DIY Wood Vanity Top

There are many ways to revamp or replace a damaged vanity top when the vanity is still structurally sound. Perhaps your vanity top has become damaged by age or you want to add another sink or different faucet setup. You can even change the mood and style of the room with a new vanity top. There are a variety of ways to use wood to replace a top that range from simple to intricate and elaborate. Does this Spark an idea?

Planning

Draw a plan detailing the style and size vanity top you wish to make. After removing the old top, measure the vanity width and depth. Regardless of the method used to make the wood top, it should overlap front and side edges of the vanity by about 1 inch. If there is room, you can extend the wood top past the vanity to make a shelf. Use a table saw to cut a straight-edged top, and a jigsaw for curved edges. You can then route or round the edges. Even without specialized tools, you can dress up a top by adding molding around the edges for a touch of elegance. Use a jigsaw to cut the sink opening and a butterfly drill bit to make the faucet holes.

Wood Choices

A wood top can be cut entirely from one piece or pieced together using biscuit or tongue-and-groove joints. A vanity top can be cut in a single piece from the least expensive -- MDF or particle board or any variety of hard wood can be used. Manufactured wood such as MDF is extremely susceptible to water damage and must be carefully sealed. You may use wood that is not specifically meant for this purpose, such as leftover flooring. It is easier to use this type of wood over another solid piece of wood. If a sink is being placed into the wood vanity top, it must be strong enough to support the weight of the sink.

Finishing

Wood can be finished in a variety of ways. When the vanity is exposed to water, make sure the top is watertight to prevent damage, especially if it is made from MDF or particle board. If you like the look of natural wood, oil can be used to waterproof and protect the finish. The advantage of an oil finish is that you can simply sand and re-oil any future damage. Paint can also be used to finish a wood vanity top. Virtually any paint finish from flat to super-glossy can be used over a waterproofing primer. Many stains and varnishes can be used alone, or along with a clear finish coat. While oil-based products will repel more water, most water-based finishes available today provide adequate water-repelling properties.