Retro Cane Sideboard

This project you guys. THIS project has been my favourite DIY of allll time. I’ve done a lot of DIY’s over the past 12 years and this retro cane sideboard has beat them all.

It was about a days work. I started at 12 PM and I just finished at 11:20 tonight, but it looks better than expected and I couldn’t be more in love.

Retro Cane Sideboard

As a bit of a refresher, I had this sideboard in my mood board. But with a price tag of 1499 + taxes I couldn’t dream to spend that much. I knew the only way I would be getting a cane sideboard in our living room is if I DIY’d one. If you’re from the US seeing this console, the price is more like 799. The cost of items in Canada is usually double.

I found the below sideboard on Marketplace. The seller promised the sideboard was oak and I believed them as I couldn’t tell any different from the small photo on my phone. I bought it sight unseen, paid and the seller delivered it to our home.

Rookie Move! But wait… I’m not a rookie..

When we looked at the piece we were horrified. It wasn’t oak at all, but a very cheap looking laminate/veneer. I was so devastated as I had planned to strip the sideboard down to a beautiful light tone of wood. Instead, I was only left with the option of painting it.

But since I had already spent 100 dollars on this “real oak sideboard” I planned to utilize what I had spent my money on.

I immediately ordered caning weave. I used the 5×5 radio fine weave. It took about 1.5 weeks to arrive and for 3′ x 18″ W it cost me 53.00 Canadian Again, if you’re in the US, cane is much cheaper and easier to find.

But honestly, only spending 153.00 dollars on this sideboard instead of 1800. That is a DANG good deal to me.

How To Replace Cane On Glass Doors

I didn’t take any progress shots. But I do have a highlight folder on my Instagram called “Cane Console”. I storied my entire progress. But I will do my best on here to explain how I did it.

I first soaked my cane in warm water for 30 minutes. This softened the cane up and it was so much easier to work with. But learn from my mistakes, keep what you aren’t using in the water as it dries fast.

I used this staple gun and I stapled on the edge where the glass used to sit. But if you do not have a ledge like that, you can just staple on the backside. I stapled one staple on each end to hold it in place. Do NOT pull too tight as the cane will start to dry and if you’ve pulled too tight, it wont dry even. If you look at the door on the far left, you can see where I pulled too tight on the upper right door and it dried uneven.

I promise, this is easy, I just want you to have all the facts!

Once you’ve put one staple in each side, work your way around. If you don’t get it right, you can always pull the staple out and re-do it.

Once completed, I cut the excess off with a exacto blade. Then, I applied a thin bead of silicone to the entire edge to keep it from unraveling. This isn’t necessary if you live in a normal household, but I own a Rhett.

What Paint and Finish To Use On Furniture

If painting over something with a varnish or gloss, you will want to do a light sand. I took my orbital sander all over the piece prior to painting.

I love using Behr Marquee paint. I didn’t use it this time and I was kicking myself after the 4th coat of paint. Yes, 4 long coats. I used the colour Chantilly Lace from Benjamin Moore.

With Behr Marquee paint I normally only do two coats and It goes on smooth with amazing coverage. It also has primer already added into it.

For varnish I used this on the doors and this on the body. I always purchase flat or satin varnishes as I don’t like a glossy look.

Where To Find Cane in Canada

If you’re from the US, don’t worry, I’ll link some for you too. It’s much easier to find caning weave in the US. As for Canada, I got mine from Levairs Woodworking. You have to email them to place an order, it’s a bit of a hassle, so hopefully they will update how they process orders soon!

As for buying caning weave in the States, here are some great options

The Final Reveal

I’m so happy with how it turned out. It truly turned out better than expected. We did save the metal legs from our old console that we can put on it someday when we muster up the energy to move up our TV and sconces, but for now, I’m loving how it looks.

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If you have any questions on the process, what I used or anything I didn’t mention, please feel free to ask in the comments!

What do you think of my retro cane sideboard? It goes perfectly in our coastal room!

If you don’t want to DIY your own piece and you have the money to spend, here are some really pretty options!

For more of my favorite DIY’s see…