48" Turned Leg Vanity

Step 1

We built the two leg sets flush to the insides because one side is against the wall and the other side will hold the toilet paper hardware. This also makes it easier to mount drawer slides later on. We even considered adding a built in magazine rack. We used 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws to put everything together.

Step 2

Then we built two identical face frames for the front and back using again 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws. The face frames were then attached to the two leg sets. For a longer vanity, you may wish to use 3/4" plywood instead on the back to beef it up - or if you are putting a heavy vanity top on. IMPORTANT: Depending on your sink size and location, build these face frames to suit. I highly recommend for store bought vanity tops and sinks to purchase first, measure and leave plenty of space for the sink. We errored on the safe side and left the standard 24" opening for the sink in the center (25 1/2" to the outsides of the face framing to allow for shelf sides of 3/4" thickness each).

Step 3

Then we finished the trim for the bottom shelf. Our bottom shelf stretcher blocks matched the top, so we were able to just use the same length boards as the top face framing. We kept these guys flush to the outside just to maximize storage space underneath, but this ended up forcing us to have to place the pocket holes to the outside (turned legs kept splitting when attached to inside because there just wasn't enough wood to bite into). No biggie for us because we are painting, but for a stained finish, you may wish to inset the bottom trim a little to prevent this issue.

Step 4

We cut the plywood to fit in a rectangle, then used a jigsaw to notch out the legs. Then we drilled 3/4" pocket holes around the underside of the shelf and attached with 1 1/4" pocket hole screws to shelf trim. For heavier loads/longer spans an easy trick to beef up the center of the shelf is to attach hidden center "legs" under the bottom shelf.

Step 5

Step 6

The partitions keep contents seperated and also support the end of the center shelf. We ended up not going all the way to the top with ours just because we opted for the pull out drawers and didn't feel it was necessary. We used 3/4" plywood scraps but could have used a 1x3 or 1x4. This also gave use better access to installing the pullout drawer slides later on. Again, just attached with 3/4" pocket holes and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws.

Step 7

For the doors, we used 1/2" plywood pocket holes to frames made of 1x3s. We measured the openings and built the doors to leave an 1/8" gap around all sides. I will do a full tutorial on how to build these drawers shortly.

Step 8

We opted for a low maintenance all in one sink/vanity top made of a solid surface material. As much as we'd have loved to DIY a tile topped vanity, I bet on this solid surface one with seamless sink to last longer and be easier to clean for Mom. Crazy how the top cost more than the vanity itself! When we do the plumbing (hopefully soon!) I'll share how we attach the top.

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.