Replace Bath Vanity Doors

Materials and Tools:
3/8-inch MDF (medium density fiberboard)
wood glue
paint
hinge
screws
brad nailer
router
safety goggles
measuring tape
screwdriver
paintbrush
paint tray
paint roller

Steps:

1. Before building the new door, it’s important to remove the old door and use it as a template to get the correct size. Begin by unscrewing the hinges attached to the door. It is not necessary to remove the part of the hinge attached to the inside of the vanity cabinet since those will be reused.

2. Once the door is off, grab a tape measure and determine the length and height of the old door.

3. Cut the new door structure out of 3/8-inch MDF, a great material that typically costs less than natural wood and has a tendency not to split like grained wood. Measure the door panel dimensions on the MDF and cut the board appropriately with a chop saw. Be sure to wear safety goggles when using the saw.

5. Once the four pieces are cut, place a moderate amount of wood glue on the back of one of the rails and fit it on to the top of the board face. Next, use the brad nailer and tack a few nails into the rail to secure it into place (figure A). Don’t worry if there’s a slight overlay or profile showing because the edges will be sanded down once everything's in place.

6. Repeat the gluing and nailing steps for the two stiles.

7. Glue and nail the bottom rail on to the board, making sure it touches the stiles as closely as possible for a tight, seamless fit.

8. Grab a router to chamfer the edges, which provides a smooth and even surface that’s beveled (figure B).

9. Pour some paint of your choice into a paint tray and grab a paintbrush and roller (figure C). It will be easier to paint the space within the frame with the paintbrush to make sure to cover all the edges. For a unique look, rolling paint on to the rails and stiles will give it a contemporary, textured feel. Be sure to paint the underside of the door once the paint dries so that no moisture seeps in and warps the wood.

10. After the paint has dried fully, attach the door to the vanity. Hold the door up to the existing hinge and be sure it will fit nicely when closed. Secure the door to the original hinge with screws and the old vanity has a new look.