How to Install Drawers in a Bathroom Vanity

Installing drawers to a pre-existing bathroom vanity is an easy task, but it can be time consuming if you plan on building your own drawers. Building drawers for the first time should be left to the professional craftsman while novices are better off ordering pre-made drawers from a home improvement store. If you have more than one full bath and are content with the job you did installing the drawers to the first vanity, this will give you the confidence you need to build the vanity drawers for the other bathrooms in the house.

Step 1 – Placement of the Drawers

Before doing anything else, you should look through catalogs or go online, or you can consult with a salesman to decide where the drawers should go. They can be placed in the center, on both sides, or on one side only depending on the design of the vanity itself. The drawers should balance out the vanity so take into consideration the location of any cabinets the vanity may have and the location of the vanity itself.

Step 2 – Measure the Vanity

Use a tape measure to find out the exact dimensions of the bathroom vanity. This will help you determine the most suitable size of the drawers you plan on installing. It is wise to take the measurements more than once to get the most accurate reading. Once you are sure of the measurements, write them down on a piece of paper and have on hand when you visit the store or when purchasing the drawers online.

Step 3 – Order Drawers

Once you have carefully measured the vanity, go to a home improvement store or go online to buy the desired number of drawers. You should choose the exact type of wood if available or a similar one but be prepared to paint the drawers to match the rest of the vanity or you can paint in a contrasting color if you desire a bolder look. If you don’t need to paint, then just stain the drawers. Don’t forget to also purchase handles or knobs and slides for the drawers.

Step 4 – Paint Drawers

You may skip this step if you are happy with the drawer as is and want to apply stain to it later. Before assembling and installing the drawers, paint them the desired color. If you haven’t settled on the color yet or if you are not sure how it is going to look on the grain of the wood, then paint a few strokes and let dry. After deciding on the color, paint the drawers and let dry for a few hours or overnight.

Step 5 – Assemble Drawers

Use the assembly instructions that came with the drawers to put together. Use glue where needed and hammer parts together as written on the instructions. To avoid damaging the drawer when using the hammer, use a block of scrap wood as a cushion. Wipe off any excess glue.

Step 6 – Assemble Drawer Slides

Screw the slide rollers to the bottom corner edges of the drawers.

Step 7 – Apply Finish

If you decided that the drawers didn’t need paint, then apply stain to complete the look and two to three coats of polyurethane to the drawer fronts.

Step 8 – Install Drawer Fronts

You are ready to install the handles or knobs. Measure the length of the drawer from left to right and mark the middle, where the drawer fronts will be located, and then screw the front on.