Hack an Inexpensive Granite Table Into a Bathroom Vanity

This is my first instructable. Hopefully it will help you save a couple of bucks.

We have been remodeling our bathroom and needed a new sink and counter top. We really wanted a granite top but just didn't have the money to spend $300+ to get one. So this was our solution.

The first thing we did was to search the local online ads for a granite table. We found one with a broken leg for $50. I thought this is a real bargain so I called to find out more about it and the guy really wanted it gone and said that If I came and got it I could have it for $20. Great start!

After we picked up our table we had to remove the wood frame that was glued to the bottom.

Next we had to cut the granite to fit our vanity. In our case the slab needed to be 22" deep and 49" wide. So I turned the slab right side up and began marking the cut lines. Make sure that you cut the appropriate sides so that the original finished edge will be exposed on the vanity top. Other wise you will end up with ugly cut edges facing out.

Now the cutting. Make sure that you fully support the stone so that it doesn't fall or break as you cut it.

Next start cutting. Please note that I used hearing protectors, safety glasses and a mask.

I cut the stone with a 4 1/2" grinder equipped with a diamond blade. Go slow and let the saw do the work. If you try to hurry and press too hard you can damage the grinder.

Now the hard part, cutting the hole for the sink. The key here is measure twice, cut once. Again slow and patient. 

If your sink comes with a template then  use it to mark the hole cut out.

Ours didn't come with one but the sink was new and free so I can't complain.

Test fit the sink. You may need to trim the hole a little here and there. Remember cut it small. You can always carve more out but it is really hard to put stone back in.

The next part is pretty straight forward. I used silicone caulk to "glue" the top to the cabinet and the walls. Sorry didn't take a picture of that. Next take each piece of stone that you cut for the back splash and give it a liberal spread of silicone. run a bead along the top of the counter surface and then tip it up into place. I used a rubber hammer to gently tap it against the wall.

Next run a bead of caulk along the joints and along the top of the back splash to seal out moisture. I used clear siliconized latex caulk. After the bead is done gentle wipe it with the tip of your finger or some kind of finger like device. :) After the caulk is spread take a damp cloth and wipe the joints to clean up any excess caulk and to clean up the surface.

After that it is just a mater of setting the sink. I used a matching sealer/caulk, and doing the plumbing.

Thanks for looking at my instructable!