Redoing a bathroom can get expensive fast, especially when you’re trying to stick to a tight budget. That’s exactly the spot I found myself in while updating my kids’ bathroom. The old, basic vanity had definitely seen better days, and while I found some store-bought options I liked, they were way too pricey. So I figured—why not try building one myself? I ended up making a double vanity for around $200, and it came out looking just how I wanted.
If you’re looking for a good-looking and practical vanity that actually fits your bathroom and your budget, building your own might be worth a try.
Why I Decided to Build Instead of Buy
My goal was to create a space that felt clean and modern with a little bit of a boho touch. I wanted the vanity to feel like something special—not just better than the old one, but something I was actually excited to see every day.
The one I liked in a store was about $1,275 (on sale!)—and it still wasn’t the right size or color. Plus, the customization options were pretty limited. So instead of compromising, I grabbed some tools and got to work.
Building it myself meant I could choose:
- The exact length (mine’s 56″—great for a smaller double sink setup)
- The height (which I adjusted depending on the sink)
- The overall style (modern, rustic, farmhouse, whatever)
- And the color—I painted mine a deep navy blue
And the best part? It cost way less and felt way more “me.”
Making It Fit Your Space
One of the best things about doing it yourself is being able to build the vanity to match your bathroom setup. I used vessel sinks, so I kept the cabinet around 30 inches tall, plus the countertop and sink height. If you’re using drop-in sinks, a total height of around 36 inches might be better.
Plumbing is another thing to think about. I made sure the drawer section was tall enough (16 ¾ inches) to cover all the pipes. Depending on where your plumbing sits, you might need to change that.
I also built U-shaped drawers so they could fit around the pipes but still give me storage. If your pipes sit lower or further back, you might be able to use regular drawers instead.
Easy to Style Any Way You Like
This design is pretty flexible. You can easily switch things up depending on the look you’re going for:
- Modern – Smooth drawers and sleek handles
- Farmhouse – Add some reclaimed wood or X-style side panels
- Boho – Go bold with paint and try textured drawer fronts
- Rustic – Use a rougher stain and old-school knobs
Just change up the paint, materials, and drawer faces, and you’ve got something that fits your style.
What You’ll Need (Materials & Tools)
You don’t need a huge workshop to pull this off, but you will need some basics. For materials: plywood, 2x2s, drawer slides, wood glue, screws, paint or stain. For tools: a circular saw, a drill, a Kreg Jig (super helpful), sander, and a measuring tape.
I used a mix of solid wood and plywood so it would hold up well. If you’re planning on a stone countertop, make sure the frame is strong enough to support the weight. I used a solid wood top, and it works really well with the style I was going for.
How I Built It (Step-by-Step)
I started by building the side panels, then attached them with long rails. I added a recessed plywood panel in the middle to give the piece a little more depth. After that, I added supports for the drawers, mid-rails, and corner blocks to keep it sturdy.
Make sure you take your time with the frame. If things are off, your drawers won’t line up right and the whole thing could feel wobbly. I used pocket-hole screws and glue to keep the joints tight and clean.
The drawers were actually kind of fun to build. I had to notch them out to fit around the plumbing, but they slide in nice and smooth on full-extension tracks. I kept the drawer fronts super simple, but you can add trim or texture if you want something different.
Finishing Touches Matter
Once everything was built, I sanded the whole thing, filled in any gaps with wood filler, and painted it in a bold navy (Sherwin-Williams Naval). For the inside of the drawers, I used clear poly to keep them safe from water and spills.
I finished it off with some simple knobs that matched the rest of the bathroom. It’s a small thing, but it really ties everything together.
A Few Tips for Installing It
Bathrooms can be tricky, so install might be different depending on your setup. I marked the wall studs, added a spacer because of the baseboards, and screwed the frame to the wall through the top back support. Then I added the countertop, sinks, and faucets.
Just like that—done! A one-of-a-kind, good-looking double vanity that didn’t blow the budget.
So… Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’ve got a bit of time and don’t mind putting in the work, building your own double vanity is totally worth it. You save a bunch of money and end up with something that actually fits your space and looks exactly how you want.
Whether you’re into clean and modern or cozy and rustic, you can make it your own. Plus, there’s something pretty satisfying about saying “Yeah, I built that.”
