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How to Budget for Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

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How to Budget for Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Upgrade your kitchen cabinets for about $200 with holiday sales and a practical payment plan.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $11.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

New hardware changes how your kitchen feels the minute you grab a drawer pull. It takes a Saturday afternoon to swap them out, and holiday weekends at home stores are the cheapest time to buy. Pick up a multipack during the seasonal sales so you get a consistent finish across every door.

Before you buy, measure the distance between screw holes on your current pulls. Ordering the exact same size saves you from filling old holes or drilling new ones. Take your time checking a few different stores to find a weight and grip you actually like using every day.

Remember that the intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 0% period ends, standard interest charges will kick in on what you owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure your current holes

    Pull off one handle and measure the distance between the screw holes from center to center. Most standard pulls are three or four inches, but checking now keeps you from buying hardware that needs extra drilling.

  2. 02

    Shop the holiday sales

    Wait for a holiday home store promotion to buy your pulls and knobs in bulk. Buying them all together usually unlocks free shipping or volume discounts that cut the total cost down.

  3. 03

    Check the card terms

    If you are using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That gives you breathing room to pay for the hardware over time.

  4. 04

    Set a monthly payment

    Divide your total by your timeline so you do not have to think about it twice. Spreading a $200 cost across the 18-month window comes out to $11.11 per month.

  5. 05

    Install with a template

    Buy a cheap plastic hardware jig to keep your screw placement straight on every door and drawer. It takes the guesswork out of the install and keeps you from making crooked holes.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I match my faucet finish?

You do not have to match everything exact, but keeping finishes in the same family keeps the kitchen from looking too busy. Mixing matte black with stainless steel usually looks fine if you repeat each finish at least twice.

Are knobs or pulls better for drawers?

Pulls are usually better for wide drawers because you can grab them with two hands. Knobs work great on smaller cabinet doors and lighter drawers where a single point of contact is enough.

How do I fix stripped screw holes?

Put a dab of wood glue and a small piece of a wooden toothpick into the loose hole. Let it dry for an hour, snap it flush, and screw your hardware right back in for a tight hold.

What tools do I need for the swap?

You only need a handheld screwdriver or a drill with a driver bit. A small level and a piece of painter's tape will also help you keep everything straight.