The Complete Guide to Choosing Handles for Oak Kitchen Cabinets

If you're in the process of designing or renovating your kitchen, one of the most important finishing touches is choosing handles for your oak cabinets. The right handles can take your oak cabinetry from drab to dramatic, adding style, functionality and visual interest. Oak is a classic cabinet material that looks great in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Choosing the perfect handles to complement oak requires careful thought. There are several styles, materials and finishes to consider that will impact the look and function of your kitchen.

In this complete guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing handles for oak kitchen cabinets. We'll explore popular handle types like knobs, cup pulls, and bar pulls, along with materials like metal and wood. You'll also learn key factors in selecting handles like size, finish, and installation. With the right information, you'll be equipped to choose handles that complete the look of your dream oak kitchen.

Different Types of Cabinet Handles

When it comes to oak cabinet handles, there are a few main options to consider:

Knobs

Knobs are a classic choice for kitchen cabinets and the most common type of cabinet handle. Oak knobs come in all different shapes, sizes, materials and finishes to suit any style. The biggest benefits of cabinet knobs are affordability and simplicity. Knobs work especially well for shaker style or traditional oak cabinets. Their small rounded shape doesn't distract from the clean lines of these cabinet fronts. Sizes generally range from 1-3 inches in diameter. While knobs work well for both doors and drawers, they may be a bit small for some larger drawers. The installation process for knobs is fairly straightforward--simply drill a hole and attach the knob with a screw. Allow 1-3 inches between each knob for proper spacing.

Cup Pulls

Cup pulls, also called cup handles, have an oval or U-shaped pull attached to a base plate. The pull provides a built-in grip and makes doors and drawers easy to open, even with slippery hands. Choose streamlined cup pulls for a contemporary vibe, or ornate glass and metal ones for a more traditional oak kitchen. Sizes range from 3-6 inches wide to fit proportionally on standard cabinet doors and drawers. Allow 3-4 inches between cup pulls for best spacing. Install cup pulls using the pre-drilled holes in the base plate. They work well on any cabinet style and provide a slightly more decorative look than simple knobs.

Bar Pulls

Bar pulls, also known as bar handles, consist of a long straight metal or wood handle attached horizontally to cabinets. They come in different lengths like 3, 6, 9 or 12 inches. Bar pulls work well on large drawers like those below an oven or sink. Their length gives you plenty to grip when opening heavy drawers. Or install one long bar pull across a wide cabinet door. The modern look of bar pulls allows them to complement many oak cabinet styles, from industrial to farmhouse. Make sure you have enough cabinet front real estate for the bar's length. You'll need concealed mounting brackets and some drilling to install bar pulls properly.

T-Pulls

T-pull handles provide a front lip that creates a subtle T-shape. They are attached with two screws drilled into the cabinet door or drawer front. The slim profile and 90 degree angle of T-pulls have a very modern, minimalist look. This makes them a trendy choice for contemporary kitchens. Stainless steel, matte black, and brass finishes give a sleek, polished look. Make sure to measure properly so the pull lip aligns cleanly along the bottom of the cabinet front when installed. The right size T-pull balances both form and function.

Popular Materials for Oak Cabinet Handles

The material you choose for oak cabinet handles also makes a statement. Here are some top options:

Metal Handles

Metal is a popular material choice for cabinet hardware. There are many types of metal to suit different budgets and styles. Iron and steel handles are affordable options that come in basic black, silver or antique finishes. Brass pulls provide a classic upscale look. Go for an unlacquered brass finish for a vintage vibe, or polished brass for some luxury shimmer.

Other metal finishes like antique bronze, brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze complement oak beautifully. Matte black is excellent for a more modern style. Metal handles are durable, easy to clean, and offer tons of finish options to match your oak cabinets.

Wood Handles

For a coordinated look, choose cabinet handles made of real wood like oak, maple or walnut. Unfinished wood tones allow you to stain the handles to match your cabinet stain precisely. Painted wood handles offer even more custom color options. Shape and size options are more limited than metal. But the warmth and natural grain of real wood handles can enhance the beauty of oak cabinetry.

Try open grain wood with visible knots paired with distressed oak cabinets for a rustic charm. Walnut handles with an oil finish complement lighter oak cabinets nicely. Wood handles offer a seamless look consistent with the cabinets themselves.

Glass Handles

Glass cabinet pulls add a sleek transparency and unique style to any kitchen. Options like frosted, etched and colored glass handles complement oak cabinets beautifully. Cut glass knobs with brass accents offer a dose of glam. Look for tempered glass handles to ensure durability.

The smooth texture plays nicely against the wood grain of oak doors. Glass pulls put more emphasis on the cabinet itself rather than the hardware. Just be aware that fingerprints and smudges show easily on glass. Make cleaning and gentle handling a priority.

Key Considerations for Choosing Handles

There are a few key factors to keep in mind as you choose the perfect handles for your oak cabinets:

Style of Cabinets

Consider the overall style of your cabinets first when selecting handles. The shape and design of the handle should align with the style of the cabinet door. For example, Shaker style cabinets look best with simple knobs or cup pulls in a classic round or rectangular shape. A recessed panel oak cabinet calls for more decorative handles like crystal, curved metal or ornate porcelain. Make sure the handle doesn't overwhelm the clean lines of frameless flat panel oak cabinets.

Size of Cabinets

Along with style, the size of your cabinet doors and drawers determines the appropriate size for handles. A general rule of thumb is 3-4 inch handles for doors and 5-6 inch pulls for larger drawers. Measure across your cabinet doors and drawers to find the right proportional fit. Oversized handles make the cabinet door look smaller and undersized handles will get overwhelmed. An experienced kitchen designer can provide size recommendations too.

Finish

The finish of your handles is both a stylistic and functional choice. You can select a finish that perfectly matches the stain or color of your oak cabinets for a coordinated look. Or go for a contrasting finish to make the hardware pop. Just make sure that softer finishes like oil-rubbed bronze don't clash with a stark white oak finish. A metallic finish adds glamour while a matte black finish lends a modern edge.

Beyond looks, the right finish protects the handles from fingerprints, corrosion and tarnishing over time. So consider how often you'll need to clean and maintain the finish when choosing oak cabinet handles.

Budget

Cabinet hardware can range hugely in pricing from just a few dollars per handle to over $100 per handle for high end designer styles. Set your budget and desired look first, then shop options that fit into your price point. Basic knobs and pulls start around $2-$10 per handle. Mid-range handles run $15-$50 per handle, offering more durable materials and more style options. For top quality hardware with premium materials and detailing, expect to invest $75-$150+ per custom handle.

There are deals to be found too. Watch for cabinet hardware sales, buy in bulk for discounts, or find quality handles from budget-friendly retailers. Set aside 5-10% of your total kitchen remodel budget for cabinet hardware.

Personal Style

Your own personal style should be reflected in your hardware choices. There are options to fit any style from modern minimalism to traditional elegance. Think about the overall decor of your kitchen--is it traditional with ornate moldings and chandeliers or sleek and contemporary with clean lines? Your handles should complement your design taste. Also consider the style of your other fixtures like lighting, faucets, and sinks. Choosing handles is fun because they really allow you to showcase your own style.

Installing New Handles

Once you've selected the perfect new handles for your oak cabinets, it's time for installation. Follow these steps for a smooth handle installation process:

Removing Old Hardware

If you're replacing existing handles, the first step is removing the old hardware. Having a screwdriver, drill, and hammer on hand helps this go faster. Remove doors and drawers from cabinets first so you have easy access to the handles. To remove old screws, unscrew any visible screw heads first. For hidden screw plates, use a flathead screwdriver and hammer to tap the plates free from the cabinet. Remove any remaining screws from the cabinet doors and drawers.

Pre-drilling Holes

Once the old hardware is removed, it's time to mark and pre-drill the new holes. Use painter's tape to mark exactly where you want the new handles positioned. Measure carefully for accurate symmetrical spacing. Use a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than your handle screws--generally around 1/8 inch works for standard sized screws. Drill straight pilot holes through the cabinet door or drawer front where you marked. Take care not to crack the cabinet wood. Wipe away any wood dust when you finish drilling.

Mounting New Hardware

After drilling is complete, you're ready to mount the new handles. Simply screw each handle into the pre-drilled holes using a screwdriver, securing it snugly to the door or drawer front. Ensure the handles are straight and oriented properly. You may need to tighten screws further after 24 hours. Fill any unused screw holes with wood putty. Run a bead of caulk around the edges for an extra clean look.

And that's it--stand back and admire your gorgeous new oak cabinet handles! Remember, investing in quality hardware makes a big impact. Choosing handles that align with your oak cabinet style and kitchen design enhances your whole space.

Additional Resources

For more inspiration and tips on choosing oak cabinet handles, utilize these helpful resources:

• Browse beautiful oak kitchen photo galleries on interior design sites like Houzz and HGTV for real kitchen handle examples.
• Visit kitchen and bath showrooms in your area to view handles in person before you buy online.
• Refer to cabinet hardware guides at retailers like Wayfair and Amazon for measuring tips, cost info, and handle comparisons.
• Hire an experienced kitchen designer to help select the perfect handles to match your cabinets and kitchen style.
• Watch online tutorial videos that show how to properly install various cabinet handle types.

The handles you choose for your oak cabinets make a statement. Take time to explore all the options--from modern matte black bars to carved wood knobs to crystal encrusted cup pulls. Have fun with the process and choose handles that beautifully complement your oak cabinetry style.

Finding the perfect cabinet handles is an important decision in your kitchen design and renovation process. For oak cabinets, you want hardware that enhances the beauty of the woodgrain without overwhelming the cabinet style. Knobs, pulls, bars and T-pulls all create a distinct look and feel. Metal, wood, glass and other handle materials each have their own properties to consider in terms of durability, maintenance and style. Get the size, spacing and installation right so your handles punctuate your design rather than distract from it. Most importantly, choose oak cabinet handles that complement and complete your personal kitchen style. With the right handles, your oak cabinets will both look beautiful and function flawlessly.