How to Add Wood Planks to the Top of a Dresser | Gel Stain Farmhouse Makeover

[@emmakateodwyer345]

Upon unboxing, I was immediately upset at how the rails were very noticeably bent. But I kept going, all tools needed to assemble were included kzbin.infoUgkxqtX4Dxs6aecAZEuz6GY5-d81YecKCshn and I had it set up in about 30 minutes. Honestly I love this thing, make sure to read the measurements and measure your space so you know if it'll work for you. I bought this to put inside my closet, underneath where I hang my clothes and it is absolutely perfect! It is VERY sturdy and all drawers glide easily and mine are stuffed, and they are still flush when closed.

[@carlyinprogress6550]

Lol I needed to hear "don't be too hard on yourself." I just left Lowe's with paint to come home and paint my first furniture flip!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Yay! That's awesome! You got this (:

[@debraneria4242]

Tip...the dollar tree has that game jenga blocks...and those jenga blocks for a dollar are PERFECT for glue blocks as they're Exactly the same size as the manufacturer glue blocks inside dressers.....hope this helps some one.👍😊the jenga blocks are perfect for gluing corners together without getting in way of drawers

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Great idea!!

[@debraneria4242]

@@FurnitureFlippingTeacher notice how they're the exact size...also you know some drawers that push in too far and you can see those little tiny (dollar tree jenga blocks style) in the way back of other drawers ....That dollar tree jenga blocks glued to back (just like other drawers) in the back will stop drawer from recessing too far in ..some where along the way that particular drawer lost the glue block

[@judyradke9847]

Thanks for sharing

[@grainnesehring3337]

Thanks for this tip.❤

[@lauraw1840]

I love all of your tutorials! You are like the Bob Ross of the furniture flipping world!

[@judithlabarbera1620]

Your enthusiasm for whatever you're working on is contagious! Also, Neiman's camera work is awesome and makes your videos all that much more fun!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Thanks, Judith! 🤗 we appreciate your support!

[@ellenkelley8416]

I have always wondered how you paint so neatly. This video is the first time I have seen you flip paint on yourself. When I paint, I get it everywhere. I am a very messy painter. Thanks for sharing.

[@staceypiper7478]

I love the fact that you admit this is my first time and I don't know really what I'm doing because admitting this is good for people watching your channel to try it too.Im building my TV stand out of all reclaimed wood with old barn windows.Keeping my fingers crossed it comes out great.

[@Benary96]

How did it turn out?

[@karid3619]

It looks great for your first attempt. I usually try to glue all my plank sides together first and clamp them so they don't separate at the joints. Then i will attach them underneath with screws. It just makes the top a little more secure.

[@Jenzdunich]

When you want to make a top like that you need a biscuit joint to hold each piece of wood to the next to keep them straight with the next. And attaching the top from the bottom with a frame already attached the the dresser with some screws, wood glue isn’t enough to hold it together long term. I love the look you went for and I love watching your shows.

[@prof.platypus2103]

If she asks a neighbor to borrow his jointer, planer, and tablesaw, that’d make for a much neater panel. How long does it take for TB2 to lose its adhesion? If it’s attached with a good amount of pressure, I thought that wouldn’t be a problem for a verrry long time. I might use a few corner braces on the underside though.

[@Silverael]

@@prof.platypus2103 The real issue is the weight of items on top of the dresser. Over time, the boards will flex and then the glue bond will break. I also would have used screws for this application and filled the holes, after edge joining everything into a single panel

[@marciabradley7660]

I’ve done some new dresser tops and I have a concern about the glue holding the slats securely. I believe you will need screws. People tend to lift furniture up with the top.

[@cassandrasuzannelalonde4758]

I thought the same thing, eventually that glue will, and without glue between the boards won't the top drawer collect dust?

[@marciabradley7660]

@@cassandrasuzannelalonde4758 glue and screw is the mantra 😆 I hear it everyday from my woodworking friend. Thanks for the confirmation

[@Carla-ns8rx]

specially on th sides, the glued area is really thing. I´ve added a piece of wood on the sides tho give more strength to the structure and screwed the top planks in there.

[@roseeckstein6534]

Totally agree with you all. I think the middle boards especially will pop off the first time they lift from the top.

[@Kera.S.]

I definitely would like to have seen the top screwed in from the bottom. That way the screw heads aren't seen. We've always done it that way and never had any issues with the top coming off.

[@loriewart1877]

I love that your videos are "real" - problems, paint spill, and all!

[@duppyduppy01]

Thank you so much. I just sold my first piece. It wasn't selling but after I watched your suggestions on how to post at facebook market place, stage it, add it to a bunch of different groups, it sold right away.

[@chloesmom412]

Love the video and how you give a shout out to people that send you things. It makes feel more personal and you took the time to see who sent it to you. Most KZbinrs just a subscriber sent it.

[@Aragedie]

Your work ethic is incredible. Love your videos!

[@lesliemarquard4645]

Your subscriber base is growing so fast!!!! You'll hit 100,000 before you know it at this rate! Way to GO Lauren!! I'm happy for you and all the teachers who will benefit from your generous heart.

[@genna2586]

Very nice technique and vision. The results are awesome and can go into a variety of different styles.

[@macleodsfreemery1846]

Lauren, ya did it again; one more beautiful flip!! Thanks for always inspiring me, and keeping me chuckling ("By the way, I have no idea what I'm doing.." Hahaha). It's so refreshing to see how consistent your character is even after accomplishing your first major goal of paying off your student debt! You are a rare, genuine human and it's just wonderful to see how full of integrity and humility you are! You are a gem! 💕💪🎉🙌

[@Carla-ns8rx]

There is a reason (besides aesthetics) behind having two drawer handles or one. Big drawers can get very heavy when full. So they need two handles so you can use both hands applying a certain strength. If you put only one in the middle you need to double the strength you use with only one hand. :-)

[@skyelyte1699]

Great tip! Thanks so much! I am going back and forth trying to decide if the hardware on a dresser I am refinishing looks like too much with 2 handles on each drawer. (The are circular rings I can't match with a mix and match nightstand). I wonder if this is still the case if the hardware used is a bar and a bar that is longer in length might give more stability?

[@normafulford1417]

I agree with the 2 handles. Drawer is long so it would even look better.

[@michaelandmonakelly4933]

My wife and I are very impressed by your attitude. With so many expecting someone else (government) to pay off their student loan debt, ir is refreshing to see someone willing to take responsibility and plan and work to fulfill their obligations themselves.

[@ritaadams8379]

I'm so excited that you paid off your loans and that you are planning to help your fellow teachers. I love your pieces! Certainly, you don't need my advice for more effective sales (and lots of flippers do this, so maybe it's a thing) but this isn't a dresser. It is a chest of drawers. The low pieces with a mirror are dressers. Funny story, I was looking at furniture on my local marketplace and found a listing for a "chester drawers". 🤣

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I watched this the other day. And I went back because I couldn't remember why you took the top off. Glad I came back. I didn't even realize what it looked like with. I have a very similar dresser right now that has that same top. I'm totally taking that off now!!! LOL

[@Back2Zack]

Hiya! I just wanted to tell you thanks for the inspiration. You inspired me to do more of what i like and encouraged me to enjoy spending extra time working and making money, and that's actually a huge gift. I dont know if people can relate to this, but I've had to reprogram my brain. I realized I was not the person that i wanted to be when it came to work. I really didn't look forward to "work" and i would have jobs where i would perform what was required really well, but I wouldn't look for more to do, more to learn or take on. And I've been realizing the last year or two that i can really enjoy working hard and hustling. And now doing what you're doing has just been one more thing to inspire me to be better. I really feel good when my hobby has made me money!

[@tinaspencer900]

Sometimes you have to just dive in. Great transformation with the change in the top of the dresser. Really beautiful stain color too.

[@JjJj-mx9ms]

Your facial expressions at the beginning are a hilarious, and very real! Keep it up u2💙❤️💜

[@tamiperkins-trickett2794]

Great project. Glad to see someone else spills paint and gets it in their hair too. I’m learning a lot of great skills from you. So thank you!

[@annodnostaw9971]

Ms Lauren you did a nice job (it looks great) and I like that you are stepping out of you comfort zone. You are an inspiration. TIP: Slow down a bit. Investigate before you do something. Creates less work for you. No bites @ $400.00 because YOU HAVE overpriced it. $250.00 or less would be better. You could have glued the bed slats together (lamination) or you could have used a pocket hole jig to screw them together. either way would've given you a more solid top for the dresser. Especially because there is no support in the middle of the slats. In one of your overhead shots (towards the end) you can see the slats sagging. Was the PUNCH LOCATOR made by Kreg tools? Use an old artist paint brush to lay/spread out the glue better.

[@conniesisco6468]

I totally agree. Since the top was just glued to a very small portion on the sides, she REALLY needed to spread that glue to get a good bond. I kept wondering how she was going to secure the top when she tore out the framing structure. As soon as someone tries to lift that from the top (and they will) I’m afraid the plank is going to come right off.

[@karid3619]

I don't think $400 is overpriced. I think it just depends on the market for the area.

[@adorablerepurposals6745]

I have a small dresser I’ve been wanting to add planks to! Thanks so much!

[@MarciaSasser1956]

I buy a bag of syringes, fill with my wood putty Then I fill all holes and gouges with the syringed putty. It's much finer, requires very little sanding because the application goes only where you need it. I'd like to see if it works for you. I have also used wood GLUE in the hardware holes, let it dry THEN filled with wood putty. Takes much less putty & works very well. I enjoy your vids. Thanks for keeping it REAL!

[@joec783]

Oh nooooo!What have you done?Beautiful!Great work ,Lauren.😁

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

I think it definitely looks nicer with the change of the top of the dresser. Pretty!

[@ashleyham3501]

Try wrapping your brushes in Glad Press & Seal. I also put it over my open paint cans before I put the lid back on. It seals the cans really well so the paint doesn't get crusty.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

thanks! I do that occasionally!

[@mammacass5311]

Thanks for sharing this tip👍🏻

[@RosenlundTara]

I use Ziplocks that say freezer on them, when I wash the brush I wash the bag too! Also just got a mini fridge in my garage to put the brushes in for overnight projects

[@mammacass5311]

@@RosenlundTara that’s Genius!!

[@kuttfam0191]

The determined look on your face made me giggle. I have learned so much from you. I love the way you just dive in!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@hannahfanno2331]

Loved this flip! Well done!

[@vickimanager]

Ooooo, that stain is gorgeous!

[@shellyb9175]

I really liked the idea of this flip. I have seen similar tops before and they always glued the boards together first, then sanded and stained/painted. This will give you the solid surface and cut down on the amount of stain/paint you use. I am also in agreement on how sturdy the top is when it's lifted. Glue and staples alone won't keep the top attached if someone lifts it when it's full of clothes. Just a suggestion. I really do love your site; you are very inspiring and so relatable!

[@suek7086]

I’m glad to know they sell bed slats. I need some for an antique bed.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

they do! 😀

[@tamarahenggeler4491]

The slats used for a dresser top would have benefitted from being glued together as raw wood and screwed together using a pocket hole jig. The final reveal seemed to show space between the boards and some height differences among the boards.

[@leannemayor5755]

I use cling wrap to wrap a went paint brush I also use aluminium foil on the trays and simple tips like that make the job easier . In saying that I’m 51 and have painted way to many houses and now I have arthritis i need to make every thing simple . I’m refinishing furniture now days with the help of my carers and a spray gun lol love what you’re doing xox from Sydney Australia

[@marilynweist2645]

Beautiful as always! ❤

[@heatherbumstead4908]

Started flipping furniture recently thanks to your video. I'm a teacher as well. I live in Orlando in a third floor condo. So I'm limited on what i can flip. But I'm enjoying the creative process. I'm working on a an antique secretary desk right now.

[@cynthiabrown4327]

Love how you improvised by using cases of water for weights on the top. Bring on female ingenuity!

[@ingridadolphson9865]

I have watched all your videos. I absolutely love them. Would you ever consider telling us why there is a Superman doll and poster in your garage? I laugh every time I see it. Too funny!!

[@pattiereiter9265]

WOOHOOO......boom-there it is! I am so glad to end the day with YOUR VIDEO!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Yay! Thank you!

[@gloriafields4328]

This dresser looks great !! I love the top. It's really makes the piece look farmhouse. The hardware jig is a definite must. Thanks Lauren for a great video !!

[@jill552]

I think you could have made the same impact by removing the crown on the top and re-using the originally top, sanding and staining it. I’m afraid the slats will eventually warp and pop off plus if a liquid spilled, it would end up in the top drawer.

[@skyelyte1699]

There is roughly zero chance it will warp unless it was used for yard furniture. Many people resurface tops with wood including wood from reclaimed pallets and many people love the custom design. If a person does abuse their furniture when bedroom dressers are not designed for food, it goes without saying they will damage their furniture. If it were a kitchen or dining room tabletop then I am confident she would have addressed the use of liquids in her design. Constructive criticism is one thing but you usually need to be right for it to be useful.

[@jill552]

Skyelyte, I love Lauren’s projects and her message. I often post compliments. I gave constructive criticism. Big box store bed slats are not stable wood. They will cup, expand, and contract and the glue joinery will fail. You cannot glue side grain to end grain, not to mention that the the bed slats were stained. Must be raw wood to glue wood to wood. As far as liquids go, plenty of dressers get liquids spilled on them.

[@timbarrett9199]

@@skyelyte1699 , Jill552 is absolutely right, and her concern is very useful, and instructional. In fact, there’s actually a 100% chance that too will warp. AND, it will absolutely pop off the case sides where the surface grain was glued to end grain. The glue will not hold in that direction. All wood moves, all the time, not just as “yard furniture”. Humidity causes wood to absorb moisture and expand across the grain. Heat (from your furnace) causes the wood to lose moisture and contract across the grain. Mechanically fastening wood boards to the case sides in that way, that haven’t been edge glued together first (without stain), is a 100% certain recipe for joint failure. I’ve professionally built furniture of all types for more than 40 years, and I can tell you that this is the nature of wood. Not an “opinion”, but scientific fact, verifiable in ANY book on proper furniture building.

[@teslalogic]

Another great job. An inexpensive 12-15" flat pry bar from your local box store will make those projects easier and save your screwdriver. 😎

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Thanks for the info! I'll check it out!

[@melonmahfood2439]

Going to try the wipe on poly for sure. Thank you to the lady who sent it to you!

[@nancylourose]

Like the hardware jig! I would have done two handles per drawer...

[@michelebradley7813]

😂 We're "Furniture Flipping Besties" in my head. Great job 👍🏽👍🏽as usual🤗.

[@janiewarre9941]

It turned out really nice.

[@lauraroberts9066]

Really like this!!Love the pulls!!

[@marybanspach4056]

loved it- like how you replaced the top and it looks great

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Wipe on poly just gives much more control. Takes more coats to build it up but the end result is usually less streaky. Won't disclose my Amazon wish list hacking secrets - but it's pretty easy to figure out. Hope you love all the things :)

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Thanks Emily! I sure do! 🤗

[@Annie261.]

That’s my technique. Smooth as glass. It does take longer but totally worth it.

[@chalkituptoashley3392]

Hi Lauren! You are amazing! I was wondering if it was possible to make all your videos have a closed caption option on them. I know a lot of them do but the last few haven't and its truly helpful for hard of hearing and the deaf community! I appreciate you! Thank you for your awesome content!

[@nicolehaidenthaller1486]

I second this as a mom who watches most videos while feeding my baby late at night and don’t want the sound on! It’s helpful to a lot of people!

[@24ZEN]

It has been really fun to watch your success and the new filming style is great.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Thanks! we appreciate your support!

[@plakette26]

It looks beautiful!!

[@skyelyte1699]

I love the creativity you have expressed in this flip! I just love the color you chose for the stain in combination with the distressed farmhouse white. Gorgeous artistic work!! I have a 6-foot dresser with a damaged bubbled veneer top. I so appreciate this tutorial as I have been thinking of replacing the top with wood and your video helps a great deal for me to now feel I can achieve this. I looked up Stanley furniture and a nightstand goes for more than you are asking for the dresser (over 400 dollars). Especially when you have customized it I think the original price was too cheap. Sometimes the market gets finicky and it could just be slow because nice weather is here and people are focusing on outside work. I have watched all of your videos. You are now my favorite flipper since you are a professional educator everyone with an interest in refinishing and repurposing furniture is super lucky to have you as a resource. I also love that you use a variety of products. So many people use just Dixie Bell once they get sponsored and at least I feel it diminishes creativity and growth. Thank you so very much for all the valuable information you share and all that you do!

[@KLartrandM]

So let me get this straight, you completely destroy a good top. To replace with bed planks. Bed planks, really? Who does that? Not to mention its a job youve never done before. Ive never heard of such a thing. BUT, you still managed to pull off this fabulous flip. Wow, what vision and guts. For someone thats new to this i can honestly say ive learned something from EVERY video ive seen of yours so far. It's a pleasure to watch you work, learn and teach at the same time. Your impressive and a inspiration. Nothing but A's in my book! Thank you 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Exploring and enjoying every moment of it. happy to have you along for the journey! Thanks for stopping by ❤️

[@portaamber]

Love love love the top!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Great job, really like the color of the gel stain, You did really god work on the dresser top. Keep us posted when it sells.

[@thomascabral8443]

really nice fund as well that dresser is , mui fantastico

[@kimmytinkerakagigi3553]

I love the dresser - awesome job!

[@pamfaircloth5284]

I found the link to that roller seat in your description box! Thank you!

[@ChaoticAeris]

That was a really nice flip changing the top of the dresser. I'd love to see more creative changes like this if you get an inspiring piece. I would add a board perpendicular underneath to prevent any middle sagging too. Awesome job!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Looks great. In my area I sell my chests of drawers between $325-$375. Can’t wait to get my tshirt.

[@deborahwisz8130]

400.00 would be way too high in Jax Beach Florida, and Farm house is going out in the trends, but I love your optimism, and you have so much money and time into this, I hope you get some action on this!

[@dianebaldwin8114]

A'm so proud of you 👏

[@karenmendez4780]

Love this look! With or without the distressing :)

[@lizmar5708]

That's pretty good, for your first time

[@lindashope2835]

Love your videos! Keep em coming. 💖

[@hplee881]

Great job. I love the top

[@meghanandersen3668]

You need to get a glu bot it’s amazing!!! I looked at your wishlist and it’s not on there but I’d love to buy you one. Oh AND I love wipe on poly!! Soooo easy to use and looks great! Love how this dresser turned out

[@katherinefrederick3164]

I just planked a mdf coffee table and it’s absolutely beautiful I’m obsessed with planking lol

[@IsaMoralesAl]

Super early on this one! Congratulations on paying off your loan!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Thank you!! (:

[@IsaMoralesAl]

@@FurnitureFlippingTeacher I also have a yt channel and thought I would be able to pay off my student loan. I gave up over a year ago. You have inspired me to try again. Thank you!

[@IsaMoralesAl]

@@FurnitureFlippingTeacher You may want to edit out the number on your trash can. Internet safety is something I worry about. Take care

[@mammacass5311]

@@IsaMoralesAl I thought the same thing a few times

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Its just an old trash can that has a random number 😬 thank you though!! 🙏🏼

[@pamfaircloth5284]

This came out so nicely! You are so smart to use that stool! You will be very happy in your senior years that you save your back, hips, and knees! Can you let me know where you got that stool, please?

[@suesherman3587]

You did an amazing job!

[@ElizaColeProductions]

This is so great, I have a dresser JUST like this that I want to flip!

[@grainnesehring3337]

Love this project.

[@sherylchapman4168]

To make the top stay together better, like one solid piece, try using biscuits and use a biscuit cutter. It would make the top more even.

[@JannNewtonSewOften]

Another great job! I've never used the wipe on poly. Will have to give it a try!

[@carmenhuldavelezsantiagoi8929]

Good work. Beautiful

[@lfuentes4098]

Another great job! I noticed the trim you took off was in your garbage. Consider saving real wood for future projects. Or even free cycle it somehow on FB marketplace. It would make some cute shelves for the right DIY’er. Also, the wood behind the molding could’ve been used to stabilize your top again. Oh a nail and glue into the back support from the side will help stabilize the piece or corner braces too. I’ve had many pieces loose the back piece cuz the movement just jiggles the nails or staples out of place. 😂 Thoughts for next time of course. I think it’s great that you have made a good business from you hard work in this crazy time of life.

[@sharonromer6606]

Love the farm house look...great job❣

[@rachaellafriniere9349]

Love it! Inspiring! Thank you.

[@pattimoe1982]

Love the wood plank top! Great job! Thank you for sharing your awesome videos!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

thanks Patti!

[@lindabunce5133]

Even with the top and the piece looking distressed/farmhouse, you may wish to glue your boards for the top together along the sides and hold with a long clamp. This way you'll be able to have less wavyness in top. Also find a way from beneath to add screws and also use the glue to adhere the top to the base. Cute look. Could also pass as beach themed dresser.

[@tapia69at]

This was an awesome transformation, I likes it 😃

[@edith7632]

So glad you used the knobs! Relaxing with your new video and 🍷after a long and hard day in the ER! Today, our hospital had a furniture sale and i bought 3 chairs to flip! Looking forward to a little time off to start working on them.

[@tinaspencer900]

Wondering if a couple of slats under the top would have been in order (to keep all the slats connected, especially the three middle slats). Looks beautiful!

[@mammacass5311]

I think you did a great job as usual. Thank you for sharing 💗

[@kathybellamy5207]

You should check with your community college and take a woodworking course. I think you would really enjoy it.

[@Alicia-ig7cv]

I think she needs to teach a class on furniture flips

[@franciegarneau1651]

You're killing me girlfriend! That can be the base for a dresser that needs height and the top can be used to replace another damaged top! It's real honest to goodness wood!

[@sylviedubois6144]

I think you can keep all the piece of wood you’ve removed for a future project, specially the top board. However, you’re the best Lauren and I admire you all the time! You are genius!!! 😍👌

[@katierose1234]

I need to try that wipe on poly. I cant seem to master top coats for some reason. It just looks streaky no matter if i'm doing it on a wood stain or on paint. It's always the hardest part for me and the part I dread doing the most because it always messes it up. Great job! I love the look of this! I'm going to consider doing this to some of my furniture in my house to go with my farmhouse/cottage look.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Keep on keeping on! Practice makes perfect! Thanks for watching Katie 😊

[@ChristinaHomeSweetHome]

Wow looks amazing 🤩 i love the idea of changing the top looks more modern and with clean lines. Perfect congratulations you are so talented , love your videos 🥰

[@taylorjanae496]

Would love to see a video with what kind of lighting and editing you use for your pictures! They always look awesome! Much love!

[@roberthellebush8775]

You really crack me up ... keep doin what you’re doin!!

[@rudeewestphal7968]

I was surprised to see that you didn't connect the slats with dowels or some form of joinery. The open cracks will allows dust inside the drawers, and may result in eventual warping of separate boards.

[@carladowell5475]

You need a Kreg hole jig. You can get a small kit fairly inexpensively. Drill holes in the top planks and attach them from the inside.

[@teresapulleyn301]

Great end product. I need a hardware jig...so cool! Drawers might be a bit wide for a single hardware pull unless the drawers glide smoothly. Another successful piece, Lauren.

[@LILIAFEDEZPEREZ]

This is just what I needed to learn omg ty

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Great! Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!