Kitchen Makeover, Pt. 2: Cabinet Door Inserts

Steve Watson and crew take on a kitchen makeover for a busy family of three. Try more high-speed projects from HGTV's Don't Sweat It.

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The cabinet doors are given new life by replacing the standard door inserts with transluscent lexan.
Steve Watson and his crew help the Nunez family continue their kitchen makeover with the installation of cabinet door inserts. Below is a summary of steps, as well as a list of tools and materials used, as seen in this Don't Sweat It project.

Materials and tools:

4'x8' lexan (2 sheets)
cabinet hardware
screw gun
router table
chisel
hammer
caulking gun
table saw

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when using power tools or pneumatic tools.

Steps:

1. Remove all cabinet doors and leave the hinges in place. Label each door and cabinet with a piece of tape with a number (figure A) to keep your layout for when you reattach the doors.

2. Using the router table, cut out the frame holding in the center panel. Remove the old panel and discard.

3. Using the table saw, cut the lexan down to desired size. Install in the cabinet door and use clear latex caulk to seal and secure (figures B and C).

4. Reinstall the cabinet doors on the original hardware.

5. To finish the room, change out the drawer/cabinet hardware with modern hardware.

6. Prime and paint the room.