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How to Put Chicken Wire in a Cabinet Door

Cassandra Tribe

Chicken wire can transform an old cabinet into an antique-style kitchen accessory. The chicken wire not only adds an interesting visual pattern to the cabinet, but also lets you see inside. This will work only with a cabinet that has a raised or inset face supported on a framed door.

Solid-door cabinets are not the correct choice. Almost anyone can do this project with a few tools, a little effort and patience.

Tip

Dress up the inside of the cabinet door by measuring and cutting a thin edge molding with a hand saw to cover the edge of the chicken wire. Use small edging nails to attach it to the frame so it overlaps the edge of the chicken wire and covers it.

Warning

Should you choose to cover the edges of the chicken wire with molding, mark where the molding will end on the door frame and hold the door back into position on the cabinet with the interior facing out. Check to make sure that your edge molding will not interfere with the cabinet door closing fully and latching.

  1. Remove the screws from the hinges that attach the door to the cabinet and take down the door.

  2. Use the claw of your hammer to remove the face panel of the cabinet door from the frame. Pry the nailed or glued edge of the face panel off the frame and pull out the piece. The face panel, depending on the door style, may be placed on the exterior or interior side of the frame. You will be able to see the edges of the face panel to determine which side to remove it from.

  3. Roll out your chicken wire and press it until it lies completely flat. If the face panel of your cabinet door came off in one piece, you can use this as a template. Lay the panel on the chicken wire and cut out a piece the exact same size using wire snips. If your panel broke or you did not have one to begin with, measure the opening of the door frame, add 1/2 inch to each measurement and cut a piece of chicken wire to match.

  4. Turn your cabinet door frame face down. If you need to remove the door handle so it lies flat, remove the screws on the inside and pull off the handle. Place your chicken wire on the frame. Make sure the chicken wire extends onto the frame (past the open area) at least 1/4 inch and no more than 1/2 inch all around.

  5. Load short staples (1/8-inch leg is a good choice) into your staple gun and staple the chicken wire to the frame every 2 inches.

  6. Reinstall your handle and rehang your cabinet door.

The Drip Cap

  • Chicken wire can transform an old cabinet into an antique-style kitchen accessory.
  • Solid-door cabinets are not the correct choice.
  • Use the claw of your hammer to remove the face panel of the cabinet door from the frame.
  • The face panel, depending on the door style, may be placed on the exterior or interior side of the frame.
  • Roll out your chicken wire and press it until it lies completely flat.