2020, 400 bathroom mod

barbarella20722

For multiple reasons, I've never been a fan of the sink assembly. Over the years I'd collected a lot of valuable information from others that have done this modification. 4 years later, I finally did my own and want to pay it forward.

  I chose poplar because it's beautiful, technically a hardwood and it's light. I got the boards from Menards. 1/2", 1/4" and 1" for the countertop. We have milled poplar from trees we had to fell, but I'm really sick of plaining boards. So I took the easy way out on this project.


I built a rudimentary frame to help disperse the weight of the sink and countertop. Put rubber pads on the feet, in hopes it would provide some cushion.


I kept the lower portion of the original sink assembly. I did this to save on materials, utilize the large access panel and because I thought it would look nice.

This cutout was intended for storage, but mid project I changed my mind on the design. I'd hoped to put the faucet in the left, upper corner. However, there just wasn't going to be enough clearance once the fittings were installed. I cut a large enough opening at the bottom and the face plate is removable. If I need to repair or replace water lines, I can. The shower curtain will be covering most if not all of this when I use the shower. Just in case, I put small rubber weather stripping behind the face plate to help keep water out.


I purchased a 10' length of water line, making sure that it was rated to be under pressure. Then used PEX rings for the NPT fittings. 



The drain was the biggest challenge, since there was very little room to work with. I didn't want to use any corrugated hose, so I built one using braided silicone hose, 1" barb connectors, Fernco, and worm clamps. It's not pretty, but it works.

As we all know, there's a lot of vibration during travel. I put a large bead of kitchen and bath silicone on the rim of the bowl. Then set the sink. This way there is a larger point of contact and not just the drain assembly holding it in place. The white skirt is vinyl stick on baseboard. I found the white plastic screw caps on Amazon. While they stick out visually, I felt it would give the new design something in common with the old. 

  I do have some concerns with how the new sink will hold up with travel over time. But I loved it so much, that I was willing to take that chance. 

  

qhumberd

Beautiful work! I like that you thought to add some bit of insulation to the wall while it was all apart.

The plumbing bit in a cramped space led me to just ditch the whole sink assembly in favor of more hanging towel rods.

barbarella20722

@qhumberd thank you. Yes, it is cramped for sure! I have used the bathroom sink often, however. So I very much wanted to keep it. I've had a few years to come up with some kind of solution. Thanks to what I'd learned here.

Sharon_is_SAM

Nice job!  Let us know how it holds up.

Binghi

Very classy - my wife says you’re an artistic genius with great taste! And now I have another battle to fight 😎

gulfarea

That is one beautiful job!! Art

barbarella20722

@Binghi that's exceptionally kind of her to say.☺️ "Genius" might be a stretch though. I had a long time to think about this project. I'm sorry if it's going to cause you grief in the future.😉