How Do I Install a Bathroom Vanity?

Bathroom vanities are statement pieces, they will instantly add decorative interest to your bathroom. Your vanity often becomes the focal point of a bathroom, acting as the unifying design piece for the whole room. There is no doubt upgrading your vanity is an affordable and simple way to instantly level up your bathroom design. Choosing one from the plethora of bathroom vanity units available to you will take some consideration, especially when it comes to installing it. However, once you understand what is involved in the installation, you might be in a more confident position to buy and install your bathroom vanity.

It might seem overwhelming to replace your bathroom vanity unit yourself, however the installation is a straightforward and simple bathroom renovation project that you can DIY on weekend. If you are looking to learn what is involved and the considerations of a wall mounted vs freestanding vanity installation, we have put together this guide to help.

Step 1: Measure the area & prepare vanity for installation
Step 2: How to install a freestanding or wall mounted vanity
Step 3: Install the vanity benchtop, basin and drawer

Project Overview

Skill Level
Intermediate
Installation Working Time
2-4 hours
Estimated Installation Cost
Less than $1000

Materials
Silicone (matching colour)
Screws (depending on installation requirement)
Wall plugs (depending on installation requirement)
Shims (packers)

Tools Required
Adjustable wrench
Utility knife
Power drill/driver & bits
Hole saw drill bit
Stud finder
Measuring tape
Pencil
Spirit level
Caulking gun
Silicone scraper
Safety goggles and gloves

How do I install a bathroom vanity

Step 1: Measure the area & prepare vanity for installation

Before you start this bathroom renovation project, take measurements of your room, and ensure the vanity cabinet you are looking to install will fit in the space. Use a pencil to mark out the floor and wall where the vanity will be positioned. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs that will be in the area of the vanity installation. If your bathroom vanity unit has a solid closed back, measure out the position of the plumbing pipes from the wall to the vanity, as you will need to pre-cut holes with a hole saw in the correct position so that you can place the vanity flush against the wall and all plumbing is accessible.

TIP: We recommend installing your bathroom vanity once the wall is fully finished. This way the vanity can be changed or updated without having to re-tile.

Step 2: How to install a freestanding or wall mounted vanity

A freestanding vanity is installed onto the bathroom floor. They are a more traditional style of vanity, the most common choice if the water outlet is going into the floor as the cabinet can conceal it. Generally, installing a floor mounted vanity for this situation is recommended for budget constraints as you don’t need to change the plumbing. However, a plumber may be able to move plumbing from the middle of the vanity to inside the wall, keep in mind this can sometimes be impossible or too expensive. When installing a floor vanity, securing into a supporting wall can be achieved without taking into consideration the vanity load as all the weight is self-supported, however you will still need to fix and anchor the cabinet to the wall.

For a wall-mounted vanity, it will be secured to your supporting wall and once installed it appears to be floating off the floor. While MDF vanities are light, vanities constructed in other materials can be heavy. Solid timber vanities and vanities using large stone benchtops are the heaviest and extra load bearing fixings may be required for the installation. We recommend adding noggins to the stud wall to allow for exact placement of vanity and secure to the stud wall. These will need to align with the top section and top corners of the vanity cabinet where it will be screwed into the wall. Noggins are horizontal pieces which run parallel between the studs (which are the vertical parts). This type of stud work is normally done before plaster/tiles are added to the wall, then the vanity is installed on top of the finished wall.

When it comes down to installing the cabinet itself, move it into place, and be careful not to damage the wall or any plumbing. Line the unit up with your marks to make sure it sits in the right position. Check if the vanity is level with a spirit level. If it is not, use shims to adjust the position. Once the unit is level, drill holes into the supporting wall and attach the cabinet along the top section with screws. Check the level again and trim the shims when necessary.

TIP: When deciding on the height of a wall-mounted vanity, as a general rule start with the height of the top of the basin (80-100cm from the floor) and work backwards from there. Consider if the bathroom will be used by guests or children, in this case then install the vanity to the lower range, or if the vanity will be used by mainly adults such as in a master ensuite, a higher installation can be chosen.

Step 3: Install the vanity benchtop, basin and drawer

If the vanity benchtop or basin is separate to the cabinet, you will need to position and secure it with waterproof construction adhesives such as silicone. Apply a small amount of silicone onto the top of the cabinet, put the countertop on top of it into position and press evenly to secure and clean up the caulking. Double check that the top is level and make adjustments if required. If the basin is separate to the benchtop, then position and silicone basin onto vanity bench top, ensuring the installation is finished with silicone or caulk bead and cleaning to a professional finish. If the vanity basin or top does not have a splashback, make sure to silicone along the wall where the countertop meets the wall. If your countertop comes with a splash back, apply silicone to the back of the board where it meets the wall and press into position.

Put your drawers in place and close your cabinet doors. Drawers and doors can often become misaligned during transportation and installation. They can be easily adjusted and realigned so no need to worry. Now with a brand-new vanity in place, you can easily plan out your next renovation installation, perhaps a new oval or round-shaped mirror? Or upgrading your tapware to brushed gold or chrome taps and some matching accessories for a complete look.

Want to learn more about how to renovate a bathroom? Visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for DIY bathroom renovation inspiration. Contact us anytime if you have any enquiries about picking up bathroom supplies for your next home renovation. Our friendly and professional team is available to help.

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