Hello everyone, I am considering upgrading my Ikea Pax wardrobe doors by adding glass panels to give them a more modern and open look. My question is whether this can be done without major modifications and what I should pay attention to. Are there specific types of glass that are particularly suitable? Do I need to order new frames, or can the existing doors be converted? I am also interested in whether stability and functionality could be affected, especially concerning the hinges and weight distribution. I look forward to your tips and experiences on the topic "Can I retrofit Ikea PAX doors with glass panels?"
Hello Gigule,
your question is very well thought out, and the idea of retrofitting PAX doors with glass is basically possible, but it involves some important details.
First of all, Ikea also offers frameless, fully glazed doors and glass-framed doors – but if you want to retrofit existing wooden doors, you should know that the original doors are usually made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer and are not really designed to simply insert glass panels.
Weight plays a major role here: glass is usually significantly heavier, and especially if you use safety glass (e.g., tempered safety glass ESG or laminated safety glass VSG), you need to check whether the existing hinges can support it. Using stronger glass is advisable, but the weight will also be higher.
If you only want to replace the door panels, there are suitable solutions from third-party suppliers or Ikea itself where you can order glass doors – so you can continue to use the existing fittings. However, if you want to insert glass panels into wooden frames yourself, you will have to either fully open the frame (chisel out), mill a suitable groove for the glass (about 4 mm (0.16 inches) glass thickness recommended), and then seal it with clear silicone. Be aware, this requires a certain level of craftsmanship.
You should also check whether floor rails or seals on the existing door are compatible with the glass, as glass has different thermal expansion and sound absorption properties than wood.
My tip would be: first check which door model you have and whether Ikea still offers corresponding glass doors. If an original version is not possible, a carpenter can carry out a conversion – possibly using aluminum frames and specially adapted glass.
A quick question from my side: do you want to use clear, frosted, or maybe patterned glass? This will also affect the options and effort involved.
I hope these technical details help you!
your question is very well thought out, and the idea of retrofitting PAX doors with glass is basically possible, but it involves some important details.
First of all, Ikea also offers frameless, fully glazed doors and glass-framed doors – but if you want to retrofit existing wooden doors, you should know that the original doors are usually made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer and are not really designed to simply insert glass panels.
Weight plays a major role here: glass is usually significantly heavier, and especially if you use safety glass (e.g., tempered safety glass ESG or laminated safety glass VSG), you need to check whether the existing hinges can support it. Using stronger glass is advisable, but the weight will also be higher.
If you only want to replace the door panels, there are suitable solutions from third-party suppliers or Ikea itself where you can order glass doors – so you can continue to use the existing fittings. However, if you want to insert glass panels into wooden frames yourself, you will have to either fully open the frame (chisel out), mill a suitable groove for the glass (about 4 mm (0.16 inches) glass thickness recommended), and then seal it with clear silicone. Be aware, this requires a certain level of craftsmanship.
You should also check whether floor rails or seals on the existing door are compatible with the glass, as glass has different thermal expansion and sound absorption properties than wood.
My tip would be: first check which door model you have and whether Ikea still offers corresponding glass doors. If an original version is not possible, a carpenter can carry out a conversion – possibly using aluminum frames and specially adapted glass.
A quick question from my side: do you want to use clear, frosted, or maybe patterned glass? This will also affect the options and effort involved.
I hope these technical details help you!
Palenar schrieb:
First of all, Ikea also offers frameless, fully glazed doors and glass frame doors – but if you want to retrofit existing wooden doors, you should know that the original doors are usually made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with veneer and are not really designed to simply insert glass panels.Exactly, that sums it up perfectly! 😊
I had a similar idea for a PAX wardrobe project once. My recommendation? It’s better to buy the glass doors directly rather than converting them yourself. The effort is more than just a bit of tinkering, and the difference in weight and fittings can quickly cause problems.
Also, glass panels look nice but are fragile. If you modify something like this yourself, safety could be compromised if the correct glass and proper framing are not used.
However, if you are handy and want to do it right, I would try using tempered glass (ESG) and make sure there are no sharp edges. It also makes sense to use rubber lips or silicone as impact protection.
Good luck with your project – it definitely sounds like a great idea!
Hello Gigule,
I would like to give you a somewhat structured suggestion on how to proceed if you want to retrofit PAX doors with glass.
1. Inventory: Identify your current door model and measure the frame dimensions precisely.
2. Type of glass: Choose a type of glass. Tempered glass (ESG) or laminated glass (VSG) are safe and stable enough. Frosted glass can reduce fingerprints, while clear glass gives a more open look.
3. Adjusting the frame: The old wooden doors do not have a groove for glass. You would need to cut or rout the surface (MDF) to fit the glass properly.
4. Fixing: You can glue the glass in with silicone or secure it with small clips – the former is cleaner, the latter is easier to remove.
5. Weight and hinges: Check if your hinges can support a heavier weight. If not, you will need to buy replacement fittings.
6. Seals: If desired, you can also install seals along the frame to keep dust out.
From my point of view, the key question is the level of craftsmanship required and whether you are comfortable using tools like a router and sandpaper.
If you feel unsure, it’s better to consult a carpenter or order the glass doors directly from Ikea, as that is often easier and safer.
If you are still uncertain, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to rout and install the glass.
Best regards!
I would like to give you a somewhat structured suggestion on how to proceed if you want to retrofit PAX doors with glass.
1. Inventory: Identify your current door model and measure the frame dimensions precisely.
2. Type of glass: Choose a type of glass. Tempered glass (ESG) or laminated glass (VSG) are safe and stable enough. Frosted glass can reduce fingerprints, while clear glass gives a more open look.
3. Adjusting the frame: The old wooden doors do not have a groove for glass. You would need to cut or rout the surface (MDF) to fit the glass properly.
4. Fixing: You can glue the glass in with silicone or secure it with small clips – the former is cleaner, the latter is easier to remove.
5. Weight and hinges: Check if your hinges can support a heavier weight. If not, you will need to buy replacement fittings.
6. Seals: If desired, you can also install seals along the frame to keep dust out.
From my point of view, the key question is the level of craftsmanship required and whether you are comfortable using tools like a router and sandpaper.
If you feel unsure, it’s better to consult a carpenter or order the glass doors directly from Ikea, as that is often easier and safer.
If you are still uncertain, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to rout and install the glass.
Best regards!
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