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#1
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for
ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. I will probably build a double-sink vanity, but would be interested to see examples for single-sink styles as well. I know I can look at commercial vanities online for ideas, but I was wondering if anybody here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. Thanks, Mark |
#2
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Mark Blum wrote in
: I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. snip Mark, I built one for each of the bathrooms in our home. The first one was L-shaped, and replaced the one that collapsed under the weight of one of my sons, shortly before Thanksgiving, 5 years ago or so. Learned a lot from that one. Not all those lessons are easily, either. Built that one with a Shopsmith. Not doing that again. There's a Unisaw in the shop now, and no Mustang coupe. Last summer, I finally built one for the master bath. It isn't perfect, but it is a major improvement over what was there when we bought the house (23 years after it was built). Maple, with some cherry trim, and ceramic tile counter top. We're taller than most, so this one was taller, too. Shakerish in style, with eight drawers, and a large area underneath the single sink. I've taken no pictures yet, because the rest of the bathroom isn't quite finished yet. Thoughts to consider: * Make certain you plan for any needed changes in running plumbing. I reinstalled this cabinet twice, because I needed to move the drain lines and water supply lines. And re-sheetrock the back wall. Twice. * Check how tall you _really_ want the sink to be. Mine's a bit taller than I originally 'planned'... * Validate how deep the sink will be inset from the front lip of the counter. This is another dimension I'd change in the next go around. Ours is set further in than I really like. * Discuss long and hard the type of counter you want to live with. I think I would consider a solid surface job by a pro, in the next go around. Grouting should not take three or four days, but it seemed to. * My wife shows it off to almost everyone who comes to the house. Make certain that your skills and/or ego can deal with that experience. * From tearing out the shower to (mostly) completing the dressing area took most of four months of spare time, and using the hall bathroom instead. You may go faster, but I had a lot of spare time this last year, and still didn't. Good luck. Check lots of sources. Write your project schedules down, and don't get too far out of order, or you'll need to store things, or wait for varnishes to dry at inopportune times... Patriarch, thinking about a kitchen or two. Maybe. |
#3
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Mark Blum writes: I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. http://www.delorie.com/wood/projects/vanity/ |
#4
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
On Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:05:40 -0500, Mark Blum
wrote: I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. I did mine out of my head. Basically a box with holes cut in to accommodate the sink and water lines. You might look up general cupboard construction; rails and stiles etc.. Don't forget a foot recess either. After that, it's whatever you want. Mine fits a ratehr small bathroom, so I had to taper it from the door. Cupboard doors fit to the holes [with allowance of course]. That was some time back, and I'm redoing it pretty soon. I just bought the paint. This time around the doors will be outside, not flush inside, and will have raise panels instead of the previous flat. Google helps. Here's a carcase construction detail: http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/artic...ticle_id=60255 Just take it from there, and use your imagination. |
#5
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Mark Blum wrote:
I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. I will probably build a double-sink vanity, but would be interested to see examples for single-sink styles as well. I know I can look at commercial vanities online for ideas, but I was wondering if anybody here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. Thanks, Mark I did a small powder room one. It is shaped like an oval 'bass drum'. The sides are flexible ply covered in oak veneer with a solid oak, oval ring around the bottom and an oval top with oval sink. There is an attached, framed mirror as well. I made a matching curved shelf for behind the toilet/bidet. I made a much more standard one for the master with 2 sinks in a flat counter, with a cherry front edge and arborite. There is a single cabinet with 3 drawers underneath, between the sinks, also in cherry to match (well sort of) our cherry Bedroom suite. I'm working on one for the main bath now with a side pedestal and shaped counter. Construction will be similar to the powder room. I would recommend the curved 'drum' approach if you want something STRONG and not too hard to make. (router/table saw/sandpaper) Either way, bathroom cabinets are fairly easy and can add a very rich appearance to the bathroom. Rob |
#6
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
"Mark Blum" wrote in message
here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. Just think of the bathroom vanity as a kitchen sink 'base cabinet' moved to another room the house. Building one is very simple. Here are the basic components of a face frame version (the dimensions and design elements are up to you): http://e-woodshop.net/images/6130SinkBase.JPG -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 12/13/05 |
#7
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
"Mark Blum" wrote in message ... :I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for : ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way : of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. : : I will probably build a double-sink vanity, but would be interested to : see examples for single-sink styles as well. I know I can look at : commercial vanities online for ideas, but I was wondering if anybody : here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great : if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some : pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. : : Thanks, : Mark Looks like lots of good advice here; I have a couple of "other" category things to add, I think. 1. If the sink is "hung", un-hang it. Much easier to get the sink out for faucet replacement, etc. And remove the brace it was hung on. If it's not hung, no sweat. 2. Height, as someone mentioned is good to consider. IFF it's feasible, but be sure it's not the only bathroom in the house or you'll go "out of spec" for many people. I'm very tall and arthritic: I put my sink at MY height so I didn't have to bend to brush teeth, lean on it to shave, etc.. But the main sink is at the standard height. Turned out most everyone like the height of MY sink though; it was the most popular one in the house, except for young kids. 3. Test fit as many of the harder to measure areas as possible before actual construction. It'll save days of misery. 4. Don't forget the toe space. Don't forget the electrical if necessary. I build cabinets above mine so those things mattered. Don't forget the GFCI's! I dropped my electric razor into the running water once; no sweat, the GFCI just turned it off. 5. Be sure to consider any possible interference with mirrors, holders etc. around it. Some may have to be moved, depending. 6. Enjoy the work; it'll be there to look at for a long time if it works out well g and you'll be proud of it. HTH, Pop |
#8
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
On Thu, 12 Jan 2006 22:05:40 -0500, Mark Blum
wrote: I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. I will probably build a double-sink vanity, but would be interested to see examples for single-sink styles as well. I know I can look at commercial vanities online for ideas, but I was wondering if anybody here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. Thanks, Mark I built a double for my master bath along with two medicine cabinets, two towel cabinets, and a hamper. There is nothing unique about them, they look just like stock cabinets with raised panel doors that you would get at the home center. They are probably a little heavier and sturdier and the towel cabinets were sized to fit niches unique to this bath. That is why I chose to build them, to not have to choose a stock dimension and block in the wasted space. Frank |
#9
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
"Mark Blum" I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. Mark, here is mine. I'm installing it very soon with a hand hammered copper sink, Grohe fixtures and granite top. http://www.teamcasa.org/workshop/currentproject.htm Dave |
#10
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
(1) What woodworking skills do you have ?
(2) What tools do you have ? (3) Do you have basic plumbing skills ? (4) Will you need to move wires ? A basic vanity is fairly easy project, but you got to put on a top and you must do some plumbing. You will also be moving wires and pipes around. Go to Lowes or Home Depot. They both have books with any number of plans on building a basic vanity. Just remember, every single bathroom is different, so you will have to adjust your plans. How are your drawer building skills ? How are your door building skills ? Here is a basic version: http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?705 If you are building this to save money, forget it and go to Lowes/HD and buy one. If you want a challenge and you want to develop your skills, this is a pretty easy job. Got a "backup" bathroom till the project is done ? Mark Blum wrote: I am looking to build a vanity for my bathroom and was looking for ideas. Google searches of this group don't come up with much in the way of past discussions, and I obviously can't search the pictures group. I will probably build a double-sink vanity, but would be interested to see examples for single-sink styles as well. I know I can look at commercial vanities online for ideas, but I was wondering if anybody here has built their own vanity for their bathroom. It would be great if anybody had a link to pictures on their website or could post some pictures in a.b.p.woodworking group. Thanks, Mark |
#11
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Something I had done which I found to be very handy was to put the
drawers of the vanity BELOW the cupboards. It might not be as much of an issue with a two-sink version where you can have a drawer in between the sinks, but in my single sink version the sink prevented me from having a drawer at all. Undaunted, I decided to make it "up-side-down" and put the drawers on the bottom. Granted, the sink hangs down somewhat into the middle cupboard, but I just put shorter stuff into that one. There are some pictures of it he http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcaron2...h/tags:vanity/ |
#13
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
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#14
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
You pose some good questions and I should have provided more specifics
in my original post. More info follows... says... (1) What woodworking skills do you have ? I'm a fairly accomplished woodworker and feel comfortable tackling just about anything. (2) What tools do you have ? My shop is reasonably well-equipment with pretty much everything, machine and power tools. Only piece of major equipment I don't have is a lathe. (3) Do you have basic plumbing skills ? (4) Will you need to move wires ? I have both basic plumbing and electrical skills. A basic vanity is fairly easy project, but you got to put on a top and you must do some plumbing. I plan on replacing my current vanity, a circa 1965-style standard vanity. I am looking to build something distintive and/or elegant, something more than just a basic vanity. You will also be moving wires and pipes around. That should be no problem. Go to Lowes or Home Depot. They both have books with any number of plans on building a basic vanity. Just remember, every single bathroom is different, so you will have to adjust your plans. I am well familiar with the assaults on the best-laid plans that renovations entail. ;-) Most books only have basic plans for woodworkers of modest skill. I like to think I have the skill to tackle something a bit more distinctive. How are your drawer building skills ? How are your door building skills ? Both are fairly solid. Here is a basic version: http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?705 If you are building this to save money, forget it and go to Lowes/HD and buy one. Nope, I build them myself to get good quality construction tailored to my needs (I built all of my bedroom and family room furniture). I'm not trying to beat the cost of the particle board stuff you can buy. Got a "backup" bathroom till the project is done ? Yep, just me and the wife here with 2.5 baths. |
#15
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
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#16
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Good tips there Patriarch. Thanks.
-Mark |
#17
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Sounds like you have the skills to build the vanity.
We get folks on this group who want to build a set of kitchen cabinets and their entire tool set consists of a circular saw and a hot melt glue gun. |
#18
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Mark Blum writes: That's a nice vanity DJ. With no storage in the vanity, how do you handle storage of the various toiletries and items in the bathroom? Did you add any medicine cabinets or the like since those pictures were taken? Well, it's my dad's bathroom, so I don't handle it at all ;-) In his case, though, there's a closet opposite the sinks that contains ample shelving and storage, and a laundry hamper. The original design included a shelf underneath, resting on a square lip just at the bottom of the long ogee in the middle of each leg. They decided to skip that, figuring they'd rather look at the tiles than an accumulation of stuff. |
#19
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
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#20
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Here are some pictures of a vanity I built for our master bath a few
years ago. Designed by me with *much* guidance from SWMBO. I.e., she said what she wanted, and I complied. :-) By the way, she loves them, and all her girlfriends are jealous. There are numerous important details that I'd be happy to provide if anyone has an interest. http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...finished_b.jpg The following image was taken without the flash, to show off the grain. In person, the whole surface appears more like the vertically-oriented parts of this picture than the picture above. It's pretty... http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...ty/curly_b.jpg Here are some progress pics: http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...ty/start_b.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...ty/boxes_b.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...ty/faces_b.jpg Here are the same pictures as above, in a larger format (each is about 135kB). Cheers, Jim |
#21
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Jim Wilson wrote...
Here are the same pictures as above, in a larger format (each is about 135kB). Oops. Forgot the links. http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworki...y/finished.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworking/vanity/curly.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworking/vanity/start.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworking/vanity/boxes.jpg http://www.paragoncode.com/woodworking/vanity/faces.jpg Jim |
#22
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
"Jim Wilson" wrote in message
Very nicely done ... AAMOF, you should be able to have any kind of woodworking tool your heart desires for quite some time with no grief from the distaff side. -- www.e-woodshop.net Last update: 12/13/05 |
#23
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Swingman wrote...
you should be able to have any kind of woodworking tool your heart desires for quite some time with no grief from the distaff side. Chuckle! I'll pass that along. Actually, I (gulp) haven't needed a new woodworking tool in a long time. She "lets" me have anything I want, just about -- as long as I stay home and keep doing useful things. Like the 14,000+ lb CNC vertical machining center I snagged a couple weeks ago. But that's for the metalworking side. vroom, vroom. Cheers, Jim |
#24
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
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#25
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity?
Mark Blum wrote...
That vanity looks great Jim, and was along the lines of what I was thinking. I'd be interested in any of those "numerous important details" you can think of. One question I have is how you handled those sliding pantry-style double drawers on the sides. Does the fact that the slides are only on one side cause any problems with racking? Other thoughts? Hi Mark, The side double drawers were one of Mary's ideas. The height between the drawers is sized so the bottom one can accommodate tall narrow containers like hair spray, alcohol, and whatever else she keeps in there. I used heavy duty full extension ball bearing slides on those. The slides, in conjunction with two screws through each drawer into the false front, and the fact that the small drawers naturally limit the load prevents any racking. There is an outlet mounted in the back of the middle drawer of the center bay (in the drawer back itself, not behind the drawer). Her curling iron and hair dryer plug in there and are stored in the drawer. The fronts below the sinks are tilt-outs with plastic trays for the toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other things that tend to be put away wet. The linen cabinet is a little unconventional. Space was tight at the bathroom entrance and the linen cabinet is right by the door. The bottom door of the cabinet admits a laundry basket, and it swings open to the right so the basket can be taken out of the room without a door juggling act. It looks like a drawer, but the front immediately above the basket is a door that opens down (it has a scissors hinge stop) so laundry can be dropped conveniently into the basket. Infrequently used items are stored in a drawer above the tilt-down door. Towels and other large items are stored on shelves in the top cabinet, whose door swings open to the left, for easy access from within the bathroom. All in all, it's a very convenient arrangement. That's all that comes to mind presently. Of course, there are plenty of technical details and design choices that can be mulled over, too. The door and drawer edge treatments selected to avoid the need for pulls, the height of the vanity set to the lady's preference, the use of leveling legs, hand-cut dovetails, baltic birch carcasses, material and finish selected to wear well and complement the chosen travertine and granite, undermount sinks, waterfall faucets, and so on. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm sure there's something glaringly important that I've neglected completely! (G) Cheers, Jim |
#26
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Anybody build their own bathroom vanity? Ping Josh
Josh wrote:
Something I had done which I found to be very handy was to put the drawers of the vanity BELOW the cupboards. It might not be as much of an issue with a two-sink version where you can have a drawer in between the sinks, but in my single sink version the sink prevented me from having a drawer at all. Undaunted, I decided to make it "up-side-down" and put the drawers on the bottom. Granted, the sink hangs down somewhat into the middle cupboard, but I just put shorter stuff into that one. There are some pictures of it he http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcaron2...h/tags:vanity/ I've got a few thousand ft. of sawmill lumber drying at my new house. I took one look at your vanity and said "there's my kitchen cupboards". Right way up mind you. Thanks for the post. Here's some pictures of the place and my gang. http://www.mts.net/~lmlod/ P.S. Wouldn't happen to have a good shot of one of those doors? |
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