Bathroom Vanity with Built-In Step Stool

Step 1

Remove any doors from the vanity as shown in the picture.

Step 2

Depending on how your toekick is installed, remove it with a hammer, taking great care to not damage the toekick. My toekick was held in place with plastic corners, stapled, no glue.

Step 3

Measure the opening left from removing the toekick. In my case, that's 22 3/4" wide. I also took a height measurement to confirm I would need to use 1x3 boards to build the step drawer. Also take a second to confirm that the opening is at least 16" deep - otherwise, you will need to adjust your drawer depth and use shorter slides.

Step 4

Once you know the overall width of the step drawer, cut a 1x3 to this length. Then cut two 1x3s @ 15 1/4" for the sides. If your toekick is not cut out like mine, you could also add a front to the step drawer box, so a second 1x3 the width of the opening, minus 1".

Step 5

Step 6

Once your step drawers have been built, attach the slides as directed by the slide manufacturer. Preferably, use side mount slides, with a weight rating exceeding 100lbs.

Step 7

With the step drawer built, install in the drawer opening with drawer slides, placed to the tallest possible position. Attach toekick to step drawer (I used a couple of 2" finish nails to hold it on, removed the drawer and marked it, and then attached with the Kreg Jig ). If your vanity has inset drawers, you may need to adjust how deep you install the drawers. And that's it - you've got yourself a built in hidden step.

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.