A solid shopping list keeps a woodworking project moving and helps every part fit as intended. Before you buy, check your plans, identify the materials and loads involved, and note any hardware that must match an existing piece. This woodworking hardware checklist covers fasteners, fittings, handles, and finishing details. Use it to spot missing items early, then confirm sizes and quantities against your project drawings before heading to the shop.
Choose the Right Fasteners
List screws, nails, bolts, or other fasteners by type, diameter, length, and quantity. Match the fastener to the material and joint: a screw for a cabinet hinge may differ from one used to join thick framing. Check whether the plan calls for countersunk heads, washers, nuts, or a pilot hole, and include those items rather than assuming they are on hand.
Consider the wood species and finished appearance. Some woods split more easily, so a pilot hole or a different screw style may be needed. For visible work, choose a head style and finish that suit the design; for hidden joints, prioritize fit and holding strength. Bring a sample or clear measurements when replacing hardware so the new fasteners fit existing holes.
Account for Fittings
Fittings include hardware that connects, supports, or moves parts, such as hinges, drawer slides, brackets, catches, and table legs. Write down each item’s purpose and where it will sit. For moving parts, check the opening direction, clearance, mounting position, and required travel. For load-bearing parts, confirm the fitting is intended for the weight and use of the finished piece.
Measure before choosing replacements or add-ons. Drawer slides need to match the drawer’s available depth and side clearance, while hinges must suit the door’s size and mounting style. Note whether the fitting is surface-mounted or recessed and whether it includes screws. Add any installation template, spacer, or support block your plan requires.
Plan Handles and Pulls
Choose knobs, pulls, or handles based on the piece’s function, scale, and finish. Record the mounting style and the distance between screw holes for a pull. If you are replacing hardware, measure the existing hole spacing instead of relying on the overall length. For a new build, decide on placement before drilling so the handle feels comfortable and lines up across doors or drawers.
Include mounting screws in the list and check their length against the drawer front or door thickness. A screw that is too long can protrude; one that is too short may not secure the handle. If the hardware will be used often, consider how it feels in hand and whether its shape leaves enough room for fingers.
Finish the Shopping List
Add the small details that complete the job: shelf pins, escutcheons, bumpers, caps, felt pads, or cable grommets, depending on the design. Check the plans and inspect the assembly for places where wood edges, moving parts, or fastener heads need protection or a cleaner appearance. These items are easy to overlook because they may not appear in the main structural drawing.
List finishing supplies separately from hardware, including sandpaper, stain or paint, clear finish, brushes or cloths, and any compatible wood filler. Confirm that the finish suits the wood and the intended use, and follow product directions for preparation and drying. Before shopping, review your list for quantities, dimensions, finish colors, and items already in your workshop.
A complete list starts with the plans and ends with a check of every joint, moving part, and visible detail. Bring measurements, confirm compatibility, and group supplies by project step so installation is easier. If you need help matching hardware to your build, Brooklyn Bench Supply can help you review the options.