Build a bathroom stand

Added Touch
Grab a piece of 1x4 pine, which will measure about 3/4" x 3 1/2", and cross cut four pieces that are each 12" long. Rip a 2" strip off one edge of each of these four pieces to make the skirt, setting aside the offcuts for use later.

At your tablesaw, adjust the fence so it's 1/2" from the blade, lowering the blade height to 1/8". Rip a decorative kerf into the skirt pieces and set them aside.

Take the time to sand all of the project's parts, beginning with 100-grit paper and working your way up to 180-grit. It's key that every surface is sanded equally, including those that look like they don't need it. Consistent sanding is essential for creating even finishing results.

You're now at the point at which you can glue the four skirt pieces to the underside of the bottom shelf, but there's something you must understand first. The pair of skirts oriented in the same direction as the woodgrain of the shelf can be glued along their entire length. That's easy enough. But the other two skirts-the ones that run across the shelf's grain direction-must be glued only along the centre one-third of their length. This allows for expansion of the bottom shelf in varying humidity, an action that would probably cause cracking or warping if it were restricted by a full glue bead (especially after a long, hot shower). Clamp everything together and allow it to dry.

Remember the off-cuts from the skirt pieces? These are for the top rails, which attach the top to the project. Begin by giving them a quick sanding, then create a countersunk hole by drilling a 3/8"-diameter hole, 5/8" deep into the centre of the two rails that will run parallel to the grain of the top. Then continue these holes all the way through with a 1/8" drill bit to accept some #8 x 1 1/2" mounting screws for the top.

Finally, cut the support cleats for the shelves. These are two pieces of 1x4 pine, each cut to 12" long, then ripped to 1 1/4" wide.