Build a Bathroom Sink Cabinet

At this point, we need to add the shelf that will form the bottom of the main enclosure, just above the drawer. In this case, we'll simply be using nails to hold the shelf in place, but if you anticipate having a substantial amount of weight on this shelf in your installation, you may want to make the following modification to these plans:

Note: For stronger shelf support, the shelf could be cut 1/2" wider, and 1/4" dadoes could be cut into the two cabinet sides, precisely 6 1/2" up from the top of the bottom shelf. However, if you only plan on keeping linens and other lightweight items in the main compartment of the cabinet, this will not likely be necessary.

Rip a couple of pieces of scrap material to 6 1/2" wide to act as temporary spacers. Place one piece on edge on each side of the cabinet on the bottom shelf, then place the upper shelf into position on top of these spacers. Verify that the shelf is level, flush with the front of the side panels and precisely 6 1/2" above the bottom shelf, and attach to the sides and plywood back using finish nails.

Next, cut two pieces of 1x4 at 21 1/2" in length. Attach these two pieces just inside the top edge of each side panel, as shown on pages 2 and 3 of the of the free woodworking plans you downloaded in step 1. This will provide support to the vanity countertop.

The carcase of the cabinet is now complete, and it is time to dress it up a bit. The front edges of the two side panels, as well as the front edges of the two cabinet shelves have exposed plywood edges that should be covered.

Using an ordinary iron as a heat source, apply some adhesive edge banding to these exposed plywood edges. Follow the instructions in the package of the edge banding, and then trim the excess off of the edges once the adhesive cools and has set.

Sand the entire carcase as needed to prepare for finish.