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How to Install a Bathroom Vanity

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity for your next remodel.

Whether you have built or bought your new bathroom vanity, you will need to install it.

Vanities need to be installed so they are secured to the wall before you can add a vanity top or hook up the plumbing.

Installing a vanity is easy and can be done in just a couple hours. So grab your tools and let’s get started!

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Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

The most important part of installing a vanity is making sure it is level. Not all floors are level so even the most level vanity could be off.

If you vanity is not level, water could run behind it or pool up against the wall. Standing water is never a good idea!

Part of leveling is also making sure it is square to the walls.

Not all walls are straight. Walls tend to curve in towards the corners because more drywall mud is needed there to cover the drywall tape.

Closeup of the open shelf on the DIY bathroom vanity with towels and toilet paper stored on it.

You will also need to make room for your plumbing pipes to install your vanity.

You will cut out holes to line up with your plumbing pipes in either the back or bottom of your vanity.

To avoid cutting into your vanity during install, you can build this easy open bathroom vanity or this bottom drawer bathroom vanity.

Picture of the finished DIY bathroom vanity with an open shelf and tapered legs.

Build your own vanity and save!

A DIY bathroom vanity is the perfect way to remodel your bathroom on a budget.

How to Install a Vanity

Tools & Supplies

Tools Needed:

Supplies:

STEP 1- Cut for plumbing pipes

Measure and mark where you need to cut for your pipes.

EXPERT TIP:
It is best to cut the holes slightly large to make sure you have room to align and level your vanity once in place.

If your pipes are coming in from the wall, you will have to cut out holes in the back of the cabinet for the plumbing pipes to fit through.

If your pipes are coming into your bathroom through the floor, you will have to cut holes in the bottom of the vanity for the plumbing pipes.

For our open shelf vanity, I needed to cut the trim on the back of the shelf so the vanity could sit flush with the baseboards on the back wall.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

The vanity had a trim piece around the bottom shelf.

I used the nail gun to secure the trim right around the sections I would be cutting out so the trim remained in place.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

Using a drill with a hole saw or jigsaw, cut out the sections you need to fit around the pipes.

If you are using a jig saw, you will need a drill to give you a starter hole to start your cutting.

For our vanity it meant just removing the trim around the bottom shelf.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

STEP 2- Line up and Level

Slide the vanity up agains the wall so the pipes fit into the holes you cut.

Check your vanity for level. Use shims under the feet of the vanity as needed to level your vanity.

Identify and mark the wall studs in the wall behind your vanity.

Use shims between the wall and the vanity to ensure the vanity stays level and is square to the wall.

Since our vanity had a gap between the frame and the wall because of the baseboards, I used a scrap piece of wood between the frame of the vanity and the wall.

Also, the wall our vanity is on was not very straight. On the right side of the vanity I had a 3/4″ gap between the wall and vanity but on the left side it was a 1 1/4″ gap.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

If you do not have a second set of hands, a nailer can be used to attach the shims to the vanity so they would stay in place while securing it to the wall.

STEP 3- Attach vanity to wall

Using wood screws, secure the vanity to the wall into the wall studs.

EXPERT TIP:
Pre-drill pilot holes in your vanity and shims where you will attach it to the wall so they don’t split when attaching it.

Make sure your screws are long enough to go through the vanity, shim, drywall, and are secure into the wall studs.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

Continue to check for level as you secure the vanity into the wall studs behind it.

Secure the vanity in at least 2-3 walls studs. It should not wiggle or move at all.

Learn how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity. Now you can get on with your DIY remodel! | Housefulofhandmade.com

Now your vanity is installed. You can install a new bathroom vanity next.

For our bathroom, I added a DIY wood vanity top and it looks amazing! Or find other budget friendly vanity top options here.

-Kati with picture of blog author Kati

 

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Arlington Bathroom Remodeling

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Great article! Installing a bathroom vanity can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little patience, it can be done easily. The process typically involves removing the old vanity, preparing the space for the new one, assembling the new vanity, and connecting it to the plumbing. It's important to measure the space carefully and choose a vanity that fits your bathroom's layout and design style. While some basic DIY skills are required, following a step-by-step guide and taking necessary safety precautions can help ensure a successful installation. Overall, installing a bathroom vanity can be a rewarding DIY project that can transform the look and functionality of your bathroom.

Erlene Amat

Sunday 13th of November 2016

It looks amazing and I can't help but notice your beautiful bathroom floors too. I bet it must feel so good to have your bathroom almost complete!

Kati

Sunday 20th of November 2016

Thanks Erlene! I couldn't be more excited to have the bathroom almost done. It's been way too long.

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