looks as if a contractor came to install them instead of it being a do it yourself project.
Installing new recessed hardware on your cabinets can be a fun and easy way to get new looking cabinets without paying the price for brand new ones. The best part is that learning how to install recessed hardware is not much different than installing any other type of hardware. You just need a few tools to get the job done. The rest is just having someone to help you hold them while you install the new hardware.
1. Tools Needed – In order to do the recessed hardware replacement, you need to have a few tools available. You may also need a friend to help remove the cabinet doors if you cannot lift them on your own. The tools needed are:
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Drill
- Tape Measure
- Sandpaper
2. Remove Old Hardware – You need to remove the old hardware before installing the new recessed hardware. Using the screwdriver, carefully remove any screws that are holding the pulls or handles on. Starting with the bottom hinge, remove those screws as well. Do the same with the top ones. Keep in mind that the doors are coming off so you need have someone there to help you hold the cabinet door if you cannot do it yourself.
3. Clean Up Doors – If there are any rough edges on the wood they need to be sanded down before installing the new hardware. This makes for a better fit when the new hardware is installed. The new hardware needs to be flush and if there are any high spots on the cabinets they can look bad.
4. Install New Hinges – After cleaning up the doors, you need to install the new hinges. Use the tape measure and make sure the new hinges have the same hole configuration as the ones that were removed. If they do not, use the drill to make new holes for the new hinges. While the doors are still off the cabinets, put the new hinges onto the cabinet doors. Have your helper hold them up to the cabinets and attach the other side of the hinges to the cabinets. Do the top first and then the bottom.
5. Install Pulls – Install the new pulls in the same way you did the hinges. If the existing holes are not the right size or if you go from pulls with one screw to those with two, then add another hole using the drill after measuring the distance between holes exactly.
Now that you have gone through all the steps, you have new looking cabinets for much less than new cabinets would have cost. Installation is easy and as long as you have a helper it does not take much time. Your friends are envious of your DIY skills and your new and great looking cabinets.