Can I add glass to my cabinet doors?

Adding glass to cabinet doors can be a great way to open up and modernize your kitchen. Glass doors give your cabinets a lighter, more airy feel and allow you to easily see what’s inside. The transparent glass also makes your kitchen appear larger. However, deciding if you can add glass to your existing cabinet doors depends on a few factors.

What are the benefits of glass cabinet doors?

There are several advantages to choosing glass cabinet doors:

• They create an open, spacious look – Glass doors make kitchens feel larger and airier. The ability to see inside the cabinets gives the illusion of more space.
• They allow you to display items – Glass doors are ideal for displaying your collectibles, appetizing dishes or decorative kitchenware.
• They let in more light – Transparent glass doors reflect and disperse light better than solid doors. More light makes counters and tasks brighter.
• They have a modern style – The streamlined look of glass contributes to a contemporary, updated kitchen aesthetic.
• They are easy to clean – Glass doors won’t trap grease and grime like wood can. They just need an occasional wipe down.

Overall, glass cabinet doors can make your kitchen feel more open and stylish. Being able to view their contents also makes it easier to access and organize your items.

What types of glass can be used?

There are a few common options when choosing glass for cabinet doors:

• Clear glass – This standard, see-through glass offers a transparent view of cabinet contents. It works well for most kitchens.
• Textured glass – Glass with an etched or frosted pattern provides privacy while still allowing some light. Textured glass obscures contents while complementing your decor.
• Tinted glass – Darker gray, bronze or smoke-colored glass can add drama. Tinting also hides contents while letting in just a glow.
• Laminated glass – Layers of glass bonded with plastic make it safer and quieter to open and close doors. Laminated glass is a smart choice for households with kids.

The type of glass you select can be based on your budget, style preferences and need for privacy or safety. Many homeowners opt for simple clear glass to maximize visibility. Textured glass is also popular for softly diffusing light.

What are the steps to install glass doors?

Installing new glass doors on your kitchen cabinets follows this general process:

1. Remove existing cabinet doors and hinges
2. Clean inside cabinet frames
3. Measure openings to size replacement glass
4. Order sized glass panels for each opening
5. New doors will come with hinges and hardware
6. Mount hinges on cabinet frames according to instructions
7. Attach glass panels to hinges
8. Install door pulls and other hardware
9. Adjust doors for proper fit and closure

The main steps are getting accurate measurements, ordering the custom-cut glass, and doing a careful job swapping out the old doors for the new glass ones. Most homeowners hire a carpenter or kitchen remodeler to handle the installation. If you want to DIY, have an assistant help with the more cumbersome steps.

What tools do I need?

Gather these handy tools before starting your glass door installation project:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses
• Level

Use the tape measure to get precise opening measurements. The pencil is for marking cuts and hinge positions. A utility knife will come in handy for freeing stuck doors or trimming. A screwdriver is a must for removing existing hinges and installing new ones. Safety glasses protect your eyes, especially when handling glass. Have a level ready for keeping doors straight during mounting.

How are costs calculated?

Expenses for adding glass doors will include:

• Glass material – Based on type, thickness and size
• Cutting glass to fit – Measuring and fabrication
• New hinges, pulls and hardware – Varies by style
• Installation labor – Hourly rate if hiring

Get quotes from glass suppliers once you know the size and number of panels needed. Cabinet companies can estimate costs for related hinges and accessories. DIY saves on labor, or research installers’ rates to compare. Expect to spend $50-$100 per glass door as a starting point.

Can I convert existing cabinet doors?

There are a few considerations if you want to convert your current doors to glass rather than replace them:

• Door material and structure – Thicker wooden doors are best candidates.
• Condition of doors – They should be flat and in good shape.
• Door style – Slab style doors are easier to modify than those with panels.
• Skill level needed – Cutting to insert glass panels takes carpentry skills.

Thin cabinet doors or those made of particle board are harder to modify. Doors that are warped, cracked or otherwise damaged will become more so when cut for glass. Cabinet doors with decorative molding or inset panels are not recommended for DIY glass insertion. Hiring a carpenter is advised if you lack the carpentry experience for adding glass panels.

What are the best practices?

Follow these top tips for a successful glass cabinet door installation:

• Carefully measure all openings before ordering glass
• Choose tempered safety glass for durability
• Get help lifting and mounting large glass panels
• Use clear silicone for a secure seal between glass and frame
• Wipe glass with vinegar and water solution after installing
• Test that doors open, close and latch properly after install
• Use bumpers to prevent glass-to-glass contact

Taking precise measurements is crucial so the glass fits perfectly. Tempered glass is treated to resist impact and safer if broken. Have an assistant help with large glass panels to prevent cracks or smashing. Clear silicone seals the glass in place while allowing some movement. Mild vinegar removes dirt and residue from glass surfaces after install. Make sure doors operate smoothly once on. Install small bumpers to prevent glass panels from hitting each other when closed.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Steer clear of these common glass cabinet door mistakes:

• Using the wrong hinges – Required special hinges to support weight
• Forgetting reinforcements – Brackets prevent sagging doors
• Inaccurate measure – Double check sizes with a helper
• Poor edge finishes – Sharp corners chip and crack
• No bumpers – Glass doors hit without cushioning
• Loose hardware – Pulls and hinges come loose over time

Standard cabinet door hinges cannot bear the heft of glass over time. Reinforcing brackets provide critical support. Measure carefully, as even slightly off-sized glass will not mount correctly. Make sure glass edge finishing creates rounded, smooth corners. Bumpers are a must for preventing glass to glass contact. Check hardware routinely to tighten any loosening screws.

Conclusion

Adding glass to cabinet doors opens up your kitchen with light and visibility. Make sure existing doors have the proper structure for modification. Tempered glass, the right hinges and careful measurement ensure success. Prevent mistakes like incorrect sizing and omitted bumpers. With mindful planning and execution, you can achieve gorgeous glass cabinet doors! If the project feels daunting, consult a kitchen remodeling contractor for assistance.