How to Install Glass in Cabinet Doors: 11 Steps

Ready to get started? Begin by removing the cabinet doors from the wall. To do this, you’re going to need a screwdriver to take off the door from screwed-on hinges. 

Bonus tip—it’s a good idea to keep a labeled storage container or plastic bag to place the screws and hardware in for each cabinet. This way, everything is good to go and ready to go once the project is over.

After you’ve removed the cabinet and hardware, it’s time to use your straightedge to measure the desired section that you’ll later fill with glass. Before you measure and mark the outline for the glass insert, you’ll want to determine if you have recessed cabinets or not.

Recessed cabinets have a thick border that creates a recessed area where you can remove the middle panel. Your measurements must be exact with a recessed panel cabinet since you have a particular frame already in place that must remain intact. 

For recessed cabinets, don’t mark beyond half an inch from the border on the inside of your cabinet. If you don’t have a recessed cabinet, you will measure your desired glass panel size. Using a straight edge, mark your desired glass size to cut the shape.

It's installation time, which is your cue to break out the circular saw and safety glasses. You should place your cabinet, marked side up, on a work surface. Set your saw to the correct depth of 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. 

Make sure to use your circular saw to cut out the shape. Turn off and unplug your circular saw for safety after you’re finished.

After you’ve used the circular saw, it’s time to use a wood chisel to work on loosening the corners of the cut panel. Use the wood chisel on each corner until the panel is ready to come out. 

Use the chisel to prop up the cut panel. You know what they say, slow and steady wins the race. Follow this as you carefully remove the panel from the frame.

Now that you’ve removed the panel, you have to measure it. Grab your measuring tape or straight edge to get the exact measurements. The panel’s dimensions serve as the dimensions you’ll use to cut the glass in the next step.

After you purchase plexiglass or glass that’s only 1/8 an inch thick, you’ll want to begin cutting it. To cut the glass, you simply mark your measurements onto the back of the glass.

For better control, use a straightedge to help make more seamless cuts.  From here, you’ll want to score the glass with your utility knife carefully. Then, go ahead and snap the cut piece off to reveal your perfectly measured glass panel.

With your flawless glass panel in hand, you can insert it into the open panel. Now, you’re ready for the silicone sealant. Place a fine strip of adhesive into the interior side of the cabinet. 

Gently yet firmly place the glass panel onto this silicone sealant. When things get a little messy, wipe away any silicone that makes its way out of the glass panel and onto the cabinet frame.

While most silicone sealant manufacturers say it takes up to 30 minutes to dry, it’s best to wait 24 hours for maximum hold.

You can always add glass fasteners to your cabinet if you want more hold. A glass fastener will hold the glass to the cabinet with a screw attached to the interior of the cabinet’s frame. These fasteners cost around $8 for a set of 50, making them an affordable purchase.

Now that you’ve successfully completed your cabinet door glass insert installation, you are ready to rehang. 

Find the corresponding screws, hinges, and hardware that you organized earlier. Then, get your screwdriver ready, and start reassembling your kitchen cabinet by cabinet.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, then it’s a good idea to invest in some unique hardware for your new glass insert cabinets. Mix it up with rose gold handles and drawer pulls for a trendy finish. 

Whether you opt for farmhouse-style cabinet pulls or go modern with sleek nickel hardware, you can make a striking impact with this affordable kitchen cabinet upgrade.