Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts! Robert Kline, your friendly neighborhood art and crafts expert, is back with another exciting project. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of bathroom renovations with a simple, yet elegant floating vanity. Inspired by a pricey model from Loughlin Furniture, I set out to recreate the look without breaking the bank. The results? Let’s just say my wallet is breathing a sigh of relief!
Why Choose a Floating Vanity?
Floating vanities are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They offer a sleek, modern aesthetic while creating the illusion of more space – perfect for those of us working with smaller bathrooms. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to build, even for beginner DIYers!
Gathering Your Materials
Before we get started, let’s round up our materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lumber:
- (1) 3/4″ x 4′ x 8′ Red Oak Plywood
- (1) 1/2″ x 4′ x 4′ Red Oak Plywood
- (2) 1″ x 8″ x 6′ Red Oak Board
- (1) 1″ x 2″ x 8′ Red Oak Board
Cut List: (Refer to the original content for detailed measurements)
Miscellaneous Items:
- Vessel Sink
- 10″ Drawer slides (1/2″ thick)
- White wash stain
- Polyurethane finish
- Wood glue
- Brad nails
- 1 1/4” screws
- 1” screws
- Sandpaper (220 grit)
- Wood filler
Tools:
- Table saw
- Miter saw (optional)
- Drill
- Pocket hole jig (optional)
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
Building Your Floating Vanity
Now, let’s get down to business!
1. Cut and Prep Lumber
Begin by cutting all your plywood and lumber pieces according to the cut list. Remember, measure twice and cut once! Once that’s done, give everything a light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper to ensure a smooth and splinter-free surface.
Preparing the Lumber
2. Construct the Interior Box
Using wood glue and brad nails, assemble the interior box of your vanity. Reinforce the joints with 1 1/4” screws, making sure to countersink them for a flush finish. Remember to face the good sides of the plywood inward, as this will be the visible interior of the vanity.
3. Install Drawer Stop and Backer Board
Cut a piece of 1″ x 2″ red oak board to act as a drawer stop and secure it inside the vanity. Next, attach a backer board (I recommend using scrap 1″ x 8″ or 1″ x 6″ board) to the back of the vanity for added support and to facilitate wall mounting later.
4. Build the Exterior Box
With the interior complete, move on to the exterior box. Use 1/2″ plywood for the bottom and 3/4″ plywood for the sides and top. Miter the top edges of the side panels at a 45-degree angle for a seamless look. Secure the top panel to the interior box using wood glue and countersunk 1″ screws. Attach the side panels with wood glue and screws, concealing the screws on the inside where the drawer will hide them.
Assembling the Exterior Box
5. Add 1×2 Face Trim
For a polished touch, add 1″ x 2″ red oak face trim around the edges of the vanity. Miter the corners and secure them with wood glue and brad nails.
6. Fill, Sand, and Repeat!
Fill all nail holes with wood filler and allow it to dry completely. Then, give the entire vanity another thorough sanding with 220-grit sandpaper, paying close attention to rounding the edges for a softer, more refined look.
7. Craft the Vanity Drawer
For a shallow drawer to accommodate plumbing, use a 1″ x 8″ board for the face, ripping it down to approximately 7 inches. Use 1″ x 8″ boards ripped down to 6″ for the drawer sides and back, and a piece of 1/2″ red oak plywood for the bottom. Cut dadoes into the drawer sides and back to accommodate the bottom panel. Assemble the drawer using wood glue and brad nails.
Building the Drawer
8. Sand and Stain
Once your drawer is assembled, give it a final sanding. Now for the fun part – staining! I opted for a white wash stain on red oak to mimic the look of white oak, but feel free to get creative with your choice of stain. Once the stain dries, protect your hard work with a few coats of polyurethane finish.
9. Install the Drawer
Install the 12” soft-closing drawer slides to the vanity and the drawer sides. Insert the drawer, center the drawer face, and secure it using 1 1/4” pocket screws.
Installing the Drawer
10. Install Sink and Faucet
Drill a hole in the top of the vanity for your vessel sink, ensuring it’s large enough to accommodate the plumbing fixtures. Install the sink and faucet according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Mount Your Masterpiece
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Locate the studs in your bathroom wall and mount the floating vanity securely, ensuring it’s at a comfortable height.
Completed Floating Vanity
Conclusion
Congratulations, my friend, you’ve done it! You’ve built a stunning floating vanity that’s both stylish and functional. Now, step back, admire your handiwork, and give yourself a pat on the back – you’ve earned it!
For more inspiring DIY projects and craft ideas, be sure to explore the Robert Kline Art website. And remember, the most important ingredient in any project is your creativity, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!