There are many reasons why a vanity under a sink might be a good idea. Some decide to put one up for storage purposes, or simply for making sure cleaning supplies are out of sight, while others may opt for one in order to make sure they do not accidentally lean on a pretty sink and cause it to fall off its attachment. Whatever your reason to add a vanity beneath a bathroom sink, you may find it very expensive to buy as a ready-made item; besides, buying ready-made may not always give you the size that you want for your particular needs. As such it might be a wiser choice to make your own vanity. Even if you have little or no carpentry experience, the task is actually very simple, as long as you do some advance planning.


Step 1. Make careful drawings of the vanity you would like to put. If you have no prior experience with carpentry, it would be best to make it simple: that is, simple lines, with little or no mouldings or other extra decoration. If you would like to have mouldings on the vanity door, do put it in as an extra add-on you might want to undertake after you finish the main frame.

Step 2. Measure the space underneath your sink. Note that the vanity will need to take into account the space taken up by the plumbing system of the sink. As such, you might have to leave space for the pipes to go through within your vanity. You might opt to keep an empty space behind the storage space, or just note some holes you will need to drill. Of course, most likely that not, your vanity will attach with the sink forming its top portion, so you will not have to drill any hole onto your work; instead, measure out the pipes to make sure they have enough space within your vanity.

Step 3. With your measurements, calculate how many sheets of plywood you will need. A size 3/16-inch with dimensions 4 x 8 feet would typically be enough, unless your vanity comes with shelves and other compartments. In that case, you might need two sheets of plywood. If your local hardware store stocks up on spare, cut pieces, you will generally find these to be a better price: just check if the pieces can still accommodate each panel you need for your vanity.

Step 4. Mark off the sizes you would need to assemble the vanity, and use a power saw or a handsaw to cut the size you need. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges off.

Step 5. Assemble the pieces as you would a toy model before you actually nail them. Nail the pieces at right angles using size 1-inch to 2-inches common wire nails. Install the door with the type of hinges and closers you would need. When you have fully assembled the vanity, apply wood putty to the nail heads.

Step 6. Finish up the work with varnish, wood stain, or paint. When it is completely dry, push it into the space underneath your sink.