How to Make a Wooden Bathroom Vanity with Open Shelving
Creating a custom wooden bathroom vanity with open shelving is a fantastic way to add both functionality and aesthetic appeal to your bathroom. A vanity with open shelving provides easy access to toiletries and cleaning supplies, and the exposed wood adds a rustic or contemporary charm, depending on your choice of finish. In this guide, we will take you through each step of the process to build a wooden bathroom vanity with open shelving, from planning and gathering materials to construction and finishing.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Materials:
- ¾-inch plywood or hardwood boards for the structure (oak, maple, or pine work well)
- 1×2 or 1×3 lumber for the frame
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Wood filler (optional)
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Finish (stain, paint, or polyurethane)
- Hinges (if installing doors later)
- Wood brackets (optional for additional shelving support)
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill with bits
- Screwdriver
- Clamp (optional but useful for holding pieces in place)
- Level
- Carpenter’s square
- Safety gear (goggles, ear protection)
Step 1: Measure Your Bathroom Space
Before you start cutting any wood, the first thing you’ll need to do is measure the available space for your vanity. Pay attention to the following measurements:
- Width: Measure the length of the wall where you plan to install the vanity.
- Height: A typical bathroom vanity height is around 30 to 36 inches, but this may vary depending on your preference.
- Depth: Standard depth for bathroom vanities is around 18 to 22 inches, but adjust based on your bathroom layout and the available space.
Make sure to take into account the location of plumbing and any other obstructions that might affect the design.
Step 2: Plan the Design and Sketch Your Vanity
Sketch out your design, taking into account the number of open shelves you want and how you intend to divide the space. Decide whether you want a completely open design or if you’ll incorporate some closed sections for additional storage (like small drawers for organizing). You should also plan for any necessary plumbing cutouts in the back of the vanity to accommodate sink pipes.
For this guide, we’ll stick to an open shelving design, where you will have ample space beneath the countertop for storing towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.
Step 3: Cut Your Wood Pieces
Now that you have your measurements and design ready, it’s time to cut the wood for your vanity. For the structure of the vanity, you will need the following pieces:
- Side panels: These will determine the height and depth of your vanity. Cut two panels to the height and depth you measured in Step 1.
- Top and bottom panels: Cut a top and bottom panel that matches the width and depth of the vanity.
- Shelving pieces: These will be the horizontal pieces that make up your open shelving. Depending on the number of shelves you want, you can cut several pieces to the width of the vanity.
Use a circular saw or miter saw for clean, accurate cuts. If you don’t have access to a miter saw, a table saw can also do the job well.
Step 4: Assemble the Vanity Frame
Start by assembling the frame for your vanity. Lay the side panels on a flat surface and attach the top and bottom panels using wood screws and wood glue. Here’s how:
- Dry Fit: Before applying glue, dry fit the pieces together to make sure everything aligns properly.
- Apply Wood Glue: Apply a thin layer of wood glue on the edges of the panels where they will join.
- Screw Together: Using wood screws, attach the top and bottom panels to the side panels. Drill pilot holes first to avoid splitting the wood.
- Square the Frame: Use a carpenter’s square to ensure that all corners are at a perfect 90-degree angle before tightening the screws completely.
If you’re adding open shelves, you’ll want to add horizontal supports for each shelf position. These can be simple 1×2 or 1×3 wooden strips that you’ll screw into the side panels.
Step 5: Install Shelves
Once the frame is assembled, it’s time to install the open shelves. Depending on your design, these can either be fixed or adjustable. For a fixed design:
- Measure Shelf Spacing: Decide how far apart you want each shelf to be. A typical spacing is around 10 to 12 inches, but this will depend on what you plan to store.
- Attach Shelves: Use wood screws to attach each shelf to the horizontal supports. Make sure each shelf is level before securing it in place.
If you want adjustable shelves, you can install shelf pins into pre-drilled holes along the inside of the side panels. This will allow you to move the shelves up or down as needed.
Step 6: Cut and Install the Back Panel
If your design calls for a back panel, cut a piece of plywood or wood to fit the back of the vanity. This panel helps keep everything stable and provides a clean look.
- Attach the back panel with screws or nails, making sure it fits snugly against the frame.
- If you need plumbing cutouts, measure and mark the spots for sink pipes, and cut out these areas using a jigsaw.
Step 7: Sand and Finish the Vanity
Once your vanity frame and shelves are assembled, it’s time to sand everything smooth. Start with a coarse grit (about 80-grit) and work your way to finer grits (120, then 220-grit). Sand all the exposed edges, corners, and surfaces to remove rough spots.
After sanding, apply your desired finish:
- Stain: If you prefer the natural look of wood, apply a stain to enhance the grain.
- Paint: For a more contemporary look, you can paint the vanity in a color that matches your bathroom’s decor.
- Polyurethane: To protect the wood and provide a glossy finish, apply a few coats of polyurethane after staining or painting.
Allow the finish to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 8: Install the Vanity in Your Bathroom
Once your vanity is fully assembled and finished, it’s time to install it in your bathroom:
- Leveling: Place the vanity in position and make sure it’s level. Use shims if needed to adjust the height.
- Secure the Vanity: If necessary, secure the vanity to the wall using screws or brackets. This is especially important if you’re installing a heavy countertop on top.
- Connect Plumbing: If you’re installing a sink, make sure to connect the plumbing to the vanity. This step may require a professional plumber if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Step 9: Add the Countertop and Sink
For the countertop, you can use materials like granite, quartz, or wood. Ensure that it is cut to fit the top of your vanity, leaving space for the sink and any other features you plan to include.
Install the sink according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once everything is secured, you can hook up the faucet and complete the plumbing.
Step 10: Final Touches
Now that your vanity is fully installed, you can add some finishing touches:
- Storage Bins: Consider using baskets or bins on the open shelves to keep things organized.
- Decor: Add a decorative mirror above the vanity, and incorporate plants or candles on the shelves to enhance the look.
Conclusion
Building your own wooden bathroom vanity with open shelving not only adds a personal touch to your space, but it also creates a functional storage solution for your bathroom essentials. With the right materials, tools, and a bit of patience, you can create a beautiful and custom vanity that suits your style and needs.
Looking for more woodworking inspiration? Check out Ted’s Woodworking Course for step-by-step guides and detailed plans to take your woodworking skills to the next level.