What is a cabinet door insert?

A cabinet door insert is a decorative panel that is installed into an opening in a cabinet door to give it a unique look and style. Cabinet door inserts come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs, allowing you to customize the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

What are the benefits of using cabinet door inserts?

There are several benefits to using cabinet door inserts:

• Customizable style – Inserts allow you to change the style of your cabinets without having to replace the whole doors. You can pick inserts that match your kitchen decor.
• Affordable upgrade – Inserts are an affordable way to update the look of your old or outdated cabinets compared to installing all new doors.
• Variety – There is a huge variety of materials, colors, and designs to choose from such as glass, metal, wood, painted, etc.
• Easy installation – Most cabinet door inserts are designed to easily fit into the opening of an existing cabinet door making installation simple.
• Change look over time – Inserts allow you to easily change the look of your kitchen over time by switching out inserts for a fresh new style.

What materials are cabinet door inserts made of?

Cabinet door inserts can be made from a variety of different materials. Some of the most popular options include:

• Glass – Glass inserts add a sleek, modern look and come in clear, frosted, colored, and patterned glass. They allow you to showcase items in your cabinet while still keeping a clean look.
• Wood – Wood inserts come in many stains, finishes, cuts of wood and patterns to match any style from modern to farmhouse. Solid wood and veneers are commonly used.
• Metal – Metal inserts like stainless steel, copper, and tin provide an industrial, modern aesthetic. Perforated metal inserts offer an open, decorative look.
• Wicker – For a natural look, woven wicker inserts complement rustic or farmhouse styles well. They have an open, airy feel.
• Leather – Leather inserts add texture and warmth to a space. Faux leather is commonly used as an affordable option.
• Fabric – Fabric inserts allow for color and pattern. They can be changed out to update the look of your kitchen over time.
• Painted/Stained wood – Painting or staining a wood insert allows for customization to any color scheme. Distressing techniques add charm.

What are the most popular styles of cabinet door inserts?

When choosing cabinet door inserts, you’ll want to consider the overall aesthetic you’re going for in your kitchen or bathroom. Here are some of the most popular insert styles:

• Plain glass – A simple clear or frosted glass insert has a clean, modern look.
• Seeded glass – Glass with air bubbles throughout provides a vintage vibe.
• Fluted glass – Vertical ridges give fluted glass an elegant, traditional style.
• Stainless steel – Stainless steel inserts have an industrial chic style.
• Perforated metal – Tiny holes in the metal make it decorative and see-through.
• Woven raffia – Natural woven inserts complement eclectic, rustic or farmhouse decors.
• Lattice – A lattice design with overlapping wood strips has an open, airy feel.
• Shaker – The simple shaker style insert complements traditional kitchen designs.
• Distressed wood – Distressing techniques like rub-throughs give a timeworn, rustic look.
• Painted/stained – Custom painting or staining inserts complement any color scheme.

How are cabinet door inserts installed?

Installing cabinet door inserts is a relatively easy DIY project for most homeowners. Here is the basic process:

1. Remove existing cabinet doors and set them on a flat surface to work on.
2. Use a jigsaw or router to cut out an opening in the center of the door. Measure precisely for the insert size needed.
3. Sand the opening smooth and ensure it’s clean.
4. Insert the cabinet door insert, checking that it fits correctly within the opening.
5. From the inside of the door, attach the insert using screws driven into the door frame or with panel adhesive.
6. Rehang the door and check that it opens, closes and aligns properly.
7. Use decorative trim or molding around the insert to cover any small gaps if desired.

The main steps are cutting the opening precisely to size and ensuring the insert fits snugly within the cutout before fastening it securely into place. Take care not to damage the surrounding door when cutting. Overall, installing a new cabinet door insert takes just basic DIY skills.

How much do cabinet door inserts cost?

The cost for cabinet door inserts can vary considerably based on the material, style and quality. Here are some approximate price ranges:

Insert Material	Cost Range
Clear glass	$5 – $20 per insert
Frosted glass	$10 – $30 per insert
Patterned/art glass	$30 – $100 per insert
Wood (veneer)	$20 – $60 per insert
Wood (solid)	$30 – $100 per insert
Wicker/rattan	$10 – $50 per insert
Metal	$20 – $80 per insert
Leather	$30 – $100 per insert

This gives you a rough estimate of pricing, but costs ultimately come down to the specific brand, materials, and design details of the inserts you choose. Custom options or high end materials could be pricier. On average, expect to spend around $20-$60 per insert depending on your selections.

Where can I buy cabinet door inserts?

There are several options for purchasing cabinet door inserts:

• Home improvement stores – Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Menards typically carry a decent selection of popular insert styles and materials.
• Kitchen and bath showrooms – Showrooms focused on kitchen and bath products are great for seeing higher end insert options.
• Online retailers – Websites like Wayfair, Overstock and eBay have a wide range of inserts available for order online.
• Cabinet manufacturers – Many cabinet brands sell inserts designed to match or coordinate with their cabinet collections.
• Etsy sellers – For unique, handmade inserts you can purchase direct from artists on Etsy.
• eBay – Search eBay for discounted inserts, especially to find vintage or salvaged pieces.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Check for donated inserts and vintage finds at your local Habitat ReStore outlet.

Shop around both locally and online to find the perfect inserts at the right price point for your project. Be sure to measure your cabinet doors carefully so you get a properly sized insert.

What are some alternatives to cabinet door inserts?

If you’re looking to change up your cabinet’s appearance without using inserts, a few other options include:

• New cabinet doors – For a complete cabinet transformation, replacing doors with new slab, shaker, inset, or glass panel styles makes a big impact.
• Refacing – Keep cabinet boxes while replacing just the exterior surface with new veneers and doors.
• Painting – A coat of colorful paint is an affordable way to give cabinets a quick update.
• Hardware – New knobs, pulls, or hinges instantly update cabinets’ look.
• Glass shelves – Swapping out shelving for glass gives an airier, lighter feel inside cabinets.
• Lighting – Under-cabinet and interior lighting shows off displays and eliminates dark shadows.
• Crown molding – Adding crown molding along the tops of cabinets finishes them with elegance.

Depending on your budget and the condition of your existing cabinets, alternatives like refacing, painting or just replacing doors can give you a “new” look for less. However, inserts allow you to easily change styles multiple times, while saving the expense of fully replacing cabinet doors.

What should I consider when choosing cabinet door inserts?

Here are a few tips for selecting the best insert options for your kitchen or bath:

• Consider your cabinet’s location and function – For example, glass inserts work well in display cabinets but not near a stove where heat damage is a risk.
• Match the insert size to fit properly within existing door dimensions for a seamless look.
• Choose an insert depth that fits flush within the door without overlapping.
• Select durable materials like wood, metal or toughened glass for high-use areas.
• Pick a style that coordinates with your overall kitchen or bath decor – modern, traditional, rustic, etc.
• In a two-tone kitchen, use inserts that contrast against cabinet finishes for an accent.
• Measure carefully and allow room for insert trim or framework in sizing.
• Order a few samples first to confirm colors and patterns prior to purchase.

Taking precise measurements and coordinating with your existing decor are key for the most seamless look. Make sure to review product instructions for special installation requirements prior to cutting into doors.

Conclusion

Updating your kitchen or bathroom with new cabinet door inserts allows you to easily and affordably change the style of your cabinetry. From plain glass to ornate metal and wood designs, cabinet inserts come in endless options to match your unique taste and decor. Just be sure to measure carefully for a proper fit and take time to review product specifications before installation. With a little creativity, cabinet door inserts make it simple to transform the look of your space.