How to Build a Wooden Bathroom Cabinet with Mirror Doors
A bathroom cabinet with mirror doors is a practical and stylish addition to any bathroom. It provides storage for toiletries while also serving as a mirror for daily grooming. Building one yourself allows you to customize the size, style, and finish to match your bathroom decor. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of building a wooden bathroom cabinet with mirror doors.
Materials and Tools Required
Materials
- ¾-inch plywood (for the cabinet frame)
- ¼-inch plywood (for the cabinet back)
- 1×2-inch hardwood boards (for face frame)
- Hinges (concealed or decorative)
- ¼-inch mirror glass
- Mirror clips or adhesive
- Cabinet knobs or handles
- Wood screws and wood glue
- Sandpaper (120-220 grit)
- Wood filler
- Primer and paint or stain
- Clear polyurethane (for protection)
Tools
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw (if you need to cut openings)
- Drill and driver bits
- Clamps
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Speed square
- Sanding block or power sander
- Wood chisel
- Paintbrush or spray gun
Step 1: Plan and Measure
Before cutting your wood, determine the dimensions of your cabinet. A typical bathroom cabinet is about 24 inches wide, 30 inches tall, and 5 inches deep, but you can customize it to fit your space.
- Sketch a design with dimensions, including shelf placement.
- If recessing the cabinet into the wall, measure the wall cavity depth.
- If mounting the cabinet on the wall, ensure it fits securely and doesn’t obstruct fixtures.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using a circular saw or table saw, cut the plywood to create the main cabinet structure:
- Back panel (¼-inch plywood): Same dimensions as the cabinet width and height.
- Sides (2): The height of the cabinet x depth (typically 5 inches).
- Top and bottom panels: The width of the cabinet x depth.
- Shelves (optional): Same width as the cabinet x depth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabinet Frame
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the side panels and attach them to the top and bottom panels.
- Secure with wood screws or nails, ensuring the corners are square.
- Attach the back panel with nails or screws.
- If adding shelves, drill pocket holes or use shelf pins to secure them inside the cabinet.
- Sand the edges and surfaces smoothly.
Step 4: Build and Attach the Face Frame
For a finished look, attach a 1×2-inch hardwood face frame to the front of the cabinet.
- Cut stiles (vertical pieces) and rails (horizontal pieces) to fit the front.
- Assemble the frame with pocket hole screws or wood glue and clamps.
- Attach the face frame to the cabinet using wood glue and finishing nails.
- Sand and fill any gaps with wood filler.
Step 5: Build the Mirror Doors
- Cut the door frames using 1×2-inch hardwood boards. The doors should slightly overlap the cabinet opening for a clean look.
- Assemble the frame using pocket hole screws or wood glue.
- Insert the mirror:
- Secure a ¼-inch mirror glass to the back of each frame with mirror clips or adhesive.
- If routing a groove into the frame, insert the mirror before gluing the frame together.
- Sand the doors and smooth the edges before finishing.
Step 6: Install Hinges and Doors
- Choose concealed or decorative hinges for mounting the doors.
- Mark hinge placement on the cabinet and doors.
- Drill pilot holes and attach the hinges.
- Adjust the doors to align properly with the cabinet frame.
Step 7: Sand, Paint, or Stain
- Sand the entire cabinet and doors with 120-220 grit sandpaper.
- Wipe off dust and apply a primer if painting.
- Use paint or wood stain to match your bathroom decor.
- Apply a clear polyurethane coat for moisture resistance.
Step 8: Mount the Cabinet
- If wall-mounting, locate wall studs using a stud finder.
- Drill pilot holes and secure the cabinet with screws into the studs.
- If recessing into a wall, ensure a snug fit before securing.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
- Attach cabinet knobs or handles.
- Double-check the door alignment and adjust hinges if necessary.
- Organize your bathroom essentials inside the cabinet.
Conclusion
Building a wooden bathroom cabinet with mirror doors is a rewarding DIY project that enhances your bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics. With basic woodworking skills and the right tools, you can create a stylish and durable storage solution tailored to your space.
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