What Material Will Last Longest for Cabinet Knobs?

Cabinet Wood

• Knobs on hardwood and softwood cabinets that have been treated with water-resistant spray or material will last the longest. High-quality plywood sheets are also a reliable type of wood for cabinets. Avoid using medium-density fiberboards or any type of particle boards as these tend to crumble and break easily when the surface is cut or manipulated, such as when attaching knobs or handles.

Plywood Grades

• Select high-quality plywood grades such as A- or B-grade if you decide to use plywood as your main cabinet door front. Lower-grade plywood means lower quality. Low-quality plywood cracks easily when cut or drilled, so attaching knobs or handles to it may cause the wood to crack. The knobs or handles will not be securely attached and can be pulled out from the wood panel quite easily.

Handles Vs. Knobs

• Another factor that may affect how long cabinet hardware lasts on a cabinet door or drawer is the type of hardware used. While knobs are frequently attached with a single screw, handles often require two screws -- one in each end. If one end of a handle becomes loose due to too much pulling or usage, the other end may keep the handle in place until you replace or secure the loose screw. If a single-screw knob becomes loose, it may fall off the cabinet door.

Cabinet Treatments and Finishes

• The finishing on wooden cabinet doors and wooden knobs may also influence how long the knob will last on the door. For example, untreated wood that is not water resistant is prone to develop mold, rot and decay if exposed to dampness or water, which means that cabinets located under sinks or near a dishwasher are subject to occasional water splashes and dampness. Once mold or decay sets in, the wood becomes weak and tends to crumble. Water-resistant treatment will protect wooden knobs and doors from developing mold and decay.