Are you tired of seeing the same old wooden cabinet doors? Do you want to add a touch of natural and rustic charm to your kitchen or living space? Look no further!
Rattan, with its natural texture and warm tones, can transform an ordinary cabinet into a stunning focal point in any room. Adding rattan to a cabinet door enhances its aesthetic appeal and provides a unique handcrafted touch that complements various interior styles, from bohemian to modern.

This guide will walk you through the process of how to put rattan on cabinet door, offering step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to make the task approachable for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you want to refresh an old cabinet or customize a new one, integrating rattan is an excellent way to add creativity and charm to your home decor.
What Will You Need?
You will need to gather a few essential materials and tools to get started. These include:
- Rattan strips or cane webbing
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or utility knife
- Pliers
- Staple gun
- Wood glue
- Paint or stain (optional)
Once you have all the necessary supplies, you are ready to begin transforming your cabinet doors with rattan.
10 Easy Steps on How to Put Rattan on Cabinet Door
Step 1. Remove Cabinet Doors:
Before you can start adding rattan, removing the cabinet doors from their hinges is essential. Carelessly unscrew the hinges from the cabinet frame and door using a screwdriver. Place the doors on a flat, stable surface to work on, ensuring you keep all screws and hardware in a safe place for reinstallation later.
This step allows you full access to the entire door surface, making the application process smoother and more precise. It also helps to prevent any accidental damage to the cabinet frame during the rattan application. With the cabinet doors safely removed, you can take the next step in your DIY project.
Step 2. Measure and Cut Rattan:
Once the cabinet doors are detached, it’s time to measure the rattan strips or cane webbing for your project. Use a measuring tape to accurately determine the dimensions of the door section where you plan to apply the rattan. It’s essential to leave a small allowance on all sides for adjustments during the installation. After you’ve obtained the measurements,

lay the rattan flat and use scissors or a utility knife to cut it to size, following your measurements closely. Ensure your cuts are clean and straight to facilitate a neat and professional-looking installation. With your rattan pieces ready, you can prepare the cabinet doors for this stylish addition.
Step 3. Prepare the Cabinet Door Surface:
Before attaching the rattan, ensure the cabinet door surface is clean and smooth. If the door has an existing finish or paint, lightly sand it down to create a surface that will adhere well to the rattan. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dust or debris after sanding. If you plan to paint or stain the door frame, this is the ideal time to allow it to dry completely before moving forward.
Preparing the door surface not only ensures better adhesion for the rattan but also contributes to the overall professional appearance of the finished project. Once the door is prepped, you’re ready to attach the rattan.
Step 4. Attach the Rattan:
With the cabinet door prepared, you can begin attaching the rattan. Start by laying the cut rattan piece onto the door surface, ensuring it aligns well with the edges and any design elements you wish to highlight. Once positioned correctly, use a staple gun to secure the rattan to the door. Begin stapling from the center and work your way to the edges,
pulling gently on the rattan to keep it taut and free of wrinkles. Ensure that the staples are evenly spaced and lie flat so they don’t interfere with the final appearance. After stapling, trim any excess rattan material with scissors or a utility knife, maintaining clean edges. If any loose ends exist, apply a small amount of wood glue to secure them.
Step 5. Reinforce the Edges:

To ensure durability and a neat finish, it’s essential to reinforce the edges where the rattan meets the cabinet door. Begin by examining the edges for any loose or protruding fibers. If found, apply a thin line of wood glue along the perimeter where the rattan meets the door, pressing down gently to secure it in place.
This helps fasten any areas that may lift over time and provides the rattan with a firmer grip on the door surface. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly as per the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding. Reinforcing the edges ensures a long-lasting and visually appealing outcome, keeping your cabinet doors looking pristine and stylish.
Step 6. Sand and Finish the Edges:
After ensuring that the rattan is securely attached and the glue is thoroughly dried, it’s time to sand and finish the edges of the cabinet door. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth any rough spots or uneven edges where the rattan meets the wood. This will help achieve a seamless transition between the materials and enhance the overall appearance of the cabinet.
Once sanding is complete, you can apply paint or stain to the cabinet door frame, if desired, to match or contrast with the rattan. Use a small brush for precision and allow the finish to dry thoroughly before reattaching the cabinet door. This finishing step not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your project but also provides additional protection to the materials.
Step 7. Reattach Cabinet Doors:
With the sanding and finishing complete, it’s time to reattach the cabinet doors to their original position. Carefully align the hinges with their respective placements on the cabinet frame and door. Using the screws that were set aside earlier, fasten the hinges securely, ensuring the doors hang straight and operate smoothly. Check for any adjustments needed to achieve a precise fit. Once the doors are reinstalled, take a moment to appreciate the transformation. The incorporation of rattan adds texture and character and revitalizes the look of your cabinetry, making it a standout feature in your home decor.
Step 8. Maintain the Rattan Doors:
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your newly transformed cabinet doors. Dust the rattan surfaces gently using a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to prevent dirt build-up. Avoid excessive exposure to moisture, as it can weaken the rattan fibers. If necessary,

apply a light coat of furniture polish or wax to the wooden parts to enhance their luster and protect against wear. Periodically inspect the rattan for any signs of wear or loose fibers and reinforce with wood glue if needed. Maintaining your rattan doors properly will preserve their beauty and functionality for years to come.
Step 9. Enjoy Your New Look:
Now that your cabinet doors are beautifully refurbished with rattan take the time to enjoy the fresh look they bring to your space. The rattan’s unique texture and natural appeal add warmth and a touch of elegance to any room. Whether in the kitchen, living room, or a stylish home office,
these updated cabinets can serve as a focal point, drawing attention and compliments from guests. Consider accentuating the new look by pairing it with other natural elements, such as potted plants or woven textiles. Embrace the transformation and appreciate the personal touch you’ve applied to your home decor
Step 10. Share Your DIY Experience:
After successfully transforming your cabinet doors with rattan, consider sharing your DIY experience with others. Document the process with before-and-after photos to showcase the dramatic change your efforts have achieved. You can share your journey on social media platforms, DIY forums, or with family and friends to inspire their home improvement projects.
Offering insights into the challenges you faced and solutions you discovered can provide valuable guidance to others interested in similar crafts. Sharing your creative endeavors celebrates your accomplishment and encourages a community of DIY enthusiasts eager to tackle their home decor transformations.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily transform plain cabinet doors into statement pieces by incorporating rattan.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using the Wrong Tools: Ensure you have the proper tools for cutting and attaching rattan. The wrong tools can damage the rattan and the cabinet door, leading to a poor finish and potentially costly repairs.
- Skipping the Measurement Step: Accurate measurements are crucial. Skipping this step can result in ill-fitting rattan panels that either fall short or extend beyond the cabinet door, leading to an unprofessional appearance.
- Ignoring Rattan’s Natural Shape: Rattan is a flexible material, and ignoring its natural curve can create tension spots that might cause warping or snapping over time. Always work with rattan’s natural shape and flexibility.
- Neglecting to Soak the Rattan: Before application, rattan should be soaked to become pliable. Skipping this critical step can make it challenging to work with and cause it to crack or break during installation.
- Forgetting to Seal the Edges: Unsealed edges can unravel over time and impact your work’s aesthetics and durability. Always ensure edges are properly sealed to maintain a neat and professional look.

Conclusion
To successfully attach rattan to a cabinet door, a detailed process that emphasizes precision and care must be followed.
Begin by selecting quality rattan and ensuring all necessary tools are available for an efficient setup. Take accurate measurements of the cabinet door and the rattan pieces to avoid any fitment issues. Soak the rattan to make it more malleable, allowing it to conform smoothly to the cabinet’s contours. Carefully attach the rattan to the door, respecting its natural shape, which helps avoid tension and potential damage. Finally, ensure the edges are sealed adequately for a pristine finish that enhances the durability and aesthetic of the cabinet.
Hopefully, the article on how to put rattan on cabinet door has provided valuable insights and tips for a successful DIY project. So go ahead and give it a try – you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to work with this versatile material!
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