DIY Farmhouse Pantry Door With Glass

In this instructable, I show you how to build a DIY farmhouse pantry door with glass using 2x6s. Also, learn an easy paint distressing technique to give paint that worn, distressed look.

Even if you don’t need to build a pantry door, the DIY tips I share can be used towards any woodworking or furniture painting project.

There are several things which are difficult to fully explain with words and images, so be sure to check out the video tutorial below.

Domino or Biscuit Joiner

Pocket Hole Jig

Wood Glue

Glue Bottle

Glue Spreader

Tape Measure

Combination Square

Speed Square

Miter Saw

Festool Track Saw with MFT3 Table

Bandsaw

Orbital Sander

Parallel Clamps

Long Parallel Clamps

F Clamps

Vacuum

Paint Brush

Silicone

Paint

Wood Stain for Distressing

Finish (Seal Coat)

Stain Brush

Lexan for Glass Panels

My friend asked me to build a farmhouse-style pantry door for their house. They sent me a few example pictures and I was off to the races.

First, I created a 3D model in sketchup to get the dimensions correct and determine the amount of lumber I needed. The pantry door is made with 2x6s, has glass (Lexan) panes, and it has a distressed look to accompany the farmhouse style. The door dimensions are: 80" (height) x 36" (width)

I started by building the bottom panel using 1x4s & 2x4s cut from 2x6s.

First, I cut each piece down to size on my miter saw. If you don’t have a miter saw, a circular saw or hand saw works just as well.

Next, I used my track saw to cut strips of scrap wood for the few pieces of trim I needed. More on this in a later step.

Then, I resawed 2x6s down to size on my bandsaw, which is how I created the 1x4s. If you don’t have a bandsaw, just buy the thickness you need from your local lumber dealer.

I used a domino to join the wood together for this project. Keep in mind, a biscuit joiner or pocket hole jig works as well. Just make sure you use lots of glue.

I inserted the dominos, spread glue, and pushed the wood together.

I used parallel clamps along with a wood caul on top to keep everything nice and straight.

After the bottom panel, I constructed the inner stile and rail. This consisted of a 2×2 and 1×4 both cut from 2x6s joined with 2 dominos at each corner.

I clamped it all together and joined the inner stile & rail to the bottom section.

Then, I used parallel clamps to hold the sections together until the glue dried.

I built the outer stile and rail. Although the outer stile and rail looks similar to the inner stile and rail, it is put together differently.

First, I used clamps to hold the top rail in place to mark the locations for the dominos. I placed dominos at the locations I marked and attached the outer rail to the top of the inner rail.

Then, I attached the outer stiles the same way as the top rail. I marked the location of the dominos, spread glue, and attached each side using parallel clamps.

Also, the parallel clamps make it easier to attach the stiles by applying even pressure.

I decided to attach the trim on the bottom section while the glue was drying from the last step.

The trim pieces are scrap pieces of 2x6s cut to size. I spread glue and then placed the trim down in place.

Quick Tip

As a quick tip, sawdust and glue work great to patch imperfections in a DIY pantry door.

Simply mix sawdust and glue in a bowl or cup. Mix until a thick paste forms.

Apply the paste to the seams and inside corners. Allow it to dry and sand off the excess.

I used a product called Lexan instead of real glass. Lexan is a transparent plastic sheet that is virtually unbreakable.

The top and bottom are simply 2 pieces of wood 5/8" thick with a quarter inch gap in the middle for the lexan to rest in.

Also, this is an interior door so it doesn't have to be perfect or weatherproof. The purpose is to hold the lexan in place and make it easy to change if needed.

I layed the glass in place after I put on the top and bottom. Then, I attached the side pieces with glue and brad nails.

I've tried many paint distressing techniques over the years on furniture. Ultimately, this technique consistently produces great results for me.

I wrote an article about different ways to distress painted furniture, so be sure to check that out.

First, I painted the surface with white semi-gloss paint. Next, I sanded the edges, corners, and any other irregular angle I can reach.

Also, be sure a very small portion of the wood is exposed after sanding.

After the surface is clean, I grab a foam brush and apply stain in the places I sanded in the previous step.

Also, I prefer dark brown or gray wood stain for light paint colors.

After I finish applying stain to the sanded areas in a 3 foot by 3 foot section, I wipe the stain with a rag. The rag picks up the stain and spreads it to the non-sanded areas. It also makes the non-sanded areas darker.

The more you wipe, the less distressed the surface looks. You can also use a few rags to remove even more stain if that is the look you are going for.

Moreover, this technique provides me with a little flexibility in the distressing process especially when the correct paint is used.

Flat paint absorbs the stain way too quickly and makes it difficult to remove with a rag.

When I was done with one side of the door, I allowed it to dry for a few hours.

Next, I flipped the door over and repeated the same paint distressing technique as in the previous step.

In order to make the one sheet of Lexan appear as multiple glass window panes, I used silicone to attach thin strips of wood on each side.

I measured the total length of the lexan and divided by 3. Then, I used this distance from the top and from the bottom to place the strips.

After the stain was completely dry, I used shellac as the final top coat on the farmhouse pantry door with glass.

Shellac dries quickly and it's super easy to apply. Also, Shellac looks a bit yellow when applied but it dries clear.

I applied 2 coats per side.

I installed the door at my friend's house just in time for Christmas.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY tutorials.