How to Replace Wood With Glass in Kitchen Cabinets
Glass panels in kitchen cabinet doors can be a classy way to update or change your kitchen's look. The wood center can be replaced with glass in cabinet doors that have a wood frame around the edge with a panel of wood in the center. This method cannot be used on doors that are a solid piece of wood. You can use opaque, textured, opalescent or clear glass, depending on the look you want, or whether or not you want the contents to be on display. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Router
- Safety glasses
- Measuring tape
- Glass panels
- Glass clips
- Clear silicone
- Gloves
- Cloth
- Glass cleaner
Instructions
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Remove the Wood Panel
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1
Unscrew the doors from the kitchen cabinets and remove the hinges and handles from the doors. You can also unscrew the door from the hinge, leaving the hinge in place on the cabinet, making it easier to re-mount the door later.
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2
Make sure there are no nails or screws on the back of the door where the panel meets the frame. If there are, they should be removed.
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3
Set the router depth to shave off the lip holding the wood panel into the frame, put on your safety glasses, and route around the four sides. You may also need to router the panel to remove it from the door. Make sure you leave a lip on the frame to set the glass into.
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4
Measure the length and width the glass panel will need to be, leaving about 1/8 inch or less gap around the edges to make sure the glass will fit.
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5
Buy glass panels in the correct size from a glass or stained glass store. If the cabinets are within 5 feet of the floor, you may need to use tempered glass, which is made to order. You can take the doors with you to the glass shop to have the glass cut to fit.
Installing the Glass
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6
Secure glass clips evenly around the four sides of each frame.
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7
Place a thin bead of silicone around the lip. This keeps the glass from rattling and decreases risk of breakage.
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8
Using gloves to protect your hands and the glass, set the glass in place.
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9
Secure the glass in place with the glass clips and clean with soft cloth and glass cleaner.
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10
Replace handles and hinges onto the cabinet door and secure on the cabinets. Re-attach the door to the hinges if you left them in place.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Check building codes in your area. Depending on the placement of the kitchen cabinet doors, you may be required to use tempered glass for safety.
