D.I.Y. bathroom vanity

All of the timber panels are 600mm wide, we need to cut all of them to 500mm. Clamp the wood to the workbench and mark it at 500mm. Use the 90-degree square to run a line down the length of the timber.

With the wood clamped, use the circular saw to cut it to the right width. Don't rush, you want a nice smooth finish. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to cut all of the timber to the right width.

Choose the best looking piece of long timber and mark it. Wrap painters or masking tape around one end – this will stop the wood from splintering. Mark a straight line along the tape. Set the circular saw to a 45-degree angle and cut the timber.

From the mitre cut, measure and mark 1500mm. Use the 90-degree T-square to run a straight line across the timber.

Wrap masking tape over where you're going to cut. Re-mark 1500mm on the tape. Use the circular saw to cut a 45-degree angle. Repeat the previous steps to cut the other long piece, which will be the bottom of the vanity.

From the mitred edge, measure and mark 430mm. Wrap masking tape around the timber. Then, re-mark the 430mm mark on the tape.

With the wood clamped to the workbench, cut the timber at a 45-degree angle. Repeat the previous steps to mitre cut the other side panel to size.

Use 120 grit sandpaper to sand the interior facing panel pieces of the vanity before putting it together. Don't sand the edges because you won't get a nice, neat finish on your mitre joins.

Stand a top or bottom panel and a side panel on their edge. Clamp each end to help balance the pieces while you're working. Make sure the mitre joints are flush. Liberally apply PVA glue to both mitred sides and join them together. Use tape to hold the panels in place. Then, use the nail gun to fix the two pieces together. To make the vanity look good, fix the majority of nails along the side panel. Add three fixing nails to the top to keep it secure. Repeat this to fix the two other outer panels.

Take the two L-shaped panel and join them together. Apply glue to the mitre joints and tape the sides to hold the frame. Use the nail gun to fix the panels. Wipe away any excess glue.

Follow the instructions on the flat pack drawers to assemble them. Glue the corners together to give them extra strength.

Measure the width of the drawers, including the sliders. Transfer these measurements to the left- and right-hand side on the bottom panel of the outer frame.

Measure the height and length for the vanity divider. When measuring the length, take into account the back panel that will be attached to the vanity. Transfer these measurements to the timber. 

Clamp the timber to the workbench. Use the circular saw to cut the divider. Repeat this step for the other divider. Sand the edges of the timber with 180 grit sandpaper.

Apply a bead of glue where the divider will be attached. Put the divider in place. Turn the vanity over so that the bottom panel is facing upwards. Use the nail gun to secure the dividers. Turn the vanity back over and use the nail gun to fix the divider. Don't use too many nails on the top of the vanity because you don't want to spoil the look. 

To make sure the divider is firmly fixed, attach brackets to them on the inside edge of the drawer opening and underside of the top. Space the brackets out evenly. Mark where the screw holes should be and pre-drill using a 3mm drill bit. Screw the brackets into place.

Follow the instructions on the package to install the drawer sliders. Turn the vanity on its side. Place the sliders where you want them to be and mark where you need to drill. Pre-drill the holes and screw the sliders into place with the 16mm screws.

Take the height and length measurements from the back of the vanity. Transfer these measurements onto a piece of timber.

Clamp the timber to the workbench. Use the circular saw to cut the back panel to size. Then, sand it with 180 grit sandpaper to make the edges smooth.

Draw a line across the top and bottom of the vanity where the panel will be fixed. This will make sure the nails are in a straight line. Apply glue to the edges of the back panel. Put the panel in place. Use the nail gun to fix the back panel in place at the top, bottom and sides of the vanity. Wipe away any excess glue. Leave to dry.

Measure from the outer side of the end panel to the outside of the upright drawer divider. Leave enough room for the drawer to work well, even if it gets damp. Transfer these measurements onto the timber. Make sure the grain runs along the width of the drawer.

Clamp the timber to the workbench. Use the circular saw to cut out the two fronts for the drawers. Use 180 grit sandpaper to make the edges smooth.

Clamp the timber front to the drawer, making sure it's flush with the edge and divider. Use a 5mm drill bit to pre-drill four holes on the drawer, two on each side. Use the 16mm screws to fix the timber to the drawer. Repeat this to attach the other front to the drawer.

Use a suitable wood putty to fill any holes or gaps. Let the putty dry. Sand the entire vanity with 180 grit sandpaper to get a smooth surface.

We're applying a clear varnish to seal the timber and show off its natural grain. Stir the varnish thoroughly before applying. Use a good quality brush for a perfect finish. Leave the varnish to dry then sand with 240 grit sandpaper. Wipe away any sawdust. Apply three coats of varnish, lightly sanding between coats.

Determine where you want the vanity to go in the bathroom. Use the 5mm drill bit to pre-drill holes in the back of the vanity and into the tiles where the vanity will be fixed to the wall. Also use a spade bit to drill any holes you might need for plumbing and electrical cords.