How to Build a Bathroom Cabinet

Building your own cabinet for the bathroom requires a set of plans and a few woodworking tools. Plans can be purchased either online or at a home store or woodworking shop. Alternatively any person who can accurately use a tape measure can draw them. They can be sketched by hand or designed in a CAD drawing program. Once you have the plan of your choice, the next step is determining a materials list. By purchasing all of your materials at one time, you are assured of having everything needed on hand when you begin assembling your bathroom cabinet.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Table or Miter Saw
• Tape measure
• Power drill
• Circular Saw (Optional)
• Nails, screws or other fasteners
• Pencil and paper
• Waterproof wood glue

1. Measure the area where you wish to place the cabinet.

2. Write down the exact measurements for each dimension of the cabinet; height, width and length. Even an eighth of an inch can make a big difference in the final look.

3. Use a pencil and paper to draw a rough sketch of the cabinet you want to build. Transfer all appropriate measurements to the matching part of the drawing.

4. Using a CAD program can help visualize the cabinet in 3D before building and can help determine the materials list you will need at the home store or lumberyard.

5. Decide what type of wood you want to build the cabinet with. Keep in mind that a bathroom is a moist environment and the wood will need extra protection. Add a wood stain and sealer or paint of your choice to your materials list.

6. Decide what type of hardware you wish to use on the cabinet. Remember to think of different styles of handles and knobs and do not forget hinges for the doors. Add your selected hardware to your materials list.

7. Remember to add screws, nails and waterproof wood glue to your list for assembly of the cabinet.

Purchasing the Materials

1. Take your materials list to your home store or lumberyard.

2. Choose your lumber first. Select clear boards, with few knots or other imperfections, which are surfaced on four sides. Lumber and boards are generally sold in 8 foot lengths, while plywood and other manufactured wood products are sold in 4 foot x 8 foot sheets.

3. Read the labels on the wood stain or paint of your choice to make sure it can stand up to the environment of the bathroom. An extra coat or two of polyurethane can go a long way to keep your cabinet looking new.

4. Add the hardware to your purchases, making sure to pick up a couple of extras in case of breakage either during installation or at a later date. Pick up screws, nails and glue at this time also.

Building the Cabinet

1. Use a table saw or an adjustable miter saw to cut the framing material and the boards to the desired size. A circular saw can be used, but you will have to raise the boards off of the surface of the worktable for clearance of the saw.

2. Lay each section of the frame on the work surface, glue and fasten with screws or nails. Check to make sure they are square before the glue dries completely.

3. Fasten the four sides of the frame together, using glue and screws or nails. Check again for square.

4. Attach backboards to cabinet.

5. Attach sideboards to cabinet.

6. Paint or stain the cabinet and drawers and allow to dry thoroughly.

7. Attach doors to cabinet front using hinges and then install the handles.

8. Install in the pre-measured space in your bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all work you do on assembly of the cabinet is done in a well lit and well ventilated area.

• Cut all materials before beginning assembly.

• Check for square by measuring diagonally across the piece. Both diagonals should be exactly the same.

• Always wear eye protection when using power tools such as table saws and power drills.

• Never use wood glues or paints and stains in an unventilated room.