How To Turn a Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity

Turning a dresser into a bathroom vanity is a challenging but rewarding do-it-yourself (DIY) project. It requires some carpentry skills and plumbing knowledge, but with patience and attention to detail, you can create a one-of-a-kind vanity that adds charm to your bathroom. Learn how with our step-by-step instructions below.

Tools to Make a Vanity

Before starting your project, make sure you have these tools:

Turning Your Dresser Into a Bathroom Vanity

Turning a dresser into a bathroom vanity involves several key steps, from selecting the right piece to making necessary modifications. Here’s what to do.

1. Cut the Drawer Sides

Begin by preparing the dresser. The top drawer often needs to be removed to accommodate the sink.

Remove the upper drawer and clamp it to a work surface. Use a trim saw or handsaw to carefully cut along the sides of the drawer where they meet the face.

This step allows you to create a false front later, maintaining the dresser’s original appearance.

Pro Tip: In most dresser-to-vanity conversions, the top drawer sits directly where the sink will be installed. As Norm Abram explained on a This Old House project, “In most vanities, the top drawer is just a false front, so I’m gonna remove the box and we’ll salvage the front.” An oscillating saw works well to cut the bottom away from the front, preserving the drawer face intact for reattachment later.

2. Cut the Drawer Bottom

After addressing the sides, focus on separating the drawer bottom from the front.

Flip the drawer upside down and use an oscillating multi-tool with a flush-cutting blade or a handheld flush-cutting saw. Cut along the back side of the drawer front where the bottom meets it. Keep the blade snug against the drawer front for a clean cut.

Set aside the drawer front and frame parts for later use, and unscrew the dresser top using a drill/driver.

For the lower drawer, you’ll also need to account for the sink’s plumbing. Because the trap and supply lines will sit behind the drawer, measure and mark spots 4 inches to the right and left of the drawer’s centerline on the underside. Use a straightedge to draw cutlines on the bottom, then transfer those marks to the back of the drawer. Clamp the drawer securely and follow the cutlines with a trim saw along the back, continuing along the bottom until you reach the face. This creates a center trough that allows the plumbing to pass through while preserving usable drawer space on either side.

3. Mark the Lower Drawer

To accommodate plumbing, you’ll need to create a cutout in at least one of the lower drawers.

Place the drawer upside down on your work surface, and measure and mark spots 4 inches to the right and left of the drawer’s centerline. Use a straightedge to draw cutlines on the bottom of the drawer. Transfer these marks to the back of the drawer for a complete outline.

4. Cut the Drawer

With the drawer marked, it’s time to make the necessary cuts for plumbing access.

Clamp the drawer securely to your work surface. Using a rafter square as a guide, follow the cutline along the back of the drawer with a trim saw.

Continue cutting along the bottom of the drawer until you reach the face. Use a multitool or handsaw to complete the cut where it meets the drawer face.

5. Cut the Internal Sides

Creating internal supports will help maintain the drawer’s structure after the cutout.

Take the upper drawer’s back and use a sliding T-bevel to find the angle where it meets the front. Transfer this angle and cut the end of the piece. Hold the cut piece upright in the cutout and mark where it intersects with the back of the lower drawer. Cut the piece on a miter saw and repeat for the opposite side.

6. Attach the Internal Sides

Secure the newly cut internal sides to reinforce the modified drawer structure.

Dry-fit the cut pieces to ensure proper placement. Apply wood glue along the edges where they will attach. Secure the pieces with a pneumatic nail gun and 1 1/4-inch, 18-gauge brads. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth for a clean finish.

Pro Tip: The glue is the main ingredient in the whole assembly—it’s what holds everything solidly and tightly together. The brads are really just there to hold the two pieces stuck together until the glue sets. Be sure to get a good bead of carpenter’s glue into any grooves and along all edges you’re joining for the strongest possible bond.

7. Add the Corner Blocking

Reinforce the corners of the modified drawer for added stability.

Rip angled blocking from 1x stock on a table saw. Apply wood glue to the right-angle edges of the blocking. Position the blocking between the drawer sides and face. Tack the blocking in place with brads or small nails.

Tip: If you don’t have a table saw, make corner blocking from cove or quarter-round molding.

8. Cut the Slide Blocking

Prepare the dresser frame for updated drawer slides if desired.

Measure between the front and back of the dresser frame just above the wooden guide. Cut a 1-by-4 to this length for each side of the dresser. These pieces will serve as blocking for heavy-duty drawer slides.

9. Install the Slide Blocking

Secure the slide blocking to provide a stable base for new drawer slides.

Add spacers if needed to fill any gaps between the blocking and dresser frame. Wedge the cut 1-by-4 blocking between the leg framing above the old wooden guides. Toenail the ends of the blocking into the framing for security. Remove the old wooden drawer guides with a hammer and pry bar.

Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, explains that upgrading old drawer hardware to full ball-bearing slides makes a major difference: “Now when you open the drawer, it’ll open all the way. When you close the drawer, you get so far it’ll actually take over and soft close the drawer, pulling it tight to the cabinet.” Solid blocking is essential for supporting these heavier-duty slides.

10. Set the Drawer Rail

Install the new drawer slides for smooth operation.

Follow the slide’s installation instructions to position the inner rail against the drawer side. Ensure the hardware is square to the back of the drawer, and mark the screw holes.

Secure the rail to the drawer with the included screws. Repeat the process on the other side of the drawer.

Pro Tip: Before installing the new drawer slides, you’ll need to add blocking inside the dresser frame. The grooved dresser drawers originally slid on wood guide rails. To update with heavy-duty slides, install 1×4 blocking flush between the leg framing, just above the old wooden guide on each side. Add spacers to fill any gap between the blocking and the dresser, securing them with glue and brads. Then use a hammer and pry bar to remove the old wooden drawer guides.

11. Secure the Slide to the Dresser

Attach the corresponding slide components to the dresser frame.

Measure and mark the position for the slide track according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Extend the slide rail to access the screw holes. Hold the track in place and fasten one side with an included screw. Square up the track before driving the remaining screws. Install the slide on the opposite side following the same steps.

12. Add the Drawer Supports

Reinforce the dresser frame to support the modified drawer.

Remove the center drawer guide from the bottom of the dresser frame. Cut two pieces of 1/2-inch-thick scrap wood to connect the front and back of the dresser frame. Position the supports to be flush with the front edge and rest on the back of the frame. Glue the supports in place and secure them with 1 1/4-inch brads.

13. Make the Face Braces

Create L-shaped braces to reattach the upper drawer face.

Cut 3-inch pieces of 1-by-2 and glue them together in an L-shape. Secure the L-shaped pieces with 1-inch brads. Make four braces, two for each side of the drawer face.

14. Attach the Face

Reattach the upper drawer face to maintain the dresser’s original appearance.

Hold the upper drawer face in place on the dresser. Position a brace in the corner where the face meets the dresser frame. Tack the brace to the frame and drill a pilot hole through the brace into the drawer face. Secure the face with 1-inch wood screws. Install the remaining braces and slide the lower drawer into place.

15. Secure the Piece

Anchor the vanity to ensure stability and safety in the bathroom.

Position the vanity in the bathroom, leaving about 3 inches of space from the wall. Locate wall studs using a stud finder and mark their positions. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 scrap to use as mounting blocks. Align the scrap with the stud marks and screw through the back of the vanity into each 2-by-4. Push the vanity against the wall, drill angled pilot holes through each 2-by-4 into the wall studs, and secure with 3-inch wood screws.

16. Trim the Sink Hole

Modify the dresser frame to accommodate the sink if necessary.

If your installation requires a curved cut in the dresser frame’s cross support, use a compass to mark the cutline. Set the compass to the width of the sink rim and trace around the opening. Use a jigsaw to carefully follow the marked line and create the necessary opening.

17. Install the Sink

Complete the transformation by installing the sink and plumbing fixtures.

Dry-fit the sink in the countertop opening to ensure proper fit. If adjustments are needed, remove the sink and trim the crosspiece further. Once the fit is correct, apply a bead of silicone caulk to the underside of the sink’s perimeter.

Press the sink into place firmly. Install the drain and faucet according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make the final plumbing connections to complete the installation.

Tip: To make installation easier, attach your fixtures before dropping the sink in.

Customizing Your Dresser Vanity

Beyond the basic steps of converting a dresser into a vanity, there are several ways to customize your project. Consider the following:

• Paint or refinish the dresser to match your bathroom decor.
• Replace drawer pulls with modern hardware for an updated look.
• Add a backsplash behind the vanity for extra protection and style.
• Install a vessel sink on top of the dresser for a more dramatic effect.

Consider adding luxurious touches to further elevate the vanity’s appearance. For instance, you might choose ornate faucets, crystal drawer pulls, or a marble countertop. These details not only enhance the look but also add longevity by using quality materials. Additionally, integrating storage solutions such as built-in organizers can make your vanity both stylish and practical.

Dresser Vanity Maintenance Tips

To ensure your new dresser vanity stands the test of time, do the following:

• Regularly check for water damage and address any issues promptly.
• Apply a water-resistant sealant to protect the wood from moisture.
• Clean the vanity with gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to preserve the finish.
• Periodically tighten hardware and check plumbing connections for leaks.

Taking the time to diligently maintain your vanity will help it retain its beauty and functionality. Beyond the initial installation, consider seasonal maintenance such as reapplying sealant and deep-cleaning the plumbing fixtures. This proactive approach will safeguard your investment, ensuring it remains a striking focal point in your bathroom for many years.