Veneer vs Buying Ply

[Matt]

Starting a vanity soon, not a very big one. maybe 48" long single sink. Just wondering if I should by veneered plywood, or just veneer it myself? wondering if anyone has had experience with this dilemma.

this is what we are looking to-do, maybe in a walnut or white oak

http://media.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod2140548_av1?$l-pd1$

[Hugh Clare]

I guess the question would be how long is it going to take to do the veneer yourself and what is your time worth? That might help you make the decision.

[Jay Boutwell]

Matt, I looked at the vanity you are planning to build and it is a vey nice looking project and worth the time and money to build it right.  I would suggest going the extra expense and go with plywood for the interior non visable parts and use hardwood lumber for the face frame, doors.drawers, and end visable panels.  Not only are you building something worthwhile but something that will be exposed to bathroom moisture.  Moisture can often destroy the thin veneers on both plywood and veneered surfaces even though well coated with finish.  If you use veneer that is expensive and you still need a core to apply the veneer to. 

You would be hard pressed to make a nice looking plywood face frame or drawer and door fronts without using some lumber so the extra amount you need is the amount on the exposed end panels of the vanity.  This would be my choice.    Good luck and I am happy to see another woodworker embarking on a fun and worthwhile task.  Please post some photos of the vanity both while being built and after you have finished it.

[Matt]

See, I had never thought about breaking it up into interior vs exterior. Thanks for that nugget! Moisture as well, our bathroom is very small, so this would be under a constant water attack, especially with 2 little ones. Would you waterlox it or do a poly coat as a finish?

[Jay Boutwell]

Matt I would most likely use the poly as it is a easy to apply finish is durable and easy to repair when needed.

Matt said:

See, I had never thought about breaking it up into interior vs exterior. Thanks for that nugget! Moisture as well, our bathroom is very small, so this would be under a constant water attack, especially with 2 little ones. Would you waterlox it or do a poly coat as a finish?

[Rick]

Let me put in a vote for Waterlox.  I like it because it wipes on and needs no sanding between coats.  The first coat can even be thinned with stain.  Great product.   Since I hate the look of brush marks and the inevitable drips and runs, about the only time I use poly is when I can spray it.  Another great wiping finish is General Finishes Arm-R-Seal.

Matt said:

Would you waterlox it or do a poly coat as a finish?

[Onno Kok]

I agree with Jay, go with hardwood for the face frame etc. and pre-veneered ply for the panels and shelves. Assuming you are using pocket holes, there are some good tips on cabinet construction and I believe a video specifically n making a vanity.

Good luck and enjoy the build.

Onno

[Matt]

video specifically  making a vanity? where is this little nugget?