Cabinet Pulls or Knobs
The choices on this one can be a bit overwhelming to first-time renovators. While HA Construction can help you determine a design that will balance other elements within your kitchen, whether you use pulls or knobs is the first decision you have to make.
For starters, you have to know the difference. Knobs are secured to a drawer or cabinet with one attachment point, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes – though you first thought when you think “knob” is likely round and the size of a quarter. “Pull” is another word for handle, which secures to cabinets or drawers with attachment points. Pulls are usually linear, though they may have some form of curvature for design purposes.
If you’re looking to replace the hardware because you want an inexpensive way to update the cabinetry, then you’ll want to match your new items with the holes already there. In this case, you’ll want to find the “Center-to-Center” (also known as CC, C to C, or drill centers) dimension, which is the distance from one attachment point to the other. However, if you end up liking something with a different CC measurement, then simply add a backplate to the new pull to cover pre-existing holes and you’re all set.
While going with pulls or knobs (or nothing at all) can make a variety of statements, so can the design – and there are just too many to list. Keep in mind, however, that most designs have both pulls and knobs in the line – which means, you can always use both, say, with pulls on the cabinets and knobs on the drawers.
Choosing a Faucet
Design (style and finish) is a crucial element in choosing the faucet for your kitchen, but there are other factors to consider too:
- Endurance – You will use this piece of hardware every single day, which means you need something that will stand the test of time.
- Functionality – Again, everyday use here, so you will want a faucet that fits your particular use needs (more on this later).
- Comfort – If you’re using it so often, you don’t want it to feel awkward.
So, most importantly, you need to make sure your faucet works with the sink you choose – or the sink you already have if you’re not replacing it – which means, you’re going to have to read the next HA Construction post before you make your finalized decision. However, nothing says you can’t start looking at faucet options now and narrow it down to your favorites.
Once a sink is chosen, you’ll want to remember three points when you finalize your faucet choice:
- Make sure the faucet fits in the sink hole cut-outs
- Select a faucet size that complements the size of your sink – rather than looking miniscule or overbearing, you want balance between the two
- Be sure that your faucet, or the extra accessories like the sprayer, will reach every inch of your sink space
When you start looking at faucet options, be sure to try them out in the showroom so you know how they feel and work before you buy. HA Construction recommends choosing a sink that is ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) if you’re looking for something with maximum resell value.
Faucets are made of four materials: cast brass, tubular brass, stainless steel and plastic (usually the faucets with color). Keep in mind that plastic faucets have plastic components, and that means more chance for problems. There are four valve systems available: ball, compression, ceramic disk and cartridge. Each has its own set of benefits, so you’ll want to discuss which is the best option for your needs with HA Construction, though ceramic disk valves tend to be the most reliable. Additionally, HA Construction recommends spending a little extra and choosing a name brand faucet, because replacement parts are much easier to come by than those for off-brand options.
Faucet Style and Options
When you start looking at the design elements for your faucet, you want something that matches the style you're going for overall in your new kitchen. For example, if you're creating a modern look, then stainless steel will be one of your top choices. If you're learning toward vintage or Tuscan appeal, then you'll probably want a brushed copper faucet. What you choose goes beyond color scheme, though.
You'll probably find yourself overwhelmed by this list of faucet styles, but there are several functional design options available to choose from, any of which can add to your kitchen aesthetic or break it, depending on what you choose:
- Single handle faucets
- Single handle with side sprayer
- Single handle with pull-out sprayer
- Two handle, centerset faucet
- Two handle, widespread faucet
- Two handle, single hole faucet
- Two handle basin tap faucets
- Wall-mounted faucet
- Commercial style pot filler faucet
- Commercial style pre-rinse faucet
Finally, you’ll come across several options for functionality that may seem rather appealing. While many of them are great additions if it's within your budget, HA Construction recommends that you stay away from cutting edge technology when it comes to your kitchen water spout. In most cases, these technologies still have bugs to work out before they're viable for everyday use. The operating features you may come across include:
- Scalding prevention set with a temperature peek
- Green faucets that help conserve water
- Water filtration faucets
- Touching the faucet anywhere to turn it on/off (poses a problem when you're simply moving the faucet to another part of the sink)
- Motion-sensor operation (this hands free feature also has problems - think annoying it can be to try and turn on the water in public restrooms with this feature)
- Adjustable Spray heads that pull out of the faucet itself
- Special coatings that make the surface of the faucet easier to clean
Decisions, decisions – and they just keep coming at you. A kitchen remodel is a large task to take on, which is why you’ll want to enlist HA Construction to help with the process. Andy and his staff will be certain that decisions on the smaller elements, like cabinet pulls and faucets, don’t become overwhelming for the home owner.
