How to fit glass in a door

Some doors intended for glazing are supplied without the glass panels in place. This allows you to select the glass you want and install it yourself. They will usually be listed as unglazed doors. Internal  and external doors  can be supplied as unglazed and ready to have glass fitted. For some general information on glazed doors see: Glazed doors

You must select glass which is suitable for use in doors, and for the area the door will be used in, particularly taking into account if it's an external or internal door. The way you will fit glass in an internal door is slightly different to how you will fit it in an external one. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for details on a specific door for what glass should be used and how installation should be completed. For information on Building Regulations for glazed doors see:  Building Regulations for glazed doors

How to fit glass in an internal door 

The glass used in   internal doors  does not require quite the same properties as the glass used in external doors, although it should still be toughened safety glass. You might want to choose double or triple glazed glass for external doors, to increase their energy efficiency. However, it will still need to meet building regulations for safety. When purchasing glass panels separately, always be explicit about where it will be installed and make sure it is suitable.

Step 1 - Apply silicone

Your door should have a frame structure which the glazing panel will fit into. Usually, these frame pieces will be rebated on one side so the glass can sit in it comfortably. Apply a line of silicone all around these frame sections.

Step 2 - Insert glass

The glass panels should then simply slot into place and the silicone will hold them once it's dried. 

Step 3 - Fix in glazing bars

Apply a second line of silicone all around the edge of the glass panel you have inserted. This line will hold the glazing bars, or beading. The glazing bars are added to all four edges of the glass. Push them all into place securely. Use panel pins to fix the glazing bars in place if necessary. Knock the nail through the bars into the body of the door, taking care not to damage the glass. Use a nail punch to drive the heads of the nail into the bars.

Step 4 - Finish

Fill any nail holes with something like putty. The filler should be a grade which can either be stained or painted depending on how you intend to finish the rest of the door. Lightly sand the filled holes to smooth the surface of the glazing bars, and wipe down to finish. 

Shop for glass beading from Richard Burbidge.

How to fit glass in an external door  

You'll need to use insulated glass, usually double or triple glazed, inunglazed external doors . The glass will also need to be particularly secure so it doesn't pose a security risk. External doors will usually have glazing bars, or beading, already in place. You can remove the bars or beading by prying off with something like a rigid putty knife so that the glass can be installed.

Step 1 - Apply glazing tape

You need to apply glazing tape all around the edge where the glass panel will be fitted. Measure and cut the tape so it's the correct size.  

Step 2 - Insert glass

Insert the glass panel in the space in the door. It should rest on the glazing tape which will secure it in place. 

Step 3 - Install glazing bars

The glazing bars can now be reinstalled around the glass panel. Use panel pins – thin headed nails – to secure the bars to the door if necessary. Use a punch to knock any pins just below the surface of the bars. If you need to, you can usually use a rubber mallet to hammer the bars in securely.

Step 4 - Finish

Fill the pin holes with an external grade filler. Gently sand the bars so they are smooth and wipe away any debris. If necessary, you can now treat the bars so they are finished and protected in the same way as the rest of the door.