My First Big DIY Win: Building an Under-Sink Cabinet for My Small Bathroom
Starting your DIY journey does not need a garage full of power tools or years of experience — it just needs a project, a bit of patience, and the willingness to figure it out as you go. That is exactly how I built my first real project: a custom under-sink storage cabinet for my small bathroom.
Why I started here
Small bathrooms are notorious for wasted space, and the area under the sink is often the worst offender — awkward pipes, no shelving, stuff just piled on the floor. I found a style online that I loved and used it as inspiration for my own version, then set out to build something similar that would work around my own plumbing.
The tools I used (and nothing fancy)
Here is the thing — I did not need a workshop full of equipment. My toolkit for this project was:
- A drill
- A jigsaw
- A measuring tape
- A spirit level
- Screws
That is it. If you have got these basics at home, you already have what you need to start.
A smart shortcut: getting my materials cut at the hardware store
One of the best decisions I made was having my hardware store cut my materials to size before I even started. That is one action ticked off the list before I lifted a tool at home — no wrestling with cutting large boards myself, no need for extra tools I did not have. Most hardware stores offer this service, often for free or a small fee, and it meant I could go straight to assembly once I got home. If you are just starting out, this is a great way to remove one of the more intimidating parts of a build.
How long it took
Between planning, measuring around the pipes, and actually building — plus normal life getting in the way — this took me about 2 days from start to finish. Not a rushed weekend project, but not a huge time investment either.
What I learned
- Getting materials pre-cut saves time, tools, and stress — use it if it is available to you
- Measuring twice (or three times) around plumbing saves a lot of frustration later
- A jigsaw is incredibly versatile for cutting around awkward shapes like pipes
- You do not need perfection on your first project — you need progress
If you have been putting off your first DIY project because you feel like you need more tools or more skill, let this be your sign: you probably already have what you need. Pick something small, useful, and slightly outside your comfort zone — and just start. (Photos of my actual build coming soon!)
Up next
I will be sharing more small bathroom and storage projects as I go, so stick around if you are on your own DIY journey too.