Installing a bathroom vanity

If you'd like to improve the look of your bathroom but aren't quite sure where to begin, installing a new vanity is a great place to start. This relatively simple project can be carried out in half a day and will decidedly improve the look of this very busy room.
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1. Determine the location for your vanity
2. Make cutouts to run the plumbing
3. Position the vanity
4. Anchor the vanity
5. Attach the countertop to the vanity
6. Finishing touches

1. Determine the location for your vanity

Remove the old vanity and determine the location of the new one, taking into consideration that the plumbing coming from the wall should preferably be located at the centre of the vanity. The vanity is installed directly on the finished floor. Use a stud finder to determine the exact location of the studs in the walls. Using a level, trace a vertical line, marking the layout of the studs.

2. Make cutouts to run the plumbing

If required, use a pry bar to remove the baseboard along the bottom of the wall. Remove the doors from the vanity in order not to damage them during installation. Mark the location of the pipes on the cabinet and cut out the openings with a spade bit or hole saw. Make sure that the openings are large enough for the pipes.

3. Position the vanity

Use the marks on the wall and the openings made for the plumbing as a guide to position the vanity against the wall. Level and shim as required.

4. Anchor the vanity

Follow the vertical lines traced on the wall to anchor the vanity into the studs. One screw (with finishing washer/cup washer) per stud near the top of the vanity will be sufficient. For added sturdiness, add a second screw per stud at the bottom of the vanity. The screws should be long enough to afford solid anchoring. As a rule, 7.6 cm (3 in.) screws are used although the length required may vary according to the thickness of the vanity. Once again, use a level and adjust as required.

5. Attach the countertop to the vanity

Apply a bead of kitchen and bathroom caulk around the top of the vanity. Place the countertop on the vanity while sliding it against the wall and press firmly to solidify the joint. Let dry. For greater stability, a laminate countertop may be screwed down to the vanity. Reinstall the cabinet doors. Place weights (books) on top of the countertop and remove when caulking has cured.

6. Finishing touches

With the vanity and countertop installed, use a utility knife to carefully cut away any protruding shims without damaging the wall or floor. To seal the installation, apply a bead of bathroom silicone between the countertop and the wall. Use finishing nails to install a thin piece of moulding (such as a quarter round) along the front and sides of the vanity if there is a gap present. If a wood baseboard was removed before installation, use a hand saw to cut it to the required length and use finishing nails to reinstall it along the wall on each side of the vanity.
Installing a bathroom vanity is a relatively easy project that any do-it-yourselfer will enjoy. It allows you to totally change the look of the room and involves only a few hours of work. We have a wide variety of vanities available. To find one that is best suited to your bathroom, drop by your home renovation centre.
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