Do it yourself

How to install or replace a bathroom vanity

The bathroom has changed over the years from a modest room to a multipurpose area. Installing a bathroom vanity allows more storage in a limited space.

Difficulty level : Intermediate

Duration : Weekend

Material

Shims Vanity Kitchen and Bath Silicone 7.6cm (3 in) Wood Screws

Tools

Adjustable Wrench Utility Knife Pencil Stud Finder Hole Saw Safety Goggle Level Drill Caulking Gun Measuring tape Screwdriver

Before you start

Make sure the plumbing behind the wall is secure and that there are no leaks. Then, remove the old cabinet.

Prepare the installation

1.1 - Turn off the water supply.
1.2 - Determine and mark the location of the cabinet, considering that the plumbing coming from the wall should be located at the centre of the cabinet.
1.3 - Remove the doors to allowing you more room to work.

Important safety note

If there's an electrical outlet or an electrical switch near the vanity, turn off the electrical supply.

Mark the nailing location

2.1 - Using a stud finder, determine the location of the studs that will be used for nailing.

Cut plumbing holes in the cabinet

To run the plumbing through the cabinet, you might need to do cutouts in the back panel. This should be done before installing the cabinet.

3.1 - Measure the exact location of the pipes.
3.2 - Mark the size of the openings and make the cutouts with a jigsaw or a hole saw.

Place the vanity

4.1 - Move the cabinet in place and make sure that it's plumb and level.
4.2 - If it's not level, shim the cabinet along the stud marks on the wall and on the floor.

Anchor the cabinet

To anchor the cabinet, use 3 in screws.

5.1 - Drill 3/8 in holes through the cabinet, the shims and into the studs near the top of the cabinet. At the top of the cabinet, one screw for each stud should be enough.
5.2 - Repeat this step at the bottom of the cabinet.
5.3 - Make sure the cabinet is level and adjust with shims if necessary.
5.4 - Cut away any protruding shims with a utility knife.

Attach the countertop

6.1 - Apply a bead of caulking around the top of the cabinet.
6.2 - Lay the countertop on the cabinet while sliding it against the wall and pressing firmly to solidify the joint.
6.3 - Let dry and reinstall the doors.

Install the faucet

7.1 - When everything is dry, install your faucet. To learn how to install a lavatory faucet, view our Install a Lavatory Faucet video.

Seal joints

8.1 - Apply a bead of silicone between the countertop and the wall to seal against water.

Reconnect the pipes

9.1 - Reconnect the pipes and the P-trap, and connect the pipes to the valves.
9.2 - Tighten the nuts with a wrench.
9.3 - Open the water to verify the watertightness of all connections. Tighten again if necessary.