In with the new, out with the old. That’s pretty much how a recent customer phrased it. They were looking to update an outdated pantry into a hip wine cabinet. Starting with the doors…
It’s pretty much a straight forward build. The only head scratcher was how the new glass was going to hold in place and not fall out the next time you opened the door to grab that 1997 bottle of merlot. I started by stripping the doors down to their skivvies. I kept the original door frame structure, and decided to only replace the center and horizontal wooden blind-style panels.
Next, the tape measure came out. I treated this as if I was constructing a traditional picture frame. The only real difference was no back board, both sides would be visible and well, it will open and close. Once the new framework was cut to size, it was time to get my hands dirty. Since I kept the original door frame I had to play around a bit with multiple stain colors, trial and error for the best matching results.
While the stain was drying, I had stopped at a super-cool frame shop here in Chicago, April 7’s Custom Framing, to have all the glass cut to size. If you’re ever in the area and looking for some custom frames and/or glass, check these guys out. It was a real pleasure to work with them.
After 3 coats of dark walnut and a final coat of chestnut we had a match! For this last bit, you need a steady hand and know your yoga breathing. Mounting one side of the new framework was easy enough, it was laying the glass into place and attaching the closing framework that made you sweat a little. Imagine tapping in finishing nails with a hammer just about a hairline away from the glass surface.
The final product turned out better than anticipated. Mixing and matching stains so it would appear original with the door frame, and giving these old doors a new life. Now where’s my glass of wine?!
xo, Dan
