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A Hunker report describes a DIY idea from TikTok creator One Handy Momma: place a cut-to-size plywood board with two L-brackets across an open vanity drawer for temporary extra counter space. The board can be removed after use, but the report does not provide tested load limits or details about safety testing.
DIY creator One Handy Momma has shared a removable plywood-board idea for adding temporary counter space in a small bathroom: the board rests across the sides of an open vanity drawer, creating a place for grooming items while the existing counter remains in use. Hunker reported on the hack, which is intended to be taken off before the drawer is closed if it cannot safely remain in place.
The proposed extension is made from a piece of plywood cut to fit a vanity drawer and two L-brackets attached underneath. The board is sized to rest on the drawer’s side walls, while the brackets are positioned near its left and right edges to help keep it in place. Hunker says a DIYer would need measuring tape, a pencil or pen, a saw, screws and a drill or screwdriver, along with the board and brackets.
To use it, the drawer is opened and the board set across its sides. The resulting surface can hold items such as a hairdryer, curling iron or cosmetics bag, according to the report. Afterward, the board can be removed and stored under the vanity or in a closet. Hunker says it may be possible to slide the drawer shut with the board still in place, but that depends on the fit.
The plywood can be left unfinished or dressed up with stain, paint or decoupage. Because bathrooms can be damp, Hunker suggests applying a water-resistant finish, such as penetrating oil or polyurethane, to protect the wood from moisture. The report does not specify a particular board thickness, bracket size or weight rating, so those details should not be assumed to suit every vanity.
A Removable Surface for Tight Bathrooms
The idea addresses a familiar limitation in compact bathrooms: the counter may be crowded with everyday necessities, but users still need a clear place for items while getting ready. A board that spans an open drawer can provide a temporary work surface without a permanent installation, and it can be put away when it is no longer needed.
That flexibility may appeal to renters or households reluctant to alter cabinetry, though the report does not establish that the design fits every vanity or is suitable for every user. The board also occupies an open drawer while in use, so it does not add storage capacity; it repurposes the drawer’s top edge as support for a separate surface. Fit, stability and how the vanity is built matter to whether the approach is practical.
The suggestion to extend a board over a sink basin comes with an added safety concern. Hunker says the surface should be completely dry, especially if electrical devices will be used. A wet area near a hairdryer or curling iron can present a hazard, so the extension should not be treated as a substitute for keeping electrical equipment away from water.
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How the Drawer Extension Works
Hunker presents the idea as a quick DIY response to limited bathroom counter space and attributes it to TikTok creator One Handy Momma. The source describes a board resting on the side walls of one upper vanity drawer, with the option to measure across several drawers for a wider surface. It does not provide a measured example or report that the design has been independently tested.
The basic construction described is simple, but the dimensions are specific to the vanity. The DIYer measures the drawer’s width and depth, then cuts the plywood so it can sit on the drawer sides. The two underside brackets are meant to hang over those sides and help keep the board in position. Hunker also notes that the board may need to be removed for the drawer to close.
For a finish, the report mentions stain, paint or decoupage as options, while also recommending moisture protection. It offers an additional idea—placing another board over a sink basin—but says that surface must be completely dry, particularly around electrical appliances. The source gives no detailed instructions for testing the board’s stability or selecting materials for a particular sink or vanity.
““This is my hack to give me extra countertop space when I need it!””
— One Handy Momma, in the TikTok post described by Hunker
Fit, Stability and Safe Use
The source does not state how much weight the board can support, how thick the plywood should be, or what size screws and L-brackets to use. It also does not say whether the design was tested across different drawer constructions. Readers cannot assume that a board sized for one vanity will fit another, or that every drawer side can support the same load.
It is also unclear whether the drawer can close with the board installed; Hunker says this may be possible, depending on the arrangement. The report does not give a publication date or provide follow-up information about the creator’s use of the setup over time. For the sink-cover variation, the source does not describe a fastening method, so the board’s security in that position is unspecified.
Measure Before Building
Anyone considering the idea would need to measure their own vanity and choose a board and brackets that fit the drawer’s construction. The Hunker report offers no universal dimensions or load guidance, so those decisions remain specific to the project. A DIYer should check that the board sits securely before placing items on it and remove it if it shifts or interferes with the drawer.
For bathroom use, the wood should be protected against moisture, and the surface should be kept dry when electrical grooming devices are nearby. The source reports no announced product, formal testing or follow-up development; the next step described is simply adapting the DIY approach to an individual vanity.
Key Questions
How does the bathroom counter extension work?
A piece of cut-to-size plywood rests across the sides of an open vanity drawer. Two L-brackets attached underneath are positioned to help hold it in place, creating a temporary surface for grooming items.
Can the drawer close while the board is installed?
Hunker says it may be possible, but it depends on the fit. The report also suggests removing the board and storing it elsewhere when it is not in use.
Does the plywood need a finish?
The report says the board can be left as is or finished with stain, paint or decoupage. It recommends a water-resistant coating to help protect the wood from bathroom moisture.
Is there a stated weight limit for the board?
No. Hunker does not provide a weight rating, board thickness or bracket specifications, so the report does not establish how much the setup can safely hold.
Can the board be placed over a sink?
Hunker suggests that as a possible extension, but says the surface must be completely dry, especially if electrical devices will be used. The report does not give details about how to secure a board over a basin.
Source: rss
