Bathroom Undersink Drawer -- Hair Dryer Storage

The purpose of this Instructable is to move a hair drier to a hidden location that is out of the way. Hair dryers are bulky and tend to be a bit problematic to put in a normal drawer since they are an odd shape. Under your sink is a perfect place to tuck these away.

I have seen kits to buy which will allow you to do these steps. They are not too expensive, but they are a LOT more expensive than this project. I spent $6 on the hinges, and that is all. I did have the plywood and tools already, but even if you have to buy the wood, you are still going to be well under $20.

This is my first Instructable, and I am entering it in the wood working contest, so if you like it send me a vote! Thanks.

As a side note I have to thank my dad for installing my electrical.  That was a huge help, and not an area I know a lot about.  Along those lines I recommend you get a qualified electrician to install any outlet you want under the sink, as it is not part of this Instructable.

Step 1: Measure, Plan and Begin to Cut

In this instance my counter top was not yet installed. I was able to measure the width and depth of the cabinet pretty easily. All these steps could be done with the top installed, but I would take it off if at all possible. Or maybe just tuck this Instructable away for next time you install a new bathroom.

After measuring we have to cut the plywood to fit. I used a finished plywood that was 4' x 2' to start with and 1/4" thick.

1) Cut the plywood to width (side to side)

2) Cut the plywood to depth (Front to back)

3) Take the leftover part from step 2 and cut it into 3 sections each about 3/4" to 1" wide.

4) Cut 1 of your three strips in half to use as side braces, the other 2 will be for the front and back supports.

I used a table saw for all these cuts.

Step 2: Install Braces

I installed the front brace first You can see in the picture there is only 1 place it can go, and that is between the main doors and the top portion which will be opening.

Measure the location of the top brace, from the floor of your cabinet. Before installing the side and back braces mark the location they should be in. It is easy to line the front of the side braces up, but the back part you will need to set to your mark.

I used wood glue and my small nail gun to attach them.

Step 3: Cutout Sink Hole

Now install your drawer base, the largest piece of plywood you cut out. Put your counter top back on, and using a pencil mark where the sink will go. I just free-handed this, but you could measure also.

Then cut the U shape mark out that you made.

Before I could install the base I had to cut a notch out of the 4 corners to slide this in. The final picture shows one of these near the outlet.

Step 4: Apologize to Your Wife

I was doing all this work in our bedroom, so there is now sawdust all over the bed. Be sure to seek forgiveness, but also it doesn't hurt to remind her this whole bathroom remodel was her idea...

Step 5: Install Hinges and a Small Brace

Now the cool part!

1) Get out your hinges and set them in the desired location.

2) Install screws in the bottom half of the hinge. I could only reach 2 of the 4 holes with everything in place but that is okay for now.

3) Install screws in drawer face portion of the hinge. Again I could not reach all 4 holes, but I did get 2 in.

4) NOW you can remove the plastic braces holding the face of the drawer on. I also added a small walnut support here so the thin piece of wood at the top of the cabinet was not just totally on it's own.

5) After removing the face open your drawer up, and install the remaining screws.

6) Use a sander and some wood filler to cleanup any remaining screw holes. Then stain them to match if you want.

Step 6: Stand Back and Enjoy Your Work

Here is the finished product. You can't even tell it has been modified but it works wonderfully. The hair dryer does take up the entire right side, but now our counter-top is clear, and the other half is still available for more storage.

I hope you enjoyed this instructable and feel free to ask me if you have any questions.