Everything old is new again, and people are all about recycling. One hot trend is to turn a dresser you love into an awesome vanity. It’s easier than you think if you’re willing to invest the sweat equity. If you’re brave enough to try this project, you’ll be surprised at how easy it truly is. Read ahead for a step by step guide for turning your old boring dresser into a fabulous new vanity.
Cut the Hole for the Sink
Choose your sink, lay it upside down on the vanity where you’ll want it, and then outline the perimeter with a pencil. Look at the lip on the sink and measure it. It will probably be about an inch or so. Next, use a ruler to create a smaller oval inside the one you just drew. If you have an inch of lip on the sink, then mark this at about three-quarters of an inch. This will give your sink the support you need. Remove the top drawers and then cut the hole using a jigsaw. Sand the opening smooth.
Get the Finish Right
If the dresser needs refinishing work, do it before you start the remodel. Apply your new paint finish or stain ahead of time to ensure a thorough job. You may want to also finish off the rough cut for your sink. Remove the drawers and set the sink in place. Allow about six inches below the sink for the P-trap. You can now see which drawers will be able to remain in place. Use a marker to label where the plumbing will enter and exit on the back of the dresser. These will have to be cut out using a hole saw or jigsaw. The drawers that cannot be used should be taken apart. While the drawers can be disposed of, the fronts should be saved for reattachment once the vanity is in place.
Put it in Place
With the cabinet finished and alterations made, you’re ready to put it in place. Remove the old vanity after shutting down the water supply. Set the new vanity in place and connect the fresh water lines. When attaching the drain line, use solder at the connections or PVC tape and glue to ensure that you have a watertight seal. The cabinet is not meant to be moved, so you should use long screws to secure it to studs in the wall. Use caulk around the top to prevent water from slipping down behind the dresser, and caulk around the sink also. You can now attach the drawer fronts using finishing nails.
If you’ve been dreaming of making a vanity out of an old dresser, then you’ll be excited to learn that it’s easier than you think. Going step by step, you can transform the look of your powder room and make something old new again. You’ll save money, and you’ll be impressed with how fantastic it looks. So no more hesitation, get to work on your new/old vanity! Information for this article was provided by the professionals of Larkin Plumbing.
AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a blogger who loves to write for business, women’s interests, and the home niches. Dixie lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters who are the inspiration for her writing.
