Small bathroom? This DIY vanity bench project is for you

Chris Jones

Bust out your best renovation moves and create an innovative and sleek bathroom. An in-bath shower fress up floor space and allows for a secret storage unit in a tiled hob wall. Look to other parts of your home for palette inspiration - here timber-look ceramic floor tiles contrast with glossy white on the wall.

You’re so vain! Hardware and size really do matter so consider a customised vanity unit for your bathroom. If space permits, extend the length of the vanity to a nearby return wall so there’s no nook left unused – every centimetre is precious in a small space.

Stylish Bathroom Makeover | Indoor | Great Home Ideas

Vanity bench unit

Construct this unit to host the basin in your bathroom. The design caters to a sleek wall-mounted mixer tap and features a semi-recessed basin for a super-contemporary look.

Gather your supplies

Ends (2) 450 x 300 x 30mm finger-jointed pine
Bottom and Top 1140 x 282 x 30 mm finger-jointed pine
Dividers (2) 390 x 282 x 30 mm finger-jointed pine
Back 1140 x 450 x 18 mm marine plywood
Benchtops sizes to suit, composite stone

You'll also need

PVA; drill and bits: countersink bit; screws to suit; square; jigsaw; wood filler; power sander; or fine-grit sandpaper and sandling block; painting tools; drop sheet; water-based primer; hard-wearing topcoat paint; saw; timber offcuts; construction adhesive; semi-recessed basin to suit (we used Caroma Liano semi-recessed basin).

Here's how

STEP 1 From 1 short end of the Bottom, measure and mark lines 465mm and 885mm for positions of Dividers.

STEP 2 Line up 1 End, flush with outside edge of 1 short end of Bottom. There will be an 18mm overhang at the back. Apply PVA, pedrill, then countersink and screw through End into Bottom.

STEP 3 Centre 1 Divider to 1 mark made in Step 1. Apply PVA, predrill, then countersink and screw through Bottom into Divider. Repeat to fix other Divider, centred to other line.

STEP 4 Place remaining End flush with edge of other short end of Bottom. Keep overhang on same side of assembly as other End. Apply PVA, predrill, then countersink and screw through End into Bottom.

STEP 5 Turn assembly so it sits Bottom-down on your workbench, withe Ends and Dividers now pointing upward. You will notice the Ends are slightly taller than the 2 Dividers. Place Top in position, resting on Dividers and butted against the inside of both Ends. Apply PVA, predrill, then countersink and drive screws in at each connection point to secure.

STEP 6 Apply PVA, then place Back in position on assembly. Predrill, counterink and screw Back to assembly. Do not drive screws into Top where cut-out for basin will be.

STEP 7 Double-checking against the dimensions of your basin, use a square and pencil to mark position of basin on Top.

STEP 8 Use jigsaw to cut along marked lines on Top. Remove cut-out and discard. Clean up excess PVA with a dampened rag. Test-fit your basin and adjust slightly if necessary, accounting for thickness of benchtops to be added later.

STEP 9 Fill screw holes with wood filler. Let dry.

STEP 10 Using power sander or fine-grit sandpaper wrapped around sanding block, rub over entire assembly until smooth.

STEP 11 Transfer assembly to drop sheet laid out in well-ventilated area. Paint assembly with primer. Let dry.

STEP 12 Apply 2 - 3 coats of chosen topcoat. Let dry after each coat. If using a spray product, allow sufficient drop sheet coverage to catch overspray.

STEP 13 Using a saw, cut offcuts of timber to act as temporary support legs under vanity. Stand vanity in position at desired height.

STEP 14 Screw through Back and 1 End (if possible) into wall studs to secure.

STEP 15 Apply adhesive and press benchtop pieces into position. Apply weight to top of both bench pieces to ensure a good bond or use masking tape to hold bench pieces in position. Let dry.

STEP 16 Have your plumber fit and connect your basin.