18" Ensuite Bathroom Vanity

Materials: Bekvam

Description: Put off by outrageous prices for bathroom vanities and an awkward space to fill in my ensuite bathroom, I turned to Ikea Hackers for inspiration.

Not to be disappointed, Karen from SFO gave me the great idea to use the Bekvam butcher block as a base for my shaker style vanity with above counter sink.

The materials list and cost is as follows:

- The Bekvam cart: $59.99
- Cabinet door from as-is section at Ikea: $5
- 1 piece of 20" x 48" x 3/4" pine lumber from Home Depot: $11
- 2 hinges: $4
- I used left over paint and stain I had stored in my workshop for the finish.

So total cost for the vanity was 80 bucks. The sink and faucet ran me about $325 at a local bathroom supply liquidator. The manufacturer of the sink and faucet is called "Rubi".

In a nutshell I used the basic frame of the Beckvam for the counter top and legs. I disassembled the shelves that come with the bekvam and used the wood to create the detail on the sides where the lumber meets up with the bekvam structure. I did the same in the front face where the door meets bekvam. The result is a smoother transition from the existing structure to the add on components (lumber and door).

For the finish I used a very durable oil based melamine paint (2 coats). I stained the counter top and sealed it with 2 coats of varathane and buffed it with paste wax for added protection from the water.

~ Jeremy, Montreal, Canada