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Bathroom vanity rebuild

7K views 21 replies 7 participants last post by  JoeLyddon 
#1 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 1.

After making a Sink Cutting Board for our neighbours Caravan they asked for a rebuild on their Bathroom Vanity.

So I took a look.

Brown Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Bathroom sink


The construction was plastic cladded particle board of which was showing a lot of wear and tear.

The drawer section on the left had long failed an had two of the drawers removed the other was stuck fast.

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


Also added with the fact that the door on the RH side was really too big for the area next to the bath.

The owners wanted to do away with the drawers and have a hinged door in its place.

So I suggested a pair of split doors on the left and a central shelf, on the right the same setup a mid way shelf and a pair of split doors to match the left.
The construction was to be made from plywood and solid timber.

They were happy with the suggestion so I designed a replacement vanity for them.

One condition placed on me was that the existing plumbing and basin was not disturbed.
I had no problem with this condition and started work.

I made a LH end section for them to have a look at , and decide if it was suitable

Table saws Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


They were most impressed with the sample and agreed to go ahead.

So I removed the cupboard piece by piece, They offered to dump it all but I said I wanted it for a template.
So it was reconstructed like the space shuttle in my yard for determining a build stategy.

Rectangle Wood Grass Road surface Tints and shades


Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


It all came out pretty easy and all I did was to cut around the plumbing to get the pipe template.
Looking at it all in the yard it looked very chatty to say the least.

Not being too confident with the ability to replicate it all, I started wondering what I had gotten myself into, and started scratching my head as to where to begin!
 

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#2 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 1.

After making a Sink Cutting Board for our neighbours Caravan they asked for a rebuild on their Bathroom Vanity.

So I took a look.

Brown Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Bathroom sink


The construction was plastic cladded particle board of which was showing a lot of wear and tear.

The drawer section on the left had long failed an had two of the drawers removed the other was stuck fast.

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


Also added with the fact that the door on the RH side was really too big for the area next to the bath.

The owners wanted to do away with the drawers and have a hinged door in its place.

So I suggested a pair of split doors on the left and a central shelf, on the right the same setup a mid way shelf and a pair of split doors to match the left.
The construction was to be made from plywood and solid timber.

They were happy with the suggestion so I designed a replacement vanity for them.

One condition placed on me was that the existing plumbing and basin was not disturbed.
I had no problem with this condition and started work.

I made a LH end section for them to have a look at , and decide if it was suitable

Table saws Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


They were most impressed with the sample and agreed to go ahead.

So I removed the cupboard piece by piece, They offered to dump it all but I said I wanted it for a template.
So it was reconstructed like the space shuttle in my yard for determining a build stategy.

Rectangle Wood Grass Road surface Tints and shades


Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


It all came out pretty easy and all I did was to cut around the plumbing to get the pipe template.
Looking at it all in the yard it looked very chatty to say the least.

Not being too confident with the ability to replicate it all, I started wondering what I had gotten myself into, and started scratching my head as to where to begin!
you can do it ….I can tell just by lookin at your projects …...GOOD LUCK :<))
 

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#3 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 1.

After making a Sink Cutting Board for our neighbours Caravan they asked for a rebuild on their Bathroom Vanity.

So I took a look.

Brown Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Bathroom sink


The construction was plastic cladded particle board of which was showing a lot of wear and tear.

The drawer section on the left had long failed an had two of the drawers removed the other was stuck fast.

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


Also added with the fact that the door on the RH side was really too big for the area next to the bath.

The owners wanted to do away with the drawers and have a hinged door in its place.

So I suggested a pair of split doors on the left and a central shelf, on the right the same setup a mid way shelf and a pair of split doors to match the left.
The construction was to be made from plywood and solid timber.

They were happy with the suggestion so I designed a replacement vanity for them.

One condition placed on me was that the existing plumbing and basin was not disturbed.
I had no problem with this condition and started work.

I made a LH end section for them to have a look at , and decide if it was suitable

Table saws Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


They were most impressed with the sample and agreed to go ahead.

So I removed the cupboard piece by piece, They offered to dump it all but I said I wanted it for a template.
So it was reconstructed like the space shuttle in my yard for determining a build stategy.

Rectangle Wood Grass Road surface Tints and shades


Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


It all came out pretty easy and all I did was to cut around the plumbing to get the pipe template.
Looking at it all in the yard it looked very chatty to say the least.

Not being too confident with the ability to replicate it all, I started wondering what I had gotten myself into, and started scratching my head as to where to begin!
Robert, I hate working on plumbing! There is always one more part to buy and one part that needs to be replaced. It seems to always mean three or so trips to the hardware store or plumbing shop. Good luck on the rest of this ambitious project. I hope there is some compensation involved. You are off to a great start. As always, thanks for taking us along on your adventures.
 

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#4 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 1.

After making a Sink Cutting Board for our neighbours Caravan they asked for a rebuild on their Bathroom Vanity.

So I took a look.

Brown Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Bathroom sink


The construction was plastic cladded particle board of which was showing a lot of wear and tear.

The drawer section on the left had long failed an had two of the drawers removed the other was stuck fast.

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


Also added with the fact that the door on the RH side was really too big for the area next to the bath.

The owners wanted to do away with the drawers and have a hinged door in its place.

So I suggested a pair of split doors on the left and a central shelf, on the right the same setup a mid way shelf and a pair of split doors to match the left.
The construction was to be made from plywood and solid timber.

They were happy with the suggestion so I designed a replacement vanity for them.

One condition placed on me was that the existing plumbing and basin was not disturbed.
I had no problem with this condition and started work.

I made a LH end section for them to have a look at , and decide if it was suitable

Table saws Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


They were most impressed with the sample and agreed to go ahead.

So I removed the cupboard piece by piece, They offered to dump it all but I said I wanted it for a template.
So it was reconstructed like the space shuttle in my yard for determining a build stategy.

Rectangle Wood Grass Road surface Tints and shades


Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


It all came out pretty easy and all I did was to cut around the plumbing to get the pipe template.
Looking at it all in the yard it looked very chatty to say the least.

Not being too confident with the ability to replicate it all, I started wondering what I had gotten myself into, and started scratching my head as to where to begin!
looks like fun rob,im with boxguy cant stand doing plumbing hopefully you dont have to do a lot with the pipes.id say build the vanity and leave the pipe work to someone else.im sure youll come up with something beautiful as always.good luck and thanks for sharing buddy.
 

Attachments

#5 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 1.

After making a Sink Cutting Board for our neighbours Caravan they asked for a rebuild on their Bathroom Vanity.

So I took a look.

Brown Tap Plumbing fixture Sink Bathroom sink


The construction was plastic cladded particle board of which was showing a lot of wear and tear.

The drawer section on the left had long failed an had two of the drawers removed the other was stuck fast.

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


Also added with the fact that the door on the RH side was really too big for the area next to the bath.

The owners wanted to do away with the drawers and have a hinged door in its place.

So I suggested a pair of split doors on the left and a central shelf, on the right the same setup a mid way shelf and a pair of split doors to match the left.
The construction was to be made from plywood and solid timber.

They were happy with the suggestion so I designed a replacement vanity for them.

One condition placed on me was that the existing plumbing and basin was not disturbed.
I had no problem with this condition and started work.

I made a LH end section for them to have a look at , and decide if it was suitable

Table saws Wood Wood stain Hardwood Flooring


They were most impressed with the sample and agreed to go ahead.

So I removed the cupboard piece by piece, They offered to dump it all but I said I wanted it for a template.
So it was reconstructed like the space shuttle in my yard for determining a build stategy.

Rectangle Wood Grass Road surface Tints and shades


Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


It all came out pretty easy and all I did was to cut around the plumbing to get the pipe template.
Looking at it all in the yard it looked very chatty to say the least.

Not being too confident with the ability to replicate it all, I started wondering what I had gotten myself into, and started scratching my head as to where to begin!
Never a doubt!

We ALL know you can do it… and are looking forward to seeing how you DO IT!


Thank you for sharing!

Getting the New top aligned for all that plumbing is the most important thing to do… You WILL do it!
 

Attachments

#6 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 2.

After wondering just how I was going to approach this build I decided that due to the existing plumbing and vanity still in place I would have to make separate parts and slide them into place then fix them in situ.
So I made the two back sections of the cupboard knowing I could slide them in place then pocket hole the corners to secure them.
Next was the base section I had to add additional supports under it due to the fact the original cupboard was build complete the just put in place.

As mine being modular and effectively free standing additional supports at the back were required for the base to sit on.

Table Wood Wood stain Hardwood Office ruler


I layed out the existing pieces with the plumbing service holes and transfer punched them into the new base, cut the holes right in the min dimensions and cut a Vee section out to enable the base to slide in

Wood Flooring Floor Wood stain Hardwood


Added some support blocks underneath the vee section and took it all next door for a fitup.

Wood Ruler Rectangle Flooring Plank


The Side fitted OK but the back did not until I found a nail hiding at the back in the way. Then all was OK.

Wood Flooring Composite material Hardwood Beige


The base I discovered needed work as there was a curved edge on the stone floor I missed initally.
So it was back home again for that profile to be cut in.

Wood Rectangle Handwriting Hardwood Font


The service holes looked pretty close nothing my flexible drum sander couldnt fix.

While I was working away one of the family of Water Dragons that lives here decided to drop in and see what I was up to, maybe I was making too much noise and it was wanting ear muffs!

Plant Grass Automotive tire Road surface Wood


.
 

Attachments

#7 ·
R & L Bathroom Re build Pt 2.

After wondering just how I was going to approach this build I decided that due to the existing plumbing and vanity still in place I would have to make separate parts and slide them into place then fix them in situ.
So I made the two back sections of the cupboard knowing I could slide them in place then pocket hole the corners to secure them.
Next was the base section I had to add additional supports under it due to the fact the original cupboard was build complete the just put in place.

As mine being modular and effectively free standing additional supports at the back were required for the base to sit on.

Table Wood Wood stain Hardwood Office ruler


I layed out the existing pieces with the plumbing service holes and transfer punched them into the new base, cut the holes right in the min dimensions and cut a Vee section out to enable the base to slide in

Wood Flooring Floor Wood stain Hardwood


Added some support blocks underneath the vee section and took it all next door for a fitup.

Wood Ruler Rectangle Flooring Plank


The Side fitted OK but the back did not until I found a nail hiding at the back in the way. Then all was OK.

Wood Flooring Composite material Hardwood Beige


The base I discovered needed work as there was a curved edge on the stone floor I missed initally.
So it was back home again for that profile to be cut in.

Wood Rectangle Handwriting Hardwood Font


The service holes looked pretty close nothing my flexible drum sander couldnt fix.

While I was working away one of the family of Water Dragons that lives here decided to drop in and see what I was up to, maybe I was making too much noise and it was wanting ear muffs!

Plant Grass Automotive tire Road surface Wood


.
Jacksons did you see the Water Dragon?
 

Attachments

#11 ·
Bathroom Vanity rebuild continues

I had a chance to return to the Vanity rebuild this week, so I made some fairly serious progress

The carcass is almost complete, but sadly I have used all my insert type euro type hinges so one door is still not attached.

All the timber apart from the plywood was bits and pieces I had stashed away so I just milled them to one single dimension. There was a mixture of pine maple and a timber which had a greenish tinge and smelled like spices or similar, absolutely no Idea what specis of timber it is. ( is it sandalwood?)

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor


To make the doors I used plywood panels in the flat panel concept

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Rectangle Urban design


I made all the door bits, glued assembled aligned them and then used my Backline clamps to hold them all flat during the glue up.

Wood Machine Gas Metal Steel


All the doors and external surfaces are to be painted so odd mismatched timber, wood filler and the likes was not a problem.

The Hinges:
The hinges I used were all euro style and a mixture of Insert and Full Overlap.
If you are familiar with Euro hinge terminology The original layout had a frameless construction with the left drawer sets with insert characterstics on the L/H side and full overlap on the R/H side, then the original Door on the right side had Full overlap on the L/H side and insert on the R/H side, again as to why was beyond my understanding so I just replicated it.

Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


I made a removable box type shelf but after fitting the hinges I realised it woud not be able to be removed, so it got religated to the under basin area.

Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle Flooring Hardwood


On the right hand side there was a Vee shaped area which I copied however later I had to change it looked really bad when the door was fitted.

Here is the original gap.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Road surface


It was going to look a bit off.

Wood Wood stain Floor Material property Plank


Not the sort of problem you need when on a home run so I had to "fix" it

I used the table saw to make a wedged shape piece of timber and glued it in.

Wood Floor Hardwood Flooring Wood stain


Here it is fitted

Wood Garden hose Floor Flooring Gas


Well that effectively stopped work until the glue sets and I get some more hinges.

Some things I learned.

1. Changing from drawers to doors presents its own design challanges.
2. Changing from conventional butt hinges to euro style makes you think about access restrictions.
3. Having to work around existing plumbing made for many trips to ensure partly assembled modules fitup would occur without a hitch, good thing it was only just to next door.
4. It seems that diving into a tub of euro hinges without fitting information required a protype bench test of each type before drilling a real McCoy door. Even checking on the net gave varying answers to edge setting distances.
5. And possibly most importantly ensure the door rails are wide enough to accomodate the width of euro hinges. Dont even think about anything less than 50mm, I had to cut the points off screws on the left hand panel areas as they were into the plywood panel at fitup.

So wher is the back? (just in case you noticed it missing)
Due to the existing plumbing the two back panels the rear and R/H side are already in position and the carcass will be pocket hole screwed to it at instalation.

So this is where I am up to today.
 

Attachments

#12 ·
Bathroom Vanity rebuild continues

I had a chance to return to the Vanity rebuild this week, so I made some fairly serious progress

The carcass is almost complete, but sadly I have used all my insert type euro type hinges so one door is still not attached.

All the timber apart from the plywood was bits and pieces I had stashed away so I just milled them to one single dimension. There was a mixture of pine maple and a timber which had a greenish tinge and smelled like spices or similar, absolutely no Idea what specis of timber it is. ( is it sandalwood?)

Table Wood Rectangle Flooring Floor


To make the doors I used plywood panels in the flat panel concept

Wood Hardwood Wood stain Rectangle Urban design


I made all the door bits, glued assembled aligned them and then used my Backline clamps to hold them all flat during the glue up.

Wood Machine Gas Metal Steel


All the doors and external surfaces are to be painted so odd mismatched timber, wood filler and the likes was not a problem.

The Hinges:
The hinges I used were all euro style and a mixture of Insert and Full Overlap.
If you are familiar with Euro hinge terminology The original layout had a frameless construction with the left drawer sets with insert characterstics on the L/H side and full overlap on the R/H side, then the original Door on the right side had Full overlap on the L/H side and insert on the R/H side, again as to why was beyond my understanding so I just replicated it.

Wood Floor Flooring Wood stain Hardwood


I made a removable box type shelf but after fitting the hinges I realised it woud not be able to be removed, so it got religated to the under basin area.

Wood Outdoor furniture Rectangle Flooring Hardwood


On the right hand side there was a Vee shaped area which I copied however later I had to change it looked really bad when the door was fitted.

Here is the original gap.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Road surface


It was going to look a bit off.

Wood Wood stain Floor Material property Plank


Not the sort of problem you need when on a home run so I had to "fix" it

I used the table saw to make a wedged shape piece of timber and glued it in.

Wood Floor Hardwood Flooring Wood stain


Here it is fitted

Wood Garden hose Floor Flooring Gas


Well that effectively stopped work until the glue sets and I get some more hinges.

Some things I learned.

1. Changing from drawers to doors presents its own design challanges.
2. Changing from conventional butt hinges to euro style makes you think about access restrictions.
3. Having to work around existing plumbing made for many trips to ensure partly assembled modules fitup would occur without a hitch, good thing it was only just to next door.
4. It seems that diving into a tub of euro hinges without fitting information required a protype bench test of each type before drilling a real McCoy door. Even checking on the net gave varying answers to edge setting distances.
5. And possibly most importantly ensure the door rails are wide enough to accomodate the width of euro hinges. Dont even think about anything less than 50mm, I had to cut the points off screws on the left hand panel areas as they were into the plywood panel at fitup.

So wher is the back? (just in case you noticed it missing)
Due to the existing plumbing the two back panels the rear and R/H side are already in position and the carcass will be pocket hole screwed to it at instalation.

So this is where I am up to today.
Rob, nice progress. It is a good thing it is next door. This is a real challenge to your ample ingenuity. Keep building and keep posting.
 

Attachments

#15 ·
Job complete

Its in and done not a lot to show, as I took these pictures then went shopping for the missing hinges.

A few minor mismatches with the existing tiling which will have to have quad fitted to cover it but otherwise all fitted in OK.

Here is the left side

Brown Wood Door Floor Wood stain


Here is the right side

Property Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood


The plans I worked from.

The left side

Wood Road surface Rectangle Asphalt Floor


The right side

Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


What it looked like before I got my hands on it

The left side

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


The right side

Flooring Floor Fixture Gas Hardwood


So ends the vanity Project, I think its covered enough as a blog and as the door is not finished its not appearing as a project.
 

Attachments

#16 ·
Job complete

Its in and done not a lot to show, as I took these pictures then went shopping for the missing hinges.

A few minor mismatches with the existing tiling which will have to have quad fitted to cover it but otherwise all fitted in OK.

Here is the left side

Brown Wood Door Floor Wood stain


Here is the right side

Property Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood


The plans I worked from.

The left side

Wood Road surface Rectangle Asphalt Floor


The right side

Rectangle Road surface Wood Grass Flooring


What it looked like before I got my hands on it

The left side

Shelving Wood Flooring Hardwood House


The right side

Flooring Floor Fixture Gas Hardwood


So ends the vanity Project, I think its covered enough as a blog and as the door is not finished its not appearing as a project.
Hey!

I want to see the TOP… to see how you got it done! LOL

Glad you made it!

Looks GREAT, what I could see of it… LOL
 

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