If you have only used a jigsaw a few times, I would not recommend trying to do what you are describing. A jigsaw is too erratic to get a straight line. A circular saw with a clamped-on straight edge would be the way to go. You would also want to use a paneling sawblade, so that the cut is as smooth as possible.

If I were to try to copy the inspiration photo, I would probably try some cane-look contact paper on the panel of the HANVIKEN door before I ever tried cutting into it.

Plastic foil wrapped doors will not work for this. You can’t cut them. You'll get ratty ragged plastic edges that you can't work with. The only way to replace center panels on any type of door is if they are true 5 piece doors with a center floating panel that can be routed out with a router set to the right depth.

I was just coming here to say what Celadon says. technically yes, you can cut them but it will be a lot of work to fix. the foil edges will be ragged and peely. (foil on Ikea furniture is a super thin veneer-- it's practically contact paper.) the inside wood is particle board. so when you cut this frame, the inside edges will look very rough / lumpy unless you spend a ton of time with wood filler, and sanding and painting.

if you do proceed, put masking tape on the outside where the cuts are going to go. this will secure the foil and help it be less ragged. but unfortunately, you might still get bad results.

you might want to find some similar materials at the "used" bargain section of ikea (or a thrift store) and practice cutting so you understand how the particle board and foil behave.

one alternate suggestion: cover the doors with peel-and-stick wallpaper. it will adhere to the smooth material very well.

I'd use the HANVIKEN door. You might consider building up one side of your jigsaw guide to account for the lower height of the middle panel section. When cutting squares out of something, I find it helpful to drill relatively large holes in the corners first, starting with a smaller drill bit, and then larger. That makes navigating the corners with the jigsaw blade much easier.

sorry...one more thing: I googled it and many of the websites that did the "cane door" hack achieved it by buying new doors. nearly all of them linked to this shop: Norse Interiors.

Why even cut the center out? Just apply the caning to the inset panel of the door.

Use Hanviken. The center piece will come out fine. Otherwise DIY favorite Ivar (IKEA) now comes with cane door option. It’s taller though.

Thanks all! My first thought when reading your replies was to just make the doors myself and attach them to the Besta frame. But I'm not ready to give up on the ikea doors. I've watched a ton of videos on some variation of this and thought I would get some personal feedback here.

• As recommended, I'll go for the Hanviken doors.
• The masking tape is something that I will do, as I've heard this mentioned in videos as well.
• I will try to build up the inner side of the door for a more level surface.
• I appreciate the alternate suggestions for getting creative with the doors, but the whole reason for the project is to get that very specific and authentic cane look. If I can't get that look, then I'll switch gears altogether. I did look at some beautiful grass cloth wallpaper that I thought would look beautiful, but, nope, it wasn't the kind of beautiful I have in mind. 😊

Sent my reply too soon....
I'm ordering an extra door as a trial, so if it's a disaster, I'll just return the other pieces. But I'm determined. Life is too short. Wish me luck and keep posting your thoughts.

Jennifer Svensson - Yes!!! I just saw the Ikea cane doors and they are BEAUTIFUL! Unfortunately I'm dealing with very specific measurments for between my hanging TV and floor vents below. So my unit will be floating and the Besta configuration fits perfectly. I spent some time really exploring the cane door options and the Ivar pieces to see if there was a way I could twist and turn them to make them work, but it's a no go. But I do have ideas now for ANOTHER project with those pieces, LOL!

ILoveMod - OK!!! You win the prize with the Norse Interiors suggestion!! I think I had seen those in the past, but didn't realize at the time how comparable the $ was to diy. I think I might go for one of their configurations!!!

BUT.... I'm not giving up on my Besta hack just yet. I have an idea for another room - same concept but totally different look. I'll be back.... LOL!

would love to see what you wind up doing! I looked through their site and saw some really pretty doors. now I wish I needed a cabinet for something!

Do you have any tools other than a jig saw? I was able to make clean cuts on an Ikea Lack table using a miter saw. I think most of their items are made of the same kind of material. It was just cardboard in the middle.

ILoveMod - I'll post back when I have something to show. I already ordered my cane for this project, so I'll put it to use somewhere else. Gotta use it up before it's yesterday's trend, LOL!

ilikefriday - Just the jigsaw at the moment, but I have a circular saw on order. As we start self-quarentining again for a few months, I want to use the down time to experiment with some woodworking for home decor diy's.

Just get new glass-ready doors ready for paint. You'll be trying to polish a turd from the start with that door.