Decorating your home with stylish glass cabinet doors can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your kitchen or any room. However, like any home improvement project, it’s wise to understand all the factors that go into determining the cost of glass cabinet doors before starting the installation process.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how much do glass cabinet doors cost, so you can set a realistic budget and expectations when upgrading your cabinets with these elegant additions.
What Influences the Cost of Glass Cabinet Doors?
Several key factors determine the total price of glass cabinet doors for your kitchen or bath cabinets. Here are some of the main considerations:
Type of Glass
The type of glass used in the doors makes a significant difference in cost. Basic standard glass is the most affordable option. More expensive choices include tinted, frosted, patterned, and beveled glass. Handblown glass is generally the most expensive due to the specialized artisanal work involved.
Custom vs. Stock Size
Custom-made cabinet doors sized specifically for your cabinets tend to cost more than ordering stock size doors. However, the added cost of customization provides a more tailored fit.
Frame Material
Wood frames, such as oak, maple, and walnut, are generally more expensive than metal frames like aluminum. The type of wood makes a price difference as well, with exotic woods costing more per door.
Frame Style
Ornate frames with detailed carvings or inlays add cost over plain frames. The complexity of the frame design impacts the price.
Single vs. Double Doors
Double cabinet doors require extra materials and labor compared to single doors and therefore have a higher price point.
Professional Installation
Hiring kitchen remodeling contractors or carpenters to install the new cabinet doors adds to your total project cost but can provide peace of mind regarding proper fitting and smooth operation.
Brand Name
Premium cabinet door brands can fetch a higher price over lesser-known manufacturers, often due to reputation and product quality.
With all these factors at play, it’s clear that glass cabinet door costs can vary widely. Keep reading for more details on price ranges.
Average Cost for Glass Cabinet Doors
On average, expect to pay $50 to $300 per standard size glass cabinet door, according to most estimates. This assumes mid-to-upper quality materials and stock size doors with relatively simple frame designs.
Here is a rough pricing breakdown for common standard cabinet door sizes:
- 15-inch door = $75 to $150
- 18-inch door = $100 to $200
- 24-inch door = $150 to $300
Of course, costs go up from there if you choose premium glass, custom sizing, ornate frames, double doors, specialized installation, high-end brands, and other upgrades. On the other end of the spectrum, lower quality components can bring the per-door cost closer to $50 apiece.
To determine the overall budget for a kitchen or bath cabinet glass door installation, multiply the per-door estimate by the total number of doors needed. A medium-sized kitchen with 20 cabinet doors could range from $1,000 to $6,000 for glass door replacement, as an example.
Cost Factors to Consider
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that influence the cost of glass cabinet doors and how they impact your budget.
Glass Material
The glass itself represents one of the biggest cost variables. Here are some common types of glass used in cabinet doors and their average price differences:
- Standard clear glass – This basic soda-lime glass is the most budget-friendly option, good for a clean and simple look. $50-150 per door.
- Frosted or etched glass – Glass panes are sandblasted or acid-etched to diffuse light and obscure contents. $75-300 per door.
- Tinted glass – Gray, bronze, green, or other colored tinting add style at a moderate upcharge. $100-250 per door.
- Patterned glass – Decorative carved, seeded, or other patterned glass costs more but provides extra visual interest. $150-350 per door.
- Beveled glass – Angled beveled edges refract light for a prismatic effect. $200-500 per door.
- Art glass – Blown glass, stained glass, bubble glass, or murrine glass offer custom high-end looks at premium prices. $500-1,500+ per door.
The beauty and style of glass cabinet doors largely comes from the glass itself, so this is one area where it can be worth investing in more distinctive materials.
Frame Material
Wood frames represent the top choice for glass cabinet doors due to aesthetics, durability, and versatility. Different wood species have their own price points:
- Pine – This knotty softwood is the most affordable option for frames. $
- Poplar – Slightly harder than pine but still budget-friendly. $$
- Oak – A classic cabinetry wood that provides an attractive look. $$$
- Maple – Very hard and smooth but pricier than oak. $$$
- Hickory – Rustic appeal yet strong and durable. $$$
- Cherry – Prized for its warm reddish tones. $$$$
- Walnut – Rich dark wood grain with artisanal appeal. $$$$$
Exotic imported woods can cost even more based on rarity and demand. While you pay more for premium woods, the natural beauty and solid construction often justify the cost.
Metal frame materials like aluminum and stainless steel offer contemporary style at lower prices than wood. However, quality issues sometimes arise with cheaper metals.
Frame Design
Elaborate door frames with carved designs, inlays, and embellishments understandably cost more than plain flat frames. Intricate woodworking requires far more effort and artistry compared to simple frames.
Some examples of frame designs include:
- Flat panel – Smooth frame with no decorative elements. $
- Raised panel – Beveled or recessed center panel. $$
- Arch top – Upper frame section forms a curved arch. $$
- Caming – Narrow lead strips between glass pieces. $$$
- Carved accents – Intricate wood carvings and patterns. $$$$
- Inlay – Contrasting wood, metal, or shell inlaid into frame. $$$$
The complexity and uniqueness of the frame design largely determines this portion of the door cost.
Stock vs. Custom Size
For a tailored fit, having doors cut precisely to your cabinet dimensions comes at around a 10-25% price increase over stock size doors. However, the end result will look more integrated and polished if you can afford custom. Keep in mind if your cabinets are an odd size, custom doors may be required.
Single vs. Double Doors
Double glass doors provide full access to cabinet contents unlike single doors with hinged openings. But this functionality comes at a 50-100% increase in price over a single door. For a kitchen or bath with many double cabinet doors, costs add up quickly.
Installation Cost
While DIY installation of glass cabinet doors is possible, professional fitting by carpenters ensures proper alignment, smooth hinges, and secure mounting. Expect to pay $200-500 per day for skilled labor to install doors depending on project scope, location, and technician rates. This takes most of the work off your shoulders.
Quality and Brand
Higher prices don’t always guarantee better quality, but reputable brands known for craftsmanship and durability tend to cost more than generic cabinet doors from home improvement stores. For example, Designer Doors, SubZero-Wolf, Rejuvenation, and Semihandmade are positioned as premium brands with elevated pricing. Yet you may feel the quality justifies the outlay. Value brands like RTA Cabinet Store offer lower prices for decent no-frills doors to fit tighter budgets.
How to Get the Best Value on Glass Cabinet Doors
To get the most for your money when buying glass cabinet doors, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose standard clear or frosted glass unless you have a strong preference for upscale glass types.
- Opt for simple flat panel frames over ornate carved designs.
- Go with stock sizes when possible, or see if small custom increments like 1/4” larger are an option over fully custom sizing.
- Compare quotes from at least 3-4 cabinet door suppliers.
- Look into warehouse/scratch-and-dent sales of premium brands to save 20-40%.
- Time projects for seasonal sales events, especially winter discounts.
- Install doors yourself if confident; otherwise get multiple labor estimates.
- Weigh quality against prices, not just the lowest bid.
With smart planning and a careful purchasing approach, you can control costs while still achieving beautiful stylish results updating your cabinets with glass doors.
Glass Cabinet Door Cost Calculator
Use this door cost calculator to estimate your total project budget for installing glass cabinet doors:
- Let’s assume you need…
- 15 standard size doors at 18″ x 24″
- With clear beveled glass material
- Maple wood frames
- In a raised panel style
- Ordered in custom sizing
- Installed by professional carpenters
- According to average per-door costs:
- Clear beveled glass material: $250
- Maple raised panel frame: $150
- Custom sizing upcharge: $50
- Professional installation: $500/day
- Multiplying per door costs by qty:
- 15 doors x $250 glass cost = $3,750
- 15 doors x $150 frame cost = $2,250
- 15 doors x $50 custom upcharge = $750
- 2 days installation @ $500/day = $1,000
Total Project Cost = $7,750
This example illustrates how your total budget can quickly add up when choosing upgraded materials, custom sizing, intricate frames, and professional installation. Being aware of these cost factors allows you to scale or adjust the project to achieve the aesthetic you want while keeping your overall spend reasonable.
Glass Cabinet Door Cost FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about glass cabinet door costs:
How much do custom glass cabinet doors cost?
Expect to pay $100-500 or more per door for completely custom glass cabinet doors sized precisely for your unique cabinets. The price increases with highly specialized glass, ornate frames, exotic woods, and intricate details.
Are glass cabinet doors more expensive than regular doors?
Yes, glass cabinet doors typically cost 50-100% more than solid wood or plastic laminate doors. The glass material itself accounts for much of this cost premium. Still, the style and charm glass provides is worth the upcharge for many homeowners.
Should I get stock or custom cabinet doors?
Stock size doors generally cost 25% less than custom. If your cabinets are close to common sizes like 24″ or 30″ wide, stock doors should fit well with small gaps filled in. Custom doors are best for odd cabinet measurements or a perfect seamless fit.
How much does Lowes charge to install cabinet doors?
Lowes charges around $150 per cabinet door for professional installation services. This adds up quickly, so installing doors yourself can save substantially if you have carpentry skills.
What is the most expensive cabinet door material?
Solid hardwoods like cherry, walnut, and mahogany are generally the most expensive kitchen cabinet door materials. Handcrafted stained or leaded glass can also fetch very high prices for doors.
Should I get glass cabinet door quotes from multiple vendors?
Yes, it’s wise to get quotes from 3-4 sources. Since pricing can vary widely based on materials, brands, and services included, comparing quotes allows you to find the best value option.
Glass Cabinet Doors: Worth the Investment
While glass cabinet doors often cost more than typical solid doors, many homeowners find the expense worthwhile to enjoy their beauty and completely transformed room aesthetics. With so many choices for creative and stylish designs using glass, the only limit is your imagination – and budget, of course!
Understanding the cost factors outlined here allows you to set realistic expectations when pricing a glass cabinet door installation project. Careful shopping around and smart material choices can also help control costs. But there is no substitute for the gorgeous light and display possibilities that glass doors provide.
Approaching glass cabinet door replacement with a well-defined budget and attention to pricing details can make this a highly rewarding home upgrade that adds style, elegance, and functionality for years to come.