I have long been using wood knobs for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and furniture. But finding high-quality wood knobs has required some trial and error. Not all wood knobs are created equal – some strip, some feel rough to the touch, some are oversized, and some are cheaply made. After years of testing various wood knobs, I have found my favorite – my go-to.
Below are 4 wood knobs I have used and tested over the course of months, some even years. I’ve ranked them from worst to best. Before you skip to the end to see the best, be sure to read my worst ratings, as those explain what you should avoid in a wood knob.
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Rating Wood Knobs From Worst To Best
#4 Birch Wood Knob
AVAILABLE AT HOME DEPOT
The very first wood knobs I tested were the Liberty birch knobs from Home Depot. They’re $1.18 per knob and easily accessible. They have a classic mushroom shape with little adornment. The problem is that they’re trash. There isn’t a threaded insert in the knob, so the screw strips easily. After only a few uses, the knobs started falling off one by one. For the lack of longevity, I cannot recommend these knobs.
#3 Cangder Wood Knob
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
These wood knobs have all the right things – star-shaped threaded inserts that prevent screw stripping (this is key!) and an unfinished surface that makes painting easy. They come in a pack of 20 for $9.99 – only 50 cents a piece. I would’ve ranked them #2 had a knob not fallen off after a couple months of use. The threaded insert popped out! Since only 1 of 11 knobs gave me trouble, it’s possible it was a fluke. I’d be willing to give them a second shot, and frankly, they’re nearly tied with #2.
#2 Luomorgo Wood Knob
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Yet another set of wood knobs that have *nearly* all the right things – star threaded inserts and a classic mushroom shape. They come in a pack of 16 for $7.99 – only 50 cents a piece. After 4 months of use, not one came loose! The only issue is that they are varnished, making them unstainable and requiring a bonding primer for paint. I used Zinsser 1-2-3 primer and it didn’t bond well, so some paint chipped off with use. This error falls on me more than the knob, as I believe Bondz primer would have eliminated this issue. But it’s worth noting that these require additional prep.
#1 Oak Wood Knob
AVAILABLE AT LEE VALLEY
A well-known designer used these mushroom knobs in her kitchen, so I had to try them. They’re unfinished oak with threaded inserts and cost $3.60 a piece – the priciest of the bunch. The threaded inserts are round rather than star-shaped, so I assumed they would be more likely to strip and fall out; however, of the 21 knobs in my kitchen, not one has come loose after 6 months of use! They are the ideal size, both in diameter and depth, making them the easiest to grab. For cabinetry and furniture, I use and recommend these.
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Boy, you are so right about wood knobs. Some being better than others. I have wood knobs on my kitchen cabinets. I can’t tell you how many times the threaded insert has pulled out. I keep a few already stained & pollied at all times just in case. I guess you get what you pay for. Mine were the more affordable ones.
Backups are key with wood knobs! haha