Installing a Bathroom Vanity

If you are updating your bathroom space then it can be an easy task to install a new vanity unit for a person with some do it yourself experience. It will help if you can get a friend to help out because you will need an extra set of hands.

  1. Turn off the water to the bathroom space before you begin any demolition. Keep in mind that the water may be turned off for several days to several weeks (depending on how quickly you can move the project along).
  2. Disconnect the existing fixtures from the plumbing.
  3. Remove the old vanity from the space (you will probably have to remove the sink, the vanity top and then unscrew the vanity from the wall).
  4. Patch or repair the space as needed.
  5. Measure the space (measure twice, cut once) so that you know exactly what you can fit in the space when you purchase your new vanity unit.
  6. Measure the doorway that you will be bringing the vanity unit through.

When you have purchased the vanity unit from the store, it should contain specific directions for installation. Here are some basic guidelines for any vanity units.

  1. Measure the vanity and then mark the wall in the bathroom space according to those figures (so that you will know exactly where the vanity will be located).
  2. Locate the studs within you marks on the wall to determine where you will be attaching the vanity unit.
  3. Measure off the pipes and mark the measurement on the back of the vanity unit.
  4. Cut holes if necessary.
  5. Remove the doors and drawers from the vanity unit (this will make it much easier to carry and to install).
  6. Set the vanity in place and then level it from side to side and from front to back. Use shims to reach plum.
  7. Attach the vanity to the marked studs through the nailer (look for a piece of wood running across the back of the vanity unit).
  8. Reattach the doors and put the drawers back into place.
  9. Put a bead of latex caulk around the top edge of the vanity.
  10. Set the counter top in place and press down.
  11. Allow the caulk to dry.
  12. Install the sink and the fixtures.
  13. Reconnect the water lines to the new fixtures.
  14. Turn the water back on.