Making a dresser taller is a relatively simple home improvement project that can be completed in a few hours with minimal tools and materials.
There are several reasons why you might want to make a dresser taller. Perhaps you’re using it in a room with high ceilings, or maybe you just want to add some extra storage space. Whatever the reason, making a dresser taller is a great way to customize it to your needs.
The most common way to make a dresser taller is to add legs to the bottom. This is a relatively simple process, and it can be done with a variety of different materials. If you’re using wood legs, you can simply screw them into the bottom of the dresser. If you’re using metal legs, you may need to use bolts or screws to attach them.
Another way to make a dresser taller is to add a riser to the top. This is a piece of wood or other material that is placed on top of the dresser, and it can be used to add height and storage space. Risers are available in a variety of different sizes and styles, so you can find one that matches the look of your dresser.
Once you’ve added legs or a riser to your dresser, you can finish it off by painting or staining it to match the rest of your furniture. Making a dresser taller is a great way to add some extra height and storage space to your bedroom or other room in your home.
1. Height
When making a dresser taller, the first thing to consider is the height. This will determine the type of legs or risers you need. If you want to make the dresser taller by a few inches, you can use short legs or risers. If you want to make the dresser taller by a foot or more, you will need to use taller legs or risers.
- Leg length: The length of the legs or risers will determine how much taller the dresser will be. You can find legs and risers in a variety of lengths, so you can choose the ones that will give you the desired height.
- Leg style: The style of the legs or risers will also affect the look of the dresser. You can find legs and risers in a variety of styles, so you can choose the ones that match the style of the dresser.
- Leg material: The material of the legs or risers will also affect the durability and weight capacity of the dresser. You can find legs and risers made from a variety of materials, so you can choose the ones that are right for your needs.
- Leg attachment: The way the legs or risers are attached to the dresser will also affect the stability of the dresser. You can find legs and risers that are attached in a variety of ways, so you can choose the ones that are most secure.
By considering all of these factors, you can choose the right legs or risers for your dresser and make it the perfect height for your needs.
2. Materials
When choosing materials for the legs or risers of a dresser, there are a few things to consider. The style of the dresser will help you narrow down your choices, and the amount of weight the dresser will need to support will determine the durability of the materials you need.
- Wood: Wood is a popular choice for dresser legs and risers because it is strong and durable. It is also available in a variety of finishes, so you can find wood that matches the style of your dresser.
- Metal: Metal is another durable option for dresser legs and risers. It is available in a variety of finishes, including chrome, brass, and black. Metal legs and risers can give a dresser a more modern look.
- Plastic: Plastic is a lightweight and affordable option for dresser legs and risers. It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can find plastic that matches the style of your dresser. However, plastic is not as durable as wood or metal, so it may not be the best choice for dressers that will be heavily used.
Once you have considered the style of the dresser and the amount of weight it will need to support, you can choose the right materials for the legs or risers. By choosing the right materials, you can make sure that your dresser is both stylish and functional.
3. Construction
When making a dresser taller, the construction of the legs or risers is important to ensure that they are sturdy and stable. This is especially important if the dresser will be supporting a lot of weight. There are a few things to consider when constructing the legs or risers:
- Joinery: The joinery, or the way the legs or risers are attached to the dresser, is important for ensuring stability. The most common type of joinery for dresser legs is the mortise and tenon joint. This joint is created by cutting a mortise, or hole, in the leg and a tenon, or peg, on the dresser. The tenon is then inserted into the mortise and secured with glue or a dowel.
- Bracing: Bracing can be added to the legs or risers to provide additional stability. Braces can be made from wood or metal, and they are typically attached to the legs or risers with screws or bolts.
- Materials: The materials used to construct the legs or risers will also affect their stability. Hardwood legs and risers are more durable than softwood legs and risers, and they are less likely to warp or sag over time.
By considering these factors when constructing the legs or risers, you can make sure that your dresser is sturdy and stable.
4. Finish
When making a dresser taller, the finish of the legs or risers should match the finish of the dresser. This is important for creating a cohesive look and ensuring that the dresser looks like a piece of furniture. There are a few things to consider when choosing a finish for the legs or risers:
- The style of the dresser: The finish of the legs or risers should complement the style of the dresser. For example, if the dresser has a traditional style, you may want to choose legs or risers with a classic finish, such as black or brown. If the dresser has a more modern style, you may want to choose legs or risers with a more contemporary finish, such as white or chrome.
- The color of the dresser: The finish of the legs or risers should also match the color of the dresser. If the dresser is a dark color, you may want to choose legs or risers in a dark finish. If the dresser is a light color, you may want to choose legs or risers in a light finish.
- The material of the legs or risers: The finish of the legs or risers should also match the material of the legs or risers. For example, if the legs or risers are made of wood, you may want to choose a wood finish. If the legs or risers are made of metal, you may want to choose a metal finish.
By considering these factors, you can choose a finish for the legs or risers that will match the finish of the dresser and create a cohesive look.
Matching the finish of the legs or risers to the finish of the dresser is not always necessary, but it can help to create a more polished and professional look. If you are unsure about what finish to choose, you can always consult with a professional.
5. Safety
When making a dresser taller, it is important to make sure that the dresser is stable and secure after the legs or risers have been added. This is because an unstable dresser can tip over, which can cause injuries or damage to the dresser. There are a few things that can be done to ensure that the dresser is stable and secure, including:
- Using sturdy legs or risers that are the appropriate height for the dresser.
- Attaching the legs or risers to the dresser securely using screws or bolts.
- Adding braces or corner brackets to the dresser to provide additional stability.
- Placing the dresser on a level surface.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dresser is safe and stable after you have made it taller.
In addition to the safety concerns, there are also practical reasons to make sure that the dresser is stable and secure. For example, an unstable dresser is more likely to wobble or tip over when drawers are opened or closed. This can be annoying and can also damage the dresser or its contents.
By taking the time to make sure that your dresser is stable and secure, you can avoid these problems and ensure that your dresser will last for many years to come.
FAQs about “How to Make Dresser Taller”
What is the best way to make a dresser taller?
The best way to make a dresser taller is to add legs or risers to the bottom of the dresser. Legs are typically made of wood or metal, and they can be purchased in a variety of heights and styles. Risers are also available in a variety of heights and styles, and they are typically made of wood or plastic.
How much taller can I make a dresser?
The amount of height you can add to a dresser will depend on the height of the legs or risers you use. Most legs and risers are available in heights ranging from 2 inches to 12 inches. If you use taller legs or risers, you may need to add additional support to the dresser to ensure that it is stable.
What materials can I use to make dresser legs or risers?
Dresser legs and risers can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Wood legs and risers are the most common, and they are available in a variety of styles to match any dcor. Metal legs and risers are more durable than wood legs and risers, and they are a good choice for dressers that will be used in high-traffic areas. Plastic legs and risers are the least expensive option, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles.
How do I attach legs or risers to a dresser?
Legs and risers can be attached to a dresser using a variety of methods, including screws, bolts, and glue. The best method for attaching legs or risers will depend on the type of legs or risers you are using and the material of the dresser. If you are unsure about how to attach legs or risers to a dresser, it is best to consult with a professional.
How can I make sure that my dresser is stable after I have added legs or risers?
There are a few things you can do to make sure that your dresser is stable after you have added legs or risers. First, make sure that the legs or risers are securely attached to the dresser. Second, add braces or corner brackets to the dresser to provide additional stability. Third, place the dresser on a level surface.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dresser is taller, more stable, and more stylish.
Summary of key takeaways:
- The best way to make a dresser taller is to add legs or risers to the bottom of the dresser.
- The amount of height you can add to a dresser will depend on the height of the legs or risers you use.
- Dresser legs and risers can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
- Legs and risers can be attached to a dresser using a variety of methods, including screws, bolts, and glue.
- There are a few things you can do to make sure that your dresser is stable after you have added legs or risers.
Tips for Making a Dresser Taller
Making a dresser taller is a great way to add extra storage space or to match the height of other furniture in a room. Here are a few tips to help you make your dresser taller:
Tip 1: Choose the right legs or risers. The type of legs or risers you choose will depend on the style of the dresser and the amount of weight it will need to support. If you are unsure about what type of legs or risers to choose, you can consult with a professional.
Tip 2: Attach the legs or risers securely. The legs or risers should be securely attached to the dresser using screws or bolts. If you are unsure about how to attach the legs or risers, you can consult with a professional.
Tip 3: Add braces or corner brackets for stability. If you are adding a significant amount of height to the dresser, you may want to add braces or corner brackets to provide additional stability.
Tip 4: Place the dresser on a level surface. This will help to ensure that the dresser is stable and does not tip over.
Tip 5: Use the dresser for its intended purpose. Do not overload the dresser with too much weight, and do not use it as a step stool or for any other purpose that it is not intended for.
Summary of key takeaways:
- Choose the right legs or risers for your dresser.
- Attach the legs or risers securely.
- Add braces or corner brackets for stability if necessary.
- Place the dresser on a level surface.
- Use the dresser for its intended purpose.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your dresser is taller, more stable, and more stylish.
Conclusion
Making a dresser taller is a relatively simple home improvement project that can be completed in a few hours with minimal tools and materials. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make your dresser taller and more functional without sacrificing style or safety.
Whether you are looking to add extra storage space or to match the height of other furniture in a room, making a dresser taller is a great way to customize it to your needs. With a little planning and effort, you can make your dresser taller and more stylish in no time.
