Building a wooden bathroom vanity with vessel sinks can be a rewarding DIY project that allows you to customize the size, style, and finish to fit your bathroom perfectly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Materials & Tools Needed
Materials:
- ¾-inch plywood or hardwood (oak, maple, pine, or your choice)
- 2x4s or 2x2s for frame support (if needed)
- Wood glue and wood screws
- Pocket hole screws (if using pocket hole joinery)
- Drawer slides (if adding drawers)
- Hinges (if adding cabinet doors)
- Stain, paint, or sealer
- Polyurethane or waterproof sealant
- Sandpaper (80-220 grit)
- Butcher block, stone, or plywood for countertop
- Vessel sink(s) and faucet(s)
- Plumbing supplies (P-trap, water supply lines, shutoff valves)
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw (for sink and plumbing cutouts)
- Drill and driver
- Clamps
- Pocket hole jig (e.g., Kreg Jig)
- Sander or sanding block
- Paintbrush or rags (for staining/sealing)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Plan and Design
- Determine the dimensions of your vanity, considering the space available.
- Choose whether you want open shelving, cabinet doors, or drawers.
- Measure and mark the placement of the vessel sink(s) and faucet(s).
- Sketch a design or use a woodworking plan.
Step 2: Cut and Assemble the Frame
Cut the wood
- Cut the sides, top, bottom, and back panel from plywood.
- If using a face frame, cut 1×2 or 1×3 boards for a framed look.
Assemble the frame
- Use pocket holes or wood glue and screws to attach the sides to the top and bottom.
- If adding shelves, install horizontal support slats.
- Ensure everything is square.
Add legs or a base
- If building a freestanding vanity, attach legs made from 2x4s or 2x2s.
- If wall-mounted, install wall-mounting brackets.
Step 3: Build & Attach Doors/Drawers (Optional)
- Cut and assemble doors using a shaker-style frame or a solid wood panel.
- Install drawer slides if including drawers.
- Mount doors with hinges and attach handles or knobs.
Step 4: Prepare the Countertop
Cut to size
- Use a butcher block, plywood, or stone slab for the countertop.
- Mark the hole(s) for vessel sinks and faucets.
Cut sink holes
- Drill a pilot hole and use a jigsaw to cut the sink opening.
- Sand the edges smooth.
Seal the countertop
- Apply multiple coats of polyurethane for waterproofing.
Step 5: Install Vessel Sink & Plumbing
- Place the vessel sink on the countertop
- Use silicone adhesive to secure it if required.
- Install the faucet
- Attach the faucet to the designated hole.
- Connect plumbing
- Attach the drain pipe, P-trap, and water supply lines.
Step 6: Finish the Vanity
- Sand all surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Apply stain, paint, or wood sealer.
- Allow proper drying time before installing in the bathroom.
Final Installation
- Move the vanity into place.
- Secure it to the wall using screws and wall anchors.
- Ensure plumbing connections are tight and no leaks occur.
Done! Now you have a handcrafted wooden bathroom vanity with vessel sinks. Would you like any specific design features, such as floating vanity styles or rustic finishes?