How to Make a Vanity Dresser

Vanity dressers are a necessity in every woman's home. Whether the vanity is elaborate or simple, it will always be put to use. You can purchase one, of course, but you can also build one to suit your needs. Read on to learn the steps to a rewarding project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Cutting the Pieces Out

1

Set the table saw fence at 22 inches. Rip the sheet of plywood to this size. This will give you two pieces of plywood, both 96-inches long. One is 22 inches wide and the other is about 26 inches wide. You will only need the 22-inch wide piece.

2

Set the table saw fence at 29 inches. Cut one at this length across the grain to give you a piece of plywood 22-by-29-inches.

3

Set the table saw fence at 20 inches. Cut three pieces from the remaining 22-inch-wide piece at this width. Then rip the 29-inch piece at this width. Now you should have three pieces 20-by-22-inches and one piece that is 20-by-29-inches. These are the tops for drawer cabinets and the knee-space back. Set the table saw fence at 21 inches and rip one of the three 20-by-22-inch pieces down to 20-by-21. This is the top that goes between the two drawer cabinets.

4

Measure and cut four pieces of the veneer edge band to 24 inches. Secure these to the 22-inch sides of the plywood with a hot iron. Be certain to allow the iron to warm the edge band enough to activate the adhesive. Fold the edge band over the corners to break them off even. Sand the excess above and below the edge with the sanding block. Next, cut three pieces of the edge band 22 inches long. Iron them onto one of the 20-inch sides of all three pieces. Again, sand the excess above and below the edge with the sanding block.

5

Remove the drawers from the two cabinets and place them on the work table so that the fronts are facing each other. Measure up from the bottom of the cabinets and make two marks at 29 inches on both cabinets. Place the framing square on these marks and draw lines beginning two inches from the front of the cabinets. Next, measure from the back of the cabinet toward the front and make two marks at two inches on each of the cabinets. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines.

Putting it all Together

6

Place the four pieces of 1-by-2-inch lumber on the worktable. Drill three pilot holes in each piece -- one on either end and one in the center. Apply wood glue to the backs of the two 28-inch pieces of lumber and secure them to the cabinets on the lines previously drawn. Place them one inch up from the bottom of the cabinets. Next, secure the 15-inch lumber setting slightly back from the front of the cabinets with the 1-inch wood screws.

7

Place the two 20-by-22-inch tops on the work table face down. Place the cabinets on them upside down. The cabinets are 18-inches wide and 21-inches deep. Move the cabinet so it is centered on the tops and flush on the back. Secure the cabinets to the tops through the corner blocks inside the cabinets with 1-inch wood screws.

8

Lay the cabinets on their backs about 20-inches apart. Apply glue to the 1-inch edge of the 28-inch 1-by-2s from Step 1 of this section. Slide the 20-by-29-inch piece of plywood between the cabinets and let it rest on the 28-inch 1-by-2s and flush with the bottom of the cabinet. If needed, move the cabinets close enough to eliminate any gaps there may be between the 20-by-29-inch plywood and the cabinets. Secure this to the 1-by-2s with the finish nails.

9

Stand the vanity dresser up and apply glue to the top edges of the 1-by-2s. Slide the remaining piece of plywood in place and secure it to the 1-by-2s with the finish nails. Return the drawers to the cabinets.