How to Build a Sink Console

A sink console is essentially a table without a tabletop so that a counter and sink unit may be dropped into the opening. Console sinks may have two or four legs; a two-legged console mounts to the wall on the backside, while a four-legged console may be left freestanding. Purchasing a prefabricated console for your sink could seriously dip into your bathroom budget, but you can build your own using basic lumber materials and tools. Purchase the countertop sink first to use as a guide for building the console. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length and width of the countertop sink, then subtract 1 inch from these measurements. Subtracting 1 inch from the length and width measurements gives a 1/2-inch overhang for the countertop on all sides of the console.

2

Cut the required pieces of 1-by-4-inch lumber: Cut two pieces for the length measurement and two pieces for the width measurement, remembering to leave off 1 inch of the actual measurement if overhang is desired.

3

Cut 45-degree miters on each end of the 1-by-4 pieces using a miter saw. When a miter cut is used, the angles meet together at each joint.

4

Fit the four pieces of 1-by-4 together, matching up the mitered ends to form a perfect rectangle. Glue the pieces together with wood glue and allow to dry for one hour so the pieces hold together.

5

Reinforce each miter joint with a nail gun or 1 1/2-inch wood screws. Use two nails for each joint, making sure the nail or screw goes into both pieces of wood.

6

Cut four pieces of 2-by-2-inch lumber to a height of 32 to 36 inches, depending on the desired height of the sink. The actual dimensions of the lumber is 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches.

7

Position one of the 2-by-2 pieces in each corner of the rectangle so that the top of the 2-by-2s line up with the top of the 1-by-4s in the rectangle. Check that the legs are level.

8

Attach the 2-by-2 legs to the corners with 2-inch wood screws.

9

Stand the console table up on its legs and measure the length and width of the top.

10

Cut two pieces of 1-by-4 using the length measurement and two pieces for the width. Cut a 45-degree miter at the end of each cut piece.

11

Position the 1-by-4 boards on top of the console, lining up the mitered ends to complete a rectangle. Nail or screw the boards in place through the table legs and the 1-by-4s in the console apron, spacing the nails and screws 6 inches around the console. Adding these boards helps to reinforce the top of the console so it can support the weight of the countertop sink but still leaves an opening to fit the sink bowl.

12

Sand the wood until smooth, then stain or paint as desired to match your bathroom decor.

13

Set the countertop sink on the sink console and set in its place in your bathroom. Drive screws through the back side of the console apron, if desired, to anchor the structure to the two-by-fours in your wall.