I’ve been on a cane webbing kick lately and it was something I desperately wanted to incorporate into Cash’s Nursery design. I loved the DIY IKEA Tarva Dresser hack we did for our master bedroom and thought it would be fun to do another IKEA hack with some DIY Caning!
This IKEA Tarva Dresser hack is so easy I did it when I was 9 months pregnant! If you’re looking for an easy DIY project with a BIG impact to your space you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started y’all!
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How to Hack an IKEA Tarva Dresser with Webbed Caning
Shopping List, Supplies, and Costs for this project are all at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Assemble IKEA Tarva Dresser
Assemble your IKEA Tarva Dresser, obviously. Just don’t put it together backwards like I did! IKEA now manufactures their Tarva Dressers a little differently now. So this tutorial will be a bit different than the IKEA Tarva Hack I did for our master bedroom in 2016.
Step 2: Measure Drawer Fronts
Measure out 2 1/16″ evenly to create a rectangle in the middle of the drawer. You can peep that 9 month baby bump too!
Use a carpenter framing square to make sure your lines are even with all sides of the drawer
You can also use a ruler if you don’t have a carpenter framing square available. If you make your cuts any smaller than this you will not have enough space to attach the cane webbing on the inside of the drawer.
Step 3: Cut Out Drawer Fronts
Use a power drill and large pilot hole drill bit on the inner part of all 4 corners. The pilot hole drill bit needs to be large enough to fit the jigsaw blade.
Take your jigsaw and cut out the rectangle. Take note, the shorter cuts will be easier as you are cutting against the wood grain. When cutting with the wood grain it will be harder as you are essentially splitting the wood in half.
Step 4: Sand Your IKEA Tarva Dresser
Sand your dresser frame and drawers with an orbital sander at 180G and 220G then wipe clean with a damp painters cloth. You will need to hand sand the inside of the drawer cut outs with a sanding sponge or the orbital sandpaper. The size of the orbital sander will not fit between the cut out to sand.
Also, this mask is amazing and I highly recommend getting yourself one for projects! I used it my entire pregnancy for sanding and staining projects.
Step 5: Stain Your IKEA Tarva Dresser
I went with a custom stain and used Varathane Weathered Oak and Early American. I do this “wax on – wax off” technique. I’m not even sure if that’s a thing but it always turns out great when I’m finished!
Make sure you are using gloves while staining, it’s an oil based product (clean up requires mineral spirits if you get it on your hands). I use Gorilla Grip Gloves, they’re reusable and fit my hands better than any latex gloves I’ve ever bought!
Start with a light coat of Varathane Weathered Oak on the entire dresser with your staining sponge and wipe off with your painters rag as you go.
While the stain is still somewhat “wet” go over the entire dresser with a light coat of Varathane Early American with your staining sponge and wipe off immediately after application, “stain on – stain off.” The longer the stain sits on the dresser before wiping off the darker it will be.
Follow the directions on the stain can for curing time. Once the stain has completely cured, sand with 220G. Then, apply 3 coats of matte polyurethane, between each coat sand with 220G and finish with a finishing buffer sponge. I don’t personally like a shiny finish so a matte poly works great!
Step 6: Prepping Your Cane Webbing
Cane webbing is extremely hard to find with how popular it is right now. I looked through numerous companies to find what I was looking for and I kept running into the same issue of them not having enough or they were out of stock. I purchased my cane webbing in August and didn’t receive it till mid-October.
Before using your cane webbing, make sure you have brought it inside your home to acclimate to the temperature AKA don’t leave it in the garage or attic before your project. Be sure you do not use it in a damp area (bathroom or near a humidifier), it will warp the cane webbing.
If you find that the cane is stiff and hard to work with, you can soak your cane in water for 10 minutes. I opted NOT to soak mine.
Since we aren’t using the cane webbing in the traditional sense we will only need a staple gun, sharp craft scissors, sharpie, and measuring tape!
UPDATED: “ I purchased a quantity of 7 (feet) in 1/4″ Open Cane Webbing – 18″ Wide. You need 78″ which is 6″6′ of cane to cover 6 drawers. You can only purchase in feet so you will need to purchase a quantity of 7 (feet) for this project. I was able to split the 18″ roll in half for the drawers. However, it looks like they don’t carry the 18″ width and only carry 24″ width now.
Initially I had listed only needing a quantity of 4 (feet) for this project since I had 3 feet left over. Turns out, my order confirmation doesn’t match up with how much I actually received! When I ordered my cane I was given a quantity of 10 (feet) since I had 3 feet left over. But I was correct in calculating that you need a quantity of 7 (feet) for this project. See that screen grab below? How crazy is it that I had to go back and look for that to make sure I wasn’t loosing my marbles! ”
They make a few different sizes too if you’re wanting a wider open can webbing:
- 1/2″ Open Cane Webbing – 18″ Wide
- 1/2″ Open Cane Webbing – 24″ Wide
- 5/8″ Open Cane Webbing – 18″ Wide
- 5/8″ Open Cane Webbing – 24″ Wide
The cane webbing comes in a sheet roll (like wrapping paper), as in you have to cut out your exact measurements just like fabric!
Step 7: Apply your Webbed Caning to Your IKEA Tarva Dresser
Find a blanket or carpet to install your webbed caneing. The IKEA Tarva Dresser is made out of a soft wood, so it will dent verily easily.
Since the inside edge of the cut out is so small you will need to make sure your webbed caneing is from edge to edge measuring at 26″ L x 6 1/2″ W.
Mark your cane on the back side with a sharpie so you know where to cut. You’ll need to use some type of marker as a pencil/pen will not be visible. Since I didn’t soak my cane in water I had to weigh it down on the ends (baby wipes and a measuring tape, lol).
Start on one end of the drawer and shoot a few staples into the cane to hold in place. You’re going to use A LOT of staples so buy the whole box!
Pull the cane taut and work your way to the other end of the drawer with your staple gun. Alternate top and bottom so it’s evenly stretched
**Repeat this step for all six drawers.
Step 7: Cut and Attach Handles to IKEA Tarva Dresser
I took scrap pieces of 1×2 select pine and made pulls for the dresser. I cut a 1×2 at 4 1/2″ and then cut in half length wise for thin rectangular pulls. To attach the pulls use wood glue and secure with 2 small screws from the inside of the drawer.
The pulls were placed in the middle of the drawers, see measurements below:
I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but – can you believe how good this turned out?! This project was inspired by a piece of furniture from a store in Australia that I desperately wanted, but could not bring myself to spend $1,100! So of course in Kourtni fashion, I had to hack this IKEA tarva dresser.
I can’t wait to see y’all whip out these DIY IKEA Tarva Dresser Hacks!
What supplies do I need for a DIY Cane IKEA Tarva Dresser Hack?
**This post contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure and privacy policy if you have any questions.
Shopping List:
- Web Caning
- IKEA Tarva Dresser
- 180G and 220G Sandpaper
- Staining Sponge
- Paint Rags
- Weathered Oak Stain
- Early American Stain
- Finishing Sponge
- 1 – 1x2x6
- 3/8″ Staples
Cut List:
- 3 – 1x2x6 select pine @ 4 1/2″
- 6 – 1x2x4 1/2″ @ 1/2″ length wise
- 6 – 26″ L x 6 1/2″ W Cane Webbing
Tools:
Project Skill Level:
Intermediate
Project Cost:
$220 (with some supplies and tools already on hand)
Let me know if you have any questions about anything! I’m an open book 
For more behind the scenes on all of our DIY and home projects be sure to follow along on instagram. To see all of our inspo and upcoming projects be sure to follow along on pinterest.
This project turned out lovely!! Excellent job!
Thank you so much Christine! Glad you enjoyed it!
What kind of plant is that on the dresser?
Hi Kaitlin,
The plant on the left is a Pink Polka Dot Hypoestes and the plant on the right is a String of Pearls Succulent!
This is such a great hack!! You did a wonderful job! Can I ask how you attached the drawer pulls? Did you glue them or screw them in?
Thanks so much!!
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much! I used wood glue to attach and secured with two small screws from the inside of the drawer once the wood glue was dry.
Hi! I love this dresser! Just a quick question — was it necessary to sand the dresser before staining? Isn’t the wood untreated?
Hi Olivia,
Thank you so much! Yes, you should always sand wood even if it is untreated. Wood always has imperfections and even if it’s new and untreated wood I still like to “open up the pores” as I like to say. Check out this post on building my open shelving where I deep dive into staining 101 and what unfinished wood vs. sanded untreated wood. https://www.houseonlongwoodlane.com/home-renovation/diy-open-shelving/
However, if you decide not to sand the wood prior to staining the stain will take longer to cure, it will look a different color and it will not be a smooth finish.
I hope this helps!
How much stain + coating did you need for the dresser?
Hi Jill,
I didn’t use a ton, you can make due with using a smaller can of stain like an 8oz can!
What handles did you get for the dresser? Love this diy, planning on doing it for my baby’s nursery!
Hi Megan,
Thank you so much! They are made with scrap 1×2 select pine cut in half to create rectangular dowels. In Step 7: I go into a little more detail on how I made them. I’ve searched Amazon and other retailers for wooden hardware and couldn’t find what I was looking for so I just made these! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. 🙂
I absolutely love how the dresser turned out!👏🏼👏🏼
Quick question, what is the name of the color of the walls? Beautiful as well!
Hi Diana,
Thank you so much! The walls are Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams. I have a round-up of all the paint colors in our home if you’re interested in other colors as well 🙂 https://www.houseonlongwoodlane.com/home-renovation/paint-color-round-up-of-our-home/
I have been trying to find something different for a nursery dresser all day. Everything is sooo expensive. I had already decided on the IKEA dresser then maybe stencil stuff on it, but then I found your blog! Unfortunately, the 1/4 cane webbing is already out of stock and looks like they might be discontinuing it. The other sizes are only backordered until May. I’m guessing because of the virus. I looked everywhere for 1/4 and like you said no one carries it. I feel like the 1/2 is way too big for a dresser since you can see through it. I thought I had found my solution! I guess not 🙁
Hi Brittany,
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear that it’s on back order. The same think happened to me, but I know there are quite a few other places that sell cane if you’re still interested in making it!
Hi! Question any recommendations on where to get the cane? It looks like all your options are out of stock? Thanks
Hi Casey,
I looked into quite a few places and settled on this place because they were able to guarantee the amount I needed. Cane is hard to come by as it always seems to either be low in stock or out of stock. I ordered mine from Online Fabric Store in August and it was back ordered till October. I know that’s not much help, but just know I had the same issue!
However, I am looking into alternatives that are up to par in quality of Online Fabric Stores Cane right now!
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for in a dresser and I’m so glad you shared the tutorial! I have a question about the cane webbing measurements. Six lengths at 26″ each is 13 feet. Assuming I can get two of the 6.5in cuts out of the 18″ width, that brings it down to 6.5 feet. I want to make sure I order the right amount but am not sure how you got 3ft leftover of your 7ft. Thanks!!
Hi Kat,
Thank you so much for your concern! I had to dive into this because another reader had the same question. I just updated the section on how much cane you need for this project. You need 6’6″ for project and it is only sold in feet, so you will need a quantity of 7 (feet). I had to go back and look at my order form and I did order 7 feet but I had 3 feet left over. Turns out they sent me 10 feet and charged me for 7 feet. I know that’s confusing, I was definitely confused myself as to how I had 3 feet left over after calculating!
Can’t wait to see your project!
Thank you so much for clarifying! I’m horrible at math but thought I was losing my mind on this one lol. Can’t wait to make it!
I just sent you a message on Instagram actually about some questions I had about this. I ordered the Ikea dresser for delivery next week and am going to give this a go! I’m so excited!!!
Hi Danyelle,
Yours turned out so beautifully! I’m so glad you decided to do it!
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Mallory,
Thank you so much!
How has it been sturdy-wise with the front of the dresser drawers cut out? I know you have little person clothes in there, but do you think it would hold heavier clothes? Thoughts?
Hi Annie,
Such a great question! I think its great on stability. My toddler has kicked the cane opening a few times and it’s held up great. Clothing no matter the size is pretty light compared to a foot or fingers hitting it consistently. 🙂
This is beautiful! Did you also stain the cane?
Hi Kim,
No, I did not stain the cane. I left it natural! 🙂
Hi! This is so beautiful! I’m curious what the finished cane looks like on the inside and if it catches on clothing at all?
Hi Julia,
I cut off the excess cane and plan to add a trim piece to cover the cane edging. It currently does not catch on anything 🙂
Hello I live in Australia and can’t find the brand of stain you use. Would you possibly be able to recommend any other brands/colours that may be similar before I go out and try a few different ones that we have here? Thank you 🙂
Hi Kathleen,
I only use a few select brands of stain: Varathane, Min-wax, Rust-Oleum. Since many stains are made different by each company I can’t confidently recommend another color that would match the colors I used for this project. The best way to find a color that would be the most similar would be to test the stain colors maybe on the underside a the dresser or a scrap piece of wood that is the same wood as the dresser (pine). I would definitely gravitate more towards the warmer stain colors to try to achieve the same color. I hope this is helpful!
Does the border of the cane catch the contents of the drawer? Thanks
Hi Dorothy,
After stapling the caning to the inside of the drawer I cut off any excess there was. It doesn’t catch on anything I currently put in there. However, I do not fill the drawers to capacity since it’s for an infant. There might be some catching with larger more delicate items. I do plan to add a trim piece on the inside!
Holy guacamole this is amazing! I absolutely love the look of cane and wish I could use it everywhere, I am absolutely putting this on my “to do” list.. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Debbie,
You are so sweet, thank you for the kind comments! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Hi Kat,
I am going to try this for my master bedroom since I can’t find anything I like in my price range. I was just wondering if you stained the cane as well or just left it natural. This project turned out beautifully!
Thank you,
Pamela
Hi Pamela,
Thanks so much! No, I did not stain the cane webbing, I left it natural 🙂
Wow. This is so amazing. I have the Tarva dresser and was planning a different DIY, but so glad I found your post before I did 🙂 Will be doing this one for sure.
Just a Q re the cutouts of the drawers: Did you cut them when the drawers were already put together or when you had the flat piece of wood?
Thanks so much for the Inspo
Hi Nora,
Thank you so much for the kind comments! I’m so glad you found my DIY, I can’t wait to see yours!
I cut the drawer cut outs post assembly 🙂
This is so beautiful!!! Can you tell me what type of carpet y’all have in this room? It’s very neutral and taut! We are looking for something low pile & similar!!! Thanks so much.
Hi Lindsey,
Thank you so much! You can find the exact carpet linked in “Shop our Home” tab under Liv’s Nursery 🙂
Did you stain the cane webbing?
Hi Ruth,
No, I did not stain the cane webbing!
We are seniors n love this dresser…we need new bedroom furniture n haven’t been able to find anything we like….so, we may give this a try!
Your creation is not only for the nursery ! 😊
Hi Valerie,
That is so awesome to hear! I can’t wait for you to try out this project. I’d love for you to share it with me if y’all decide to give it a go! 🙂
Hi there! First of all, thank you for doing this and kudos on the amazing job! I can’t wait to get started…regarding the cane webbing: I found some at 14″ and at 16 inches wide, rather than the 18″ wide. Should I just get 7 feet of one of those? I read you split the 18″ wide one and since I don’t have the dresser yet, I’m not sure how big the actual cane opening is. Thanks so much!
Hi Grace,
I chose 18″ width based on the math I did for how many opening I needed and being able to cut the 18″ width in half. If you are wanting to go smaller in width I would measure and make sure you have enough cane to staple over the opening. The cane needs enough excess over the opening so it doesn’t fall through the staple. I hope that helps!
I love this project so much! I am expecting (5 months down) and was also looking for a dresser like this for my son’s nursery. I’m new to DIYs and I’m unsure about using the jigsaw. I was reading over your first Tarva DIY and had the idea to combine the two projects. Do you think this would also work by gluing the cane in between the drawer front and the additional pieces of wood? Also, if I go the jigsaw route, do you think it would be easier for beginner like to me cut the holes in the drawers before assembling them?
Thanks again for sharing this! I can’t wait to try it.
Hi Roxy,
Thank you so much and congratulations! That’s so exciting! A jigsaw is definitely for steady hands and more of a specialty tool. The way that you’re thinking of is one of the ways I thought about doing it initially! It’s definitely doable that way, I’m just not sure how big the gap would be between the wood trim piece and the drawer front since cane webbing is a bit thick.
I think it’d be harder to use the jigsaw pre-assembly just because you’d need to clamp it onto something to make the cut and the jigsaw blade is long so if you clamp or brace it on something you need to be able to cut through the additional wood underneath. I know that sounds somewhat confusing, but let me know if you need more clarification!
I am in love with this dresser! It is so beautifully done. How much of the polyurethane would you say is needed? My local store only has it available in 8 oz. and 1 gallon.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much! I think you’d be ok with an 8oz since I used a left over can that was from a prior project.
Hello! I am working on this project for my son’s nursery now. You have inspired me so much! I am wondering however, how necessary it is to sand this dresser. IKEA specifies that this is untreated, ready-to-paint wood. Do you feel it’s totally necessary to sand it down? I have the dresser ready to stain upstairs in my nursery because it would not fit properly if we built it downstairs and brought it up so I am sort of stuck doing the work upstairs on some plastic floor sheets. I am trying to avoid a bigger mess than need be. Please advise! 🙂
Thank you!!!!
Hi Alexys,
Thank you so much! I’m so excited for you! Yes, you should always sand wood even if it is untreated. Wood always has imperfections and even if it’s new and untreated wood I still like to “open up the pores” as I like to say. Check out this post on building my open shelving where I deep dive into staining 101 and what unfinished wood vs. sanded untreated wood. https://www.houseonlongwoodlane.com/home-renovation/diy-open-shelving/
However, if you decide not to sand the wood prior to staining the stain will take longer to cure, it will look a different color and it will not be a smooth finish.
I hope this helps! 🙂
Hello! I love this and would love to make something similar for our nursery! Can you paint this wood as well, or just stain?
Thanks!
Hi Alona,
You can definitely paint the wood instead of staining! I’ve seen a few people recreate this DIY with paint instead of stain.
Hi there, I LOVE this dresser and am planning on doing this project. I have a list of everything I need and the dresser on the way, but I have done the math on the cane webbing about 100x and sill come out with a different amount than you list. You say you need “6 – 26″ L x 6 1/2″ W Cane Webbing” and say you only need 7 feet. However, 6×26=156; divided by 12 is 13 feet, not 7 feet. I have always been great at math, but maybe I’m losing it??
Hi Michelle,
I’m so excited you’re doing this for your next project! I used 18″ width x 12″ length (comes by the foot). You are splitting the 18″ piece in half, meaning you get 2 – 26″ L x 6 1/2″ W from 1 – 26″ L x 18″ W. So, you would multiply 3 x 26″ = 78″ divided by 12 = 6.5 feet
Hope I was able to clear up any confusion! 🙂
Hi again! Disregard my message. I just realized you are doing two drawers per foot since it is 18″. I am super prego and my mind is pure mush at times! I am sure you can remember how that is hahah..Please feel free to delete my previous comment lol! Thank you for sharing this amazing project.mI am so excited to start 🙂
Hi Michelle,
You are quite alright! I definitely remember having those moments, still get them too, lol. Can’t wait to see how your project turns out!
Just wanted to leave a head’s up to anyone who tries to order webbing online from JoAnn’s Fabrics, it comes in 18”x18” sheets – not rolls- so there is not enough length to create the 26” rectangle. I’ve just put the dresser together and realized this so super bummed right now. Don’t want anyone else to make the same mistake! Absolutely love this dresser and can’t wait to finish…once I order the right supplies 🤪
Hi Chelsea,
Thank you so much for the heads up on ordering from JoAnn Fabric Store! Hopefully it will save some the headache if they try to purchase cane from there 🙂
Hi Kourtni,
You’ve inspired me to take on this project! I really appreciate you listing + linking the tools recommended (which I plan to get) I was wondering if you have any further recommendations for a beginner worktable? I am completely new to power tools and building projects and getting overwhelmed with so many options such as portable work tables or diy work tables. If you could let me know, I’d really appreciate it, thank you!
Hi Linda,
I’m so glad you found the tutorial so helpful! I always try to think about everyone being in my shoes when I first started out. I actually just got a workbench this year. I wish I had one sooner! Ana-white.com has a great workbench build for 80$! Must haves for a workbench – wheels, a foldable piece that can extend the table width. I hope this is helpful!
I have been looking for hours for the1/4 cane, has anyone mentioned where they are getting it! I’m so excited to do this piece!
Hi Carla,
I’m not sure of anywhere else that has 1/4″ cane available, but I’m sure you could try another size if you’d like to!
Hi there! I absolutely love this. I just attempted do do this hack and I’m really excited about it except that I got the stain too dark. Do you have any tips on how I can lighten it once it’s already on? Thanks!!
Hi Lydia!
You can just sand it a bit lighter after the stain has fully cured. If you try to sand while the stain is still somewhat wet it won’t work. Hope this helps!
Kourtni – I love those picture frames in the picture of the finished nursery. Would you mind sharing where you got them? Thanks!
Hi Lydia,
Thank you so much! You can find them linked under Shop our Home > Cash’s Nursery 🙂
Hi Kourtni!
I am making this as soon as I get my cane webbing in! One question though, was your cane bleached or un-bleached?
Hi Madison,
My cane was un-bleached! Can’t wait to see how your project turns out!
Hi there,
I really want to try to do this but I don’t have a jigsaw. Do you think I can just take those parts that need to get cut to Home Depot or Lowes? The wood cutting part to me is the most challenging. Ha!
Thanks!!
Hi Gab,
This isn’t something you’d be able to take to a home improvement store to have cut. You can rent power tools from the home improvement store though! I’m sorry the jigsaw is intimidating, maybe ask a friend who’d be comfortable helping till you’re comfortable? Best of luck!
Hi! I have already ordered the cane and currently waiting for the dresser to be back in stock at ikea, but was wondering if you had any video tutorials on this process or followed any that you can recommend? Also, did you have a guide for the jigsaw or did you completely free hand it and hope that it was a straight line? Thanks!
Hi Beth,
I didn’t follow any tutorials for this, I made this one up! If you find me on Instagram @kourtnileigh , you can watch the highlight bubble on the IKEA Tarva hack for more of a visual tutorial. However, the measurement specifics will be in the blog post. I did not use a guide for the jigsaw, I drew out my rectangle that needed to be cut and cut along the inside of the line very slowly. I have a steady hand! I hope this was helpful 🙂
Hi there! I love this and am in the process of doing it now. How long did it take to cure before sanding and starting the polyurethane? It mentions drying on the can but not curing. Maybe the same thing? Also how long between polyurethane coats did you wait before sanding? Thank you and you did a great job!!
Hi Adele,
It takes 24-48 hours for stain, poly, and most paints to cure typically. I waited 2 days for my stain to cure since it was cold when I did this project and temperatures under 52- degrees takes longer than what the can will say. I follow the directions on the back of the can for applying poly 🙂
Can’t wait to see how your project turns out!
This is probably the cutest quarantine project I’ve started in 2020, thank you!! I’m actually doing two of the IKEA three drawer RAST dressers as night stands, but following your tutorial. I had a question on the poly application. Did you dry 24 hours between coats? It say drys within 2 hours for another application however nothing about how long to wait while sanding in between.
Hi Jennifer,
Aww yay! I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
It takes 24-48 hours for stain and most paints to cure typically. I waited 2 days for my stain to cure before starting with the poly since it was cold when I did this project and temperatures under 52- degrees takes longer than what the can will say. I follow the directions on the back of the can for applying poly – when it says 2 hours, you just wait 2 hours between coats! 🙂
Where did you find the buffer doing? For the last part of the project. Thanks! Love this!
Hi Adele,
You can find the buffer in the same aisle as the sandpaper at Home Depot!
I bought everything I need to start this project but was wondering for the application of the Early American stain. Do I do the entire dresser before doing the “stain on stain off” or is it done in small portions? I’ve never stained anything before and will practice on pieces of wood I have in the garage. I’m also staining this old crib I sanded down the same way so I want to make sure I don’t mess it up!
Hi Marie,
The technique is exactly as it sounds. As soon as you put the stain on with one hand you wipe it off with the other. If you want to see a better visual you can check out the highlight bubble for this project on my instagram @kourtnileigh 🙂
I absolutely love this! What a job well done 🙂
Just one question, do you have something around the cane on the inside to stop it from catch clothes etc or does it seem to sit flat enough?
Thanks!
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I don’t have anything on the inside, but I did cut use some scissors to remove any excess that was poking out!
Did you stain the inside of the drawers? In the midst of this great project- will send pics!
Hi Lauren,
I did stain the inside of the drawers. I did the front and back of the drawer face. I did not stain the part of the drawers where the drawer slides are attached. CAn’t wait to see how yours turns out!
May I ask if you have issues with dust and insects going through the holes in the cane? Absolutely stunning dresser! But wondering about the practicality of it. Thank you!
Hi Jess,
Nope, we haven’t had any issues like that at all. 🙂
This is STUNNING!!
What are the chances I can pay you to do ours hahah if you happen to be in San Diego lol!
Best
Angelique
I’m working on one in San Diego right now… if mine turns out looking as good as this I’ll follow up and maybe get one done for you too 😉
Hi Angelique,
Yay! I can’t wait to see how this turns out!!
Hi Angelique,
You are so kind thank you so much! Aww, you can totally do it! I believe in you!
Beautiful transformation. Curious to know why you couldn’t attach the caning prior to attaching the drawer fronts to the drawers. Just thought it would be easier.
Hi Susan,
I was actually going to attach the cane to outer part of the drawer without cutting it out at all. I decided after the fact that I didn’t like how it was going to look. So I made the cut outs after the drawers were assembled. You ultimately could do it either way!
Hi there! Is it necessary to sand prior to applying the matte finishing coat?
Thank you!
Hi Mycah,
For a more professional finish, I recommend it!
Love this! We are doing it! Already bought the dresser. Of course the 1/4″ cane is out of stock and can not even ordered for backorder. Do you think the 1/2 would make that much of a difference? Also, I was reading through all the comments…did you happen to find any other place that sold the 1/4? I couldn’t find anything. Thanks so much. Soooo excited!
Hi Alicia,
Thank you so much! I think you’d be ok with the 1/2″, you will be able to see more of the contents of the drawer. I have not found any other place that happens to sell the 1/4″ cane size, sorry! I hope you were able to find some or used the 1/2″! Let me know if that worked for you! So many other have inquired about it too.
Also, sorry one more question….did you find that the cane starts to frey on the ends at all? My fiancé was thinking we may need to glue it down? Thanks!
Hi Alicia,
The cane didn’t Frey at all for me, it’s tightly woven and when I stapled it into place I used a lot of staples and pulled it very taught to stay in place! 🙂
Hi! Question, do you use a filter on your pictures. I just want the stain to come out exactly the way it looks in the pictures. Thanks!
Hi Evan,
Yes, I use presets on my photos so the colors aren’t always the true colors of the product in person. The stain is a little darker in person, if you check out my instagram you can see different photos of the dresser in different lights!
How necessary is the polyurethane step? Trying to save money but don’t want it to get ruined easily!!
Hi Madison,
It’s 100% necessary if you want your piece to last longer. The top coat seals the furniture and creates a protective barrier between the stain and anything that could ruin your dresser. For example, if it’s sealed: it’s easier to wipe up a mess, remove crayon/marker marks, baby accidents, coffee rings, spills, etc. If you don’t seal it you’re leaving the piece open to permanent stains from anything. Hope this was helpful!
im trying to look for something that looks natural kinda for my beach home. because of the lighting it looks different in some of the pictures, does it look weathered or does it look more a natural stain?
Hi Claudia,
It looks a tad more weathered and warm under tones. The photo in the tutorial attaching the handles shows the color of the dresser without any edits on the photo. Hope that helps!