A DIY-dresser-to-sink vanity is a great solution to cut costs and add your own personal style to your bathroom. This project will require a moderate knowledge of DIY projects and an intermediate skill level. Here is what you’ll need:
Tools
· Jigsaw
· Drill with various bits
· Level
· Tape measure
· Palm sander
· Wet saw (if you have to cut tile or stone)
· Hammer
· Screwdriver
Materials
· Dresser (wide enough to fit sink)
· Drop-in sink
· Faucet
· Tile
· Paint
· Shellac
· Clear adhesive (for tile)
· Wood glue
· (2) L-brackets (optional for half drawer)
· Nails
· Sandpaper
1 Step One: Finding the perfect piece that suits your needs
When searching for a piece of furniture to turn into a vanity, keep in mind it will be holding a considerable amount of weight for a long period of time; a dresser is perfect for this. The dresser you chose needs to be structurally secure and one that fits in the desired location. Take measurements and spend enough time searching for something you will be happy with. Keep in mind a minimum width of 18 inches is needed to fit a standard sink.
2 Step Two: Clean the dresser
Take off the doors and drawers and carefully sand down all of the surfaces. You can leave the original wood top or replace it with tile.
3 Step Three: Make adjustments to fit sink
Remove the drawer(s) directly under where you will place the sink. You may need to remove more than one drawer to be able to fit the sink's plumbing. Cut the back portion of the drawer, leaving only the face of the drawer. This front portion of the drawer will be stationary and no longer be able to be pulled out. If you allow it to move or be pulled out it could affect the sink’s plumbing. Secure the face of the drawer in place with wood glue and nails from the inside so the drawer cannot be opened.
4 Step Four: Paint or refinish
Choose the color paint or stain you would like and apply it to the dresser. To protect the vanity from moisture, apply a coat or two of marine-grade varnish.
5 Step Five: Mark Sink and Faucet Placement
Determine the placement of the sink and the faucet. Make sure to leave enough room for the lip of the sink to sit on top of the dresser. Draw circles around where the sink and faucet will be.
6 Step Six: Cut holes for sink and faucet
Use a drill with a hole-bit attachment to start cutting the circle for the sink and then finish cutting it with a jigsaw. Place the sink into the cut-out to make sure it fits. It is easier to cut more off than it is to fix a hole that is too big. Use a drill with a hole-bit attachment to make the cut-outs for faucet.
7 Step Seven: Tile option
If you choose to keep the wood top, apply marine-grade varnish to the wood top to give it a protective seal. If you are laying tile down on the vanity top, use a wet saw to cut the pieces. If you don't have capability of making the hole in the tile for the faucets (a tile core bit), cut half-moon shapes instead. Dry fit all the pieces in place. Leave enough room around the edge for a trim border. Center all of the pieces from the center line of the dresser.
8 Step Eight: Adhere tile
One at a time, starting from the center, working outward, apply clear adhesive on the back of the tile and on the wood-top (in a zigzag pattern) and place the tile on the wood. Wiggle each tile around to ensure it is in the exact location you want. Then move onto the next tile without bumping the other out place. Make sure they are pushed together at the seams by using a little clear adhesive in between the tiles. Seal the top with three coats of shellac when the adhesive is dry. Make sure there aren't any gaps in the tile for the water to leak through.
9 Step Nine: Instillation
Place the sink into the hole. Use clear adhesive to put it in place and then seal it with bathroom caulk. Ensure there are no holes for water to leak through at the tile and wood edges and seams. Put the vanity in place and hook up the faucet or have a professional plumber do it if you don’t feel comfortable working with the plumbing.