How to Install Glass Panel Inserts in Bifold Doors

Many homes built during the 1970s have outdated bifold doors. Adding glass panels is an easy and inexpensive way to give them a contemporary look. As long as the doors are at least 1-inch thick and made of solid wood, medium-density fiberboard, or blockboard, you’re set to retrofit your existing bifold doors with glass panels. Thinner doors are not sturdy enough to hold the weight of the glass safely.

Screwdriver
Tape measure
Pencil
Drill
Jigsaw
Sandpaper
Molding
Miter box
¾-inch nails
Hammer
Wood filler
Clear silicone
Glass (cut to size for each bifold door panel)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Swap out louvers for frosted glass for a contemporary look.
  
  Use a screwdriver to remove the bifold doors from the doorframe, along with the hardware, and detach the hardware that joins the door panels together. Label and set the hardware aside in a safe place, so you can reassemble the door when instructed.
- 2
  Examine the doors to determine the size opening for the glass. Some bifold doors have a preexisting panel indentation. If you have this style, use the panel indentation as your guide for inserting the glass. If not, use a straight edge to draw a rectangle to represent the opening for the glass, using a pencil. Draw the line 6 inches from the top and bottom, and 4 inches from the left and right sides. Repeat this process for each door.
- 3
  Measure the size of the opening, so you will know what size glass to purchase. Drill a hole at each corner of the rectangle on each door panel. This will serve as your pilot hole for cutting out the opening for the glass. Follow the line to cut out the opening on each door panel with a jigsaw blade. Sand the sawed edges smooth on all openings.
- 4
  Lay the rabbeted molding strips along the opening and mark them at a 45-degree angle, so the molding joins neatly. Use a miter box to cut the molding according to your marks.
- 5
  Place the grooved edge of the molding strips against the cut edges of the door panels. Sand or cut the molding, if needed, so that each piece fits snugly. Slide the molding pieces over 2 inches and apply a thin bead of wood glue along the edge of the opening. Place the molding strips back in position on top of the glue bead. Reinforce the strips with 3/4-inch nails, hammered 1 inch from the 45-degree edges to secure the molding firmly to the door panels. Use wood filler, if needed, to adjust any gaps between the mitered corners. Repeat this process until the molding is attached to each bifold door panel.
- 6
  Turn the door panels over and lay flat. Measure each opening, according to the cut line only. Do not include the molding in your measurement. Add 1/8 inch to the measurements for the top, bottom, left and right side. Have glass panes cut to the measurements for each door.
- 7
  Apply a thin bead of clear silicone, along the entire edge of the opening on all doors. Gently lower the glass into place.
- 8
  Place molding strips along the glass and mark 45-degree cut lines. Repeat the process in Step 5 to cut and glue the molding strips for the back side of the bifold door panels.
- 9
  Allow the bifold door panels to dry and cure for at least 24 hours. Reattach the hardware for the door panels and reinstall the panels into the doorframe to complete the installation of your bifold glass panel inserts.

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