Make Your Workshop Cabinet Doors Secure with Easy-to-Install Chicken Wire Windows

Installing chicken wire windows in your workshop cabinet doors is not too different from adding them to any other frame. This is the perfect solution for a home improvement project if you’re looking for something unique and relatively easy. It’ll help make your workshop cabinet far more visually appealing, as well as adding a classic rustic touch.

Before starting on this project, it is imperative you have all your supplies before you begin. It’s a good idea to double check that the chicken wire is in fact galvanized wire. You’ll also need a measuring tape, a heavy-duty wire cutter, some staples or nails, and some protective gear. Leather gloves and a long-sleeved shirt will help protect your skin from getting scratched or cut.

Once you have all your supplies ready, it’s time to begin. Start by unrolling the chicken wire onto a workable length; you’ll need to make sure you measure the right dimensions of the window when doing this. It isn’t a bad idea to have a friend assist you; chicken wire tends to roll back to its original shape, so having an extra set of hands can be incredibly helpful.

When cutting the chicken wire, it’s best to give yourself a half-inch or a one-inch allowance. Right angles ensure a sharper and more precise fit, so just keep that in mind as you’re measuring and cutting. A heavy-duty wire cutter should slice right through the chicken wire.

Now comes the installation process. Begin by removing the doors from the cabinet. This will make installation much easier. At this point, you’ll want to make sure there is room for the chicken wire—if not, decide what dimensions you find suitable and make the appropriate cuts. Once done, you’re ready to get to work on the windows.

To ensure the windows are secure, it helps to create two layers for the door. The chicken wire panels should fit in between the two layers. Cut the layers according to the size of the window. Like when measuring and cutting the wire, it’s best to double-check and make sure the two layers have the same measure for the window.

Now you’re ready to begin attaching the chicken wire. Depending on the material (metal or wood), choose where the window will be placed. For this article, we’re focusing on wood. Using staples or nails, attach the wire to one layer of the door. Making sure the wire covers the window opening is key; an overhang of half an inch on each side is recommended. Once the wire is all stapled, it’s time to work on the other layer. Attach it with nails and make sure the door is solid.

Once all the steps of the installation process are complete, you’ll want to add a sealant of some sort to the edges of the door. This will lock in the chicken wire, making sure it stays attached with no problems.

Now your chicken wire window is ready to be re-installed onto the cabinet. Lounge back and marvel at the beauty that the chicken wire window has brought to your workshop cabinet.