Build the Watkins 24 Inch Bath Vanity

A Fabulous Vanity for a Small Space

The easy to build Watkins 24 inch bath vanity features a drawer and a lower shelf. The small size is perfect for a tiny house, half bath or even for an RV or travel trailer! The countertop can be whatever material you choose, and the sink could be a drop-in or vessel style. The upper drawer is a false front secured to furring strips while the lower drawer is split to fit around plumbing. This is an excellent project for any skill level and can be completed in a weekend!

Materials:

• 1-1/2” pocket hole screws
• 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws
• 1-1/4″ brad nails
• 1-1/4” screws
• Edge banding (<– affiliate link!)
• One set of 18” Drawer Slides (<– affiliate link!)
• Drawer handles or knobs
• Wood Glue
• Sandpaper (80, 120, 220 grits)
• Finishing Supplies

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×2 at 8′
• 1 – 1×3 at 4′
• 2 – 1×4 at 6′
• 3 – 2×2 at 8′
• 1 – 2′ x 2′ sheet of 1/4″ plywood
• 1 – 4′ x 4′ sheet of 3/4″ plywood

Cut List:

• 4 – 2×2 at 33-1/4″ – Legs
• 2 – 2×2 at 19″ – Side Stretchers
• 2 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 19″ Sides
• 2 – 2×2 at 21″ – Lower Stretchers
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 15″ x 21″ – Back
• 1 – 3/4″ plywood at 19″ x 21″ – Shelf
• 1 – 1×3 at 21″ – Upper Front Stretcher
• 2 – 1×2 at 21″ – Front Stretchers
• 2 – 1×2 at 21″ – Furring Strips
• 2 – 1×4 at 17-1/4″ – Drawer
• 2 – 1×4 at 18″ – Drawer
• 2 – 1×4 at 5-1/2″ – Drawer
• 1 – 1×4 at 18-1/2″ – Drawer
• 2 – 1/4″ plywood at 7″ x 18″ – Drawer Bottoms
• 2 – 3/4″plywood at 5-1/4″ a 20-3/4″ – Drawer Fronts

Notes About the Project:

• Sand all pieces prior to assembly
• Apply edge banding to the edges of the drawer fronts

Step One

Cut the pieces for the legs, sides, and the lower side stretchers. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the stretchers. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes along the side edges of the side pieces. Secure the sides to the legs using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The inside faces will be flush with the inside faces of the legs (see the drawing).

Step Two

Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in the side edges of the back piece. Secure the back to the legs using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The inside faces will be flush with the inside faces of the legs (see the drawing).

Step Three

Cut the pieces for the lower front and back stretchers. Set the pocket hole jig for 1-1/2″ material and drill pocket holes in each end of the stretchers. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws.

Step Four

Cut the piece for the shelf. Set the pocket hole jig for 3/4″ material and drill pocket holes in all four edges of the shelf. Secure the shelf to the lower stretchers using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. The top face will be flush with the top faces of the stretchers (see the drawing).

Step Five

Cut the pieces for the upper front stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end of each piece. Secure the stretchers to the legs using glue and 1-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Each piece will be located 3/4″ back from the front face of the legs, and the 1×2 stretchers will be laying flat with the 3/4″ edge facing out (pocket holes on the bottom).

Step Six

Cut the pieces for the drawer. Drill pocket holes in each end of the 18-1/2″ and 5-1/2″ pieces, and one end of the 17-1/4″ pieces. Assemble the drawer as shown using the 5-1/2″ pieces as spacers before securing them to the ends of the 18″ and 17-1/4″ pieces.

Secure the bottoms to the drawer using glue and 1-1/4″ brad nails.

Install the drawer slides according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions, locating them 3/4″ back from the edge of the stretchers in the opening. For an easy tutorial on installing drawer slides, click here!

Step Seven

Cut the furring strips for the upper faux drawer. Secure one strip to the back of the 1×3 stretcher using glue and 1-1/4″ screws. Drill pocket holes in each end of the other piece, and secure it just above the upper 1×2 stretcher using glue and pocket hole screws into the legs.

Step Eight

Cut the pieces for the drawer fronts. Mark the position for the drawer pulls and drill the holes. Secure the faux drawer front to the furring strips, allowing a 1/8″ gap around all four sides, using glue and 1-1/4″ screws from the inside.

Shim the remaining drawer front in the opening – there will be a 1/8” gap around all sides – then drive screws through the holes for the drawer pulls into the drawer box. Open the drawer, and secure the drawer front using countersunk 1-1/4” screws from the inside. Remove the screws from the holes for the drawer pull then finish drilling the holes. Install the drawer pull. This easy tutorial on installing drawer fronts will be helpful!

Finish the vanity as desired!

Have questions about the plans to build the Watkins 24 inch bath vanity? Leave a comment below!