Introduction: How to Build a 48” Bathroom Vanity
This instructable will show you how to build a really simple bathroom vanity that is 48” long, 21” deep and 35” tall. It should fit most standard 4 foot vanity tops which are 49” long and 22” wide.
If you get lost along the way, be sure to check out the video here:
Supplies
Materials list:
1x2" 8ft 4pcs
1x4" 8 ft 4pcs
1x6" 10ft 1pc
1x8" 6 ft 1pc
1x10”. 6ft 1pc
24" edge glued board 6ft 1pc
Hinge sets 3 sets
14" drawer slides 2 sets
15/32" (1/2 inch) plywood 1 sheet
1/4" plywood 1 sheet
1 1/4" pocket screws 50 pcs
Quick note: I built two vanities for $200. If you buy the 1/4" plywood, 1/2" plywood, 50 screws, and 6 foot of edge glued lumber, you will have enough of those to build two vanities. Double the recipe on everything else, and you can build two for way cheaper!
Step 1: Cut Your 1x2s for the Face of the Vanity
2pcs at 6”
2pcs at 21”
2pcs at 31.5”
3pcs at 45”
Step 2: Put 2 Pocket Holes in Both Sides of All of These
Step 3: Assemble the Face of the Cabinet
Attach two of the 45” boards flush with the top and bottom of the 31.5” pieces.
Attach the third 45” piece 6” down from the bottom of the top 45” board.
Evenly space the two six inch boards between the top and middle board.
Evenly space the two 21” pieces between the middle and bottom 45” board.
These gaps should be 14” across to make them evenly spaced.
Step 4: Sand the Face of Your Vanity to Make It Look Like One Solid Piece
Step 5: Cut Out a Piece of 1/2” Plywood 20”wide X 46 3/4”long
If you want both sides of your vanity to be exposed, and you will be using 3/4” edge glued lumber on both sides, this piece needs to be 20”x46.5” instead.
If you want to use 1/2” plywood on the two sides instead, this piece should be 20”x47”
Step 6: Cut Out the Sides of Your Vanity
Cut one piece of 1/2” plywood to 20” wide x 35” long
And one piece of edge glued lumber at 20 1/4” wide and 35” long
If you want both sides exposed (with edge glued lumber) cut two of those out instead of the 1/2” plywood
If you want to use plywood on both sides, cut two pieces of 1/2” plywood out instead of the edge glued lumber.
If you do this, I am assuming both sides of your vanity will be covered by a wall. You will need to make your own adjustments to these measurements if you want to have plywood sides that will be exposed. (Otherwise you will see that backing of the vanity)
Step 7: Make a 1/4” Notch on the Back Side of the Edge Glued Lumber
Make a 1/4” notch on the long back, inside edge of the edge glued lumber.
You don’t need to do this to the plywood
(unless you want your plywood exposed on both sides) once again, you’ll have to make your own adjustments if you want to do this.
Step 8: Cut a Notch on the Bottom Front Corner of Those Boards for the Kick Plate
On the 20 1/4x35” edge glued lumber, cut out a square that is 3.5” wide and 3.5” tall.
Step 9: Cut Up Some 1x4s to Build the Base
4 at 15” long
1 at 46 3/4” long (back)
1 at 47 1/4” long (front)
If both sides are exposed with edge glued lumber:
4 at 15”
2 at 46.5”
If both sides are plywood:
4 at 15”
1 at 48” (front)
1 at 47” (back)
Step 10: Cut Out a Piece of 1/4” Plywood at 47.5” Long X 33” Wide
Step 11: Assemble the Vanity
(If both sides are exposed, it will attach to the sides on both)
(If both sides are plywood, it will attach to the front on both)
Attach the 15” 1x4s to the left and right side on the inside and bottom of the vanity
Attach the other two 15” 1x4s evenly spaced in the middle
Attach the 46 3/4” board between the two sides on the back
Step 12: Attach the 46 3/4”x20” Piece of Plywood to the Bottom of the Vanity
Step 13: Attach the 1/4” Backing
Step 14: Attach the Face of the Vanity
Step 15: Cut Out the Rails and Stiles for the Cabinet Doors
Cut six 1x4s with an outside edge at 14.5.” These need to be angled at 45 degrees
Step 16: Cut a Rabbet on the Inside Edge of All These Boards
Send all the rails and stiles through the saw on their short narrow edge
Set the outside edge of your table saw blade 7/8” from the fence and set the blade height to 7/8”
Send all the rails and stiles through the saw laying flat on the short edge
Step 17: Cut Out Three Panels
This is optional, but I put a small 45 degree bevel on the back side of my panels using a table saw
Step 18: Assemble the Doors
Step 19: Install the Doors
Attach the hinges to the cabinet doors, and then mount them to the vanity.
I recommend these hinges (they are cheap and easy to use)
(This is an affiliate link. I make money if you use this, but it doesn’t cost you extra)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082NL7SD1/ref=a...
Step 20: It Four 1x2s at 20” Long
Make sure these are square with the cabinet and attach to the back the same distance as from the front
Step 21: Build Two Drawers That Are 13” Wide by 14” Deep
If you need details on how to make these, check out this video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mkaGkq0rpdE
Step 22: Install the Drawers
Step 23: Cut Three 1x8s to 14,5”
Step 24: Attach the Drawer Faces
Attach the middle “fake” drawer face using finish nails and wood glue from the back
Step 25: Make 4 Small Braces to Gives Something for Your Vanity Top to Sit On
Step 26: Your Vanity Is Ready to Stain, Paint or Finish Anyway You Want
Here is the vanity top that I recommend:
(This is an affiliate link. I make money if you use this, but it doesn’t cost you extra)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FK5BDVY/ref=a...