How To Install Glass Panels

Installing glass panels into your cabinet doors can greatly improve the atmosphere of an entire kitchen space, bring a new sense of sophistication to the living room, or at the very least, provide a convenient window that showcases your cabinet’s collection.

Just follow our step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be admiring your own glass cabinets in no time!

1. Prepare Materials

   Before we can move forward, first you will need to make sure that you have a suitable cabinet door for holding glass, and a glass panel that matches your door.

   Cabinet Door

   To allow space for the glass panel to fit, your door must have a removed center panel. Cabinet doors of this design can be ordered through our website for your convenience. Doors with a “Glass” option will have the center panel removed. Alternatively, you can order a door with “ French Lites” which creates separate window openings for a glass panel to be inserted.

   Glass Panel

   Next you will need to acquire a glass panel measured to accommodate the size of your cabinet door’s opening. If the panel of glass you have available is not already a matching fit for your door, we highly recommend having your glass professionally cut at your nearest hardware store that offers glass cutting services. * Note: There are a variety of glass types available for your cabinet door, such as Plexiglas, frosted glass, or the traditional clear, and each kind comes with its own visual distinctions and performance qualities. You may want to take some time to consider which type would best match your cabinet before committing to any purchases.

2. Pick an Installation Method

   Once you have both your cabinet door and an appropriate glass panel, it’s time to select your method of installation. There are multiple methods to choose between, and the right choice really depends on your own personal preference.

   Connect With Rubber Stoppers

   Rubber Stoppers are our most recommended method of connecting a glass panel to your cabinet’s opening. Simply nestle the glass inside the groove, and then insert your rubber stoppers to hold the panel securely in place, and you’re all done. Since rubber material is malleable and inherently resistant to damage, if your glass panel does eventually break, your rubber stops will remain functional and can be reused later when attaching a new glass panel.

   Connect With Wood Stoppers

   Wood Stoppers are similar to rubber stoppers, though the procedure for installation does vary a little bit. As shown in the diagram, for this method you will need to either glue or tack the wood stopper (labeled 2) to secure it against the mullion (labeled 1) and lock the glass in place.

   Seal With Silicon Caulking

   This last method is more permanent than the other two, but is still very effective. With a steady hand, apply a bead of silicon to the inside edges of your cabinet door’s panel opening. Carefully, yet firmly, press the glass panel into its position and give it enough time to dry. If any silicon does accidentally spill onto the glass panel, you will need to wipe it away quickly before it dries to avoid staining. Keep in mind that with this method, if there is eventual damage or breakage in your glass panel, the silicon will need to be removed completely from your door as broken pieces of glass will remain glued in place. The silicon removal process also involves some risk of damage to the integrity of your cabinet door, so a stopper may prove to be a safer overall choice.

3. Hang your Doors

   Now that your glass panel rests securely within its door frame, the only steps that remain are to attach your freshly updated cabinet doors, stage items on the shelves for your new windowed display, and admire the quality craftsmanship of a job well done.