Hack Your Kitchen To Get The Fancy Fluted Cabinet Look For Less Money

Fluted glass is having a moment. This textured glass characterized by its vertical grooves may be trending, but textured glass is a timeless trend for kitchens. This glass has been around for a long time, and was notably made popular by the Art Deco and mid-century modern design movements. Fluted glass is especially popular in kitchens where its opacity helps disguise what's inside a messy cabinet, while still letting light in or out. This trend is not just relegated to kitchen cabinets. You can also use it as a different kind of shower glass, and in many other places. Getting the look, though, can be expensive. With the help of a quick hack using polycarbonate plastic, your kitchen can get the fancy fluted cabinet look for less money.

Instagrammer @woods.and.wild.diy used a sheet of LEXAN Thermoclear Clear Polycarbonate, a utility knife, some adhesive, and a few pin nails to turn a corner cabinet into a fluted glass showstopper. A 24-inch by 48-inch sheet of the polycarbonate costs around $88 and can replace more than one panel. If you already have glass cabinets, it's as easy as removing the old glass, and cutting a piece of polycarbonate to the right size to replace it. Chances are that if you are going to attempt this hack, you have solid cabinet doors — otherwise you could just add a fluted glass cling film to the existing glass.

The easiest way to replace a solid cabinet door with a fluted glass look-a-like is to buy a frame-only door that matches your cabinets and insert the polycarbonate plastic. The more budget-friendly option is to remove the center panel of your cabinet yourself. If you have a router table, you can do this by setting the bit height to the depth you need to cut through the inside panel of your cabinet door. You'll leave the rails and stiles in place, and a lip at the front to help hold the polycarbonate in place.

Start in one corner, with the inside of the cabinet door on the router table. Slowly work your way along all sides of the panel until it falls out. You can also modify this technique to work with a handheld router. Once you have removed the panel, replacing it with the polycarbonate plastic will be a breeze. Using a straight edge and a utility knife, cut the polycarbonate to size. Set it in the opening and use a clear, quick-drying adhesive to secure the polycarbonate, and pin nails for added security. If this hack has inspired you, consider DIYing a beautiful kitchen countertop cabinet with glass doors.