How to Insert Copper Wire Mesh in a Cabinet Door

Draw a pattern to scale for the cabinet-door cutout. The cutout may be any shape you desire. To maintain the structural integrity of the door, a border at least 2 inches wide should remain uncut around the edge of the cabinet door. Cut out the paper template with scissors.

Place the paper template on a sheet of copper wire mesh. Draw a line around the edge of the template, approximately one inch outside the border of the template. Remove the template. Cut out the wire mesh panel using wire-cutting shears.

Remove the cabinet door from the cabinet by unscrewing the hinges. Position the paper template on the cabinet door where you plan to cut install the mesh. Trace around the template with a pencil. Drill several holes in the portion of the cabinet that you intend to remove. The holes will allow you easily to remove the cutout in several pieces.

Remove the blade of the scroll saw. Place the cabinet door on the saw table. Align one of the drilled holes to the arm of the saw. Pass the saw blade through the hole in the cabinet, then attach the blade to the upper and lower arms of the scroll saw. Cut out the area where you will install the copper screen. Remove the blade and cabinet door from the saw.

Sand the edges of the cutout area. If desired, rout the edges of the cutout before sanding. Paint or stain the edges of the cutout to match the front of the cabinet door.

Turn the cabinet door face down on a flat surface. Position the trimmed screen over the cutout so the edge of the screen extends about one inch past the edges of the cutout. Use a heavy-duty stapler to staple the copper screen to the back of the cabinet. The staples should be about a half inch apart and about a quarter inch from the edge of the cutout.