How to Make a Dresser into a Bathroom Vanity

Bathroom vanities made to look like pieces of furniture are all the rage, but can be quite costly. To save money, make use of old dressers or vanities by adding plumbing fixtures to the tops. Paying for a unit at your local home improvement store can cost you anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality. Re-purposing garage sale finds or Grandma's old sideboard not only saves money but also our landfills.

(See the resources section for How to Remove Your Bathroom Vanity for removal instructions)

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Power Drill
• Circular Saw
• Glue
• Nontoxic Water Resistant Finish
• Caulk
• Pencil
• Wrench
• Measuring Tape
• Utility Knife

Instructions

1. Remove and Dismantle

   Remove and dismantle the top and any drawers. If the cabinet has drawers it will be necessary to disassemble the top drawer completely. The face of this drawer will used later.

2. Waterproof

   Apply water resistant finish to the entire cabinet.

3. Cut-out Hole for Sink and Faucet

   If you will be installing a new sink and faucet, use the cut-out dimensions or template provided by the manufacturers to cut your holes.

   If you will be re-purposing your old sink, turn it upside down on a piece of newspaper or cardboard and trace the outline - DO NOT USE THIS FOR YOUR CUT-OUT. If you make your hole the same size as your sink it will fall thru. You will need to downsize your drawing by, bringing all sides in approximately ½ to 1 inch in. Do the same thing for the faucet.

4. Measure the Plumbing

   Measure the plumbing coming out of the wall. You will probably have a 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch drain-line and two water lines with stops coming out. You will need to cut holes in the back of the dresser for the plumbing to go. If you are like me you can cut individual holes to line up with, if you are like my husband, one big hole will do (nobody will see it anyway).

5. Set New Bathroom Vanity in Place

   Move the dresser or vanity flush up against the wall, plumbing thru the hole(s).

6. Set Sink and Faucet

   Place the sink and faucet in the cut outs. Then reconnect the plumbing (drain and water lines).

7. Caulk

   Caulk around the sink and faucet base, this will keep any water overflow out from the bottom of the cabinet area.

8. Replace Drawers or Cabinet Doors

   Remember that drawer you disassembled? You will now glue the face of that drawer in place. This allows room for your plumbing.

   Insert remaining drawers (or attache cabinet doors) and the job is complete!

Tips & Warnings

• Vessel sinks, sinks that look like salad bowls, look wonderful on furniture pieces.

• Caulk comes in a variety of colors to match your sink or dresser.

• If the piece of furniture you will be using is open at the bottom, you can purchase drain and braided water lines to match your plumbing fixtures at your local plumbing supply house.

• If you prefer, you can discard the old vanity top completely and purchase a new solid surface top (marble, corian, or granite) at your local home improvement store.