Installing a new bathroom vanity can update the look of your bathroom while also providing much needed storage. With some basic DIY skills, you can install a bathroom vanity on your own, saving on installation costs. This guide will walk you through the full process of installing a bathroom vanity step-by-step.

Selecting the Right Vanity

The first step is choosing the right vanity for your bathroom. Here are some things to consider when selecting a vanity:

Size – Measure the width of the bathroom to find a vanity that fits in the space. Standard vanity sizes are 24”, 30”, 36”, 48” and 60” wide.
Material – Vanities come in different materials like wood, metal, and engineered stone. Consider moisture levels, durability, and aesthetics.
Basin sink – Choose an integrated sink basin or a separate sink that mounts on the vanity top. Undermount sinks provide a seamless counter.
Storage – Look for drawers, cabinets, and open shelving to maximize storage. Deep drawers store more.
Countertop – Popular options include granite, marble, quartz, and laminate. Calculate the measurements to get the right countertop size.
Faucet – Select a faucet that matches the sink and fits with your overall decor.
Additional features – Look for soft closing doors and drawers, adjustable shelves, and interior organizers.

Once you’ve selected the ideal vanity, order the unit with all included hardware and parts.

Preparing for Installation

Before installing the new vanity, follow these steps to prepare the bathroom:

Remove Existing Vanity

Turn off water supply valves below or behind old vanity.
Disconnect drain pipes from sink and wall. Unscrew from J-bend.
Detach faucet supply lines.
Take off counter top by removing any screws securing it.
Remove vanity from wall by unscrewing it from wall brackets.

Prepare the Area

Take out old sink basin if there is one.
Unscrew old faucet and remove from sink or wall.
Examine walls and floors for water damage. Make repairs as needed.
Clean the vanity alcove thoroughly and remove any debris.

Materials Needed

Gather essential materials:

Pry bar
Adjustable wrench
Screwdrivers
Level
Tape measure
Pencil
Drill
Drain assembly kit
Plumber’s putty
Silicone caulk

Installing New Vanity Cabinet

Once demolition is complete and the area is prepped, you can start installing the new vanity:

Step 1 – Position the Vanity

Place vanity in desired location, ensuring it has proper clearance from walls.
Use a level on top of the vanity to ensure it is level. Adjust feet levelers if needed.
Outline the footprint of the vanity base on the floor with a pencil.

Step 2 – Secure the Vanity

With the vanity in place, locate wall studs near the side edges using a stud finder.
Hold a mounting bracket against the wall over a stud and mark locations for screws.
Predrill holes into the wall studs using a 1/8” drill bit.
Attach mounting brackets to the wall with lag screws.
Lift and position vanity against the wall, lining up with brackets.
Attach back of cabinet to brackets using nuts and bolts. Tighten securely.

Step 3 – Install Sink Basin

Set sink basin into the vanity top cutout. Apply silicone caulk around the rim.
Attach mounting brackets on underside of counter top.
Tighten brackets to secure sink in place so it seals against the caulk.

Connecting Plumbing

With the vanity cabinet installed, the next stage is connecting the drain and water supply:

Step 1 – Install Drain Pipes

Position drain pipe stub out from the wall.
Attach J-bend tail piece, hand tightening. Slide on slip nut connector.
Attach trap bend to tail piece. Tighten with an adjustable wrench.
Attach trap arm into wall stub out. Tighten joint with wrench.

Step 2 – Install Water Supply Lines

Insert new faucet valves through holes in sink. Use silicone under the trim collar.
Attach hot and cold water supply hoses to faucet valves. Tighten by hand.
Connect supply line ends to the water supply stub outs. Tighten with wrench.

Step 3 – Make Final Connections

Seal drain connections with plumber’s putty or Teflon tape.
Turn on main water supply and check for leaks at supply line joints. Tighten if needed.
Remove aerator from faucet spout. Turn on water to flush debris.
Reattach aerator once water is clear.

Install Countertop

The vanity is ready for the countertop:

Step 1 – Set Countertop

Apply thin bead of silicone caulk to top edge of vanity.
Lift countertop onto vanity and align edges.
Trim any overhang if sink hole doesn’t align.

Step 2 – Secure Top

Drill pilot holes through corner brackets into underside of counter.
Insert screws into corner brackets to tighten countertop to vanity.
Wipe away any excess caulk along the seam. Let dry.

Step 3 – Seal Countertop

Apply caulk along seam where backsplash meets wall.
Run bead of caulk around edges of the sink where it meets countertop.
Smooth caulk with finger to finish. Wipe area clean.

Finishing Touches

Add the final touches to complete the vanity installation:

Install drawer organizers and wood filler as needed.
Hang mirror or medicine cabinet above vanity.
Caulk along bottom of cabinet where it meets floor.
Run a bead of caulk along any gaps between wall and counter.
Reinstall any plumbing fixtures, like towel bars and toilet paper holder.
Seal grout lines along countertop backsplash if needed.

Tips for Installing Vanity

Follow these tips to ensure a smooth installation:

Review manufacturer’s instructions for vanity cabinet.
Shut off main water supply before disconnecting plumbing.
Support bottom of vanity cabinet when lifting into place.
Use shims under vanity base if floor is uneven.
Pre-assemble drain P-trap offsite to ensure proper fit.
Get help lifting heavy countertops to avoid injury.
Let caulk fully cure 24 hours before using fixtures.

With the right preparation and tools, you can have your new bathroom vanity installed in a day or weekend. Taking a methodical approach to each step will lead to a successful DIY vanity installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Bathroom Vanities

Installing a new vanity can be a big project. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How long does it take to install a bathroom vanity?

For an experienced DIYer, expect the vanity installation to take 8-10 hours. Total time will vary based on skill level, existing plumbing, and complexity of the project.

What tools do I need to install a bathroom vanity?

Essential tools include a drill, screwdrivers, wrenches, pry bar, level, tape measure, pliers, and safety glasses. You may also need a hacksaw, tubing cutter, and basin wrench.

Should I get a vanity with a top or one without?

Vanities are sold both ways. Get one with an integrated top if you want convenience and a perfect fit. Buy without a top if you want to customize with a stone or tile top.

How much weight can a bathroom vanity hold?

Quality vanities can support 175-300 pounds. Add reinforcements and anti-tip brackets for granite and solid surfaces that are very heavy.

Can I install my bathroom vanity myself?

With some DIY experience, you can definitely install a vanity on your own. Use caution working with electrical and plumbing. Get professional help if needed.

How do I cut the hole in the countertop for the sink?

Use the sink template as a guide. Carefully cut with a jigsaw or ask your countertop fabricator to cut the hole precisely to size.

Should I caulk under the vanity countertop?

Yes, caulking along the top edges of the vanity creates a watertight seal. Use silicone caulk and smooth for a neat finish.

Installing a new vanity puts the finishing touch on any bathroom remodel. Follow the steps carefully and you can achieve a designer look without the high price tag.

Conclusion

Installing a bathroom vanity is a multi-step process that requires precise measuring, careful plumbing work, and attention to detail. But with the right tools and preparation, it is an achievable DIY project for many homeowners. Taking it slowly and methodically is crucial. Always turn off water supply lines prior to installation and seek help for tricky plumbing connections. Once finished, a new vanity can make a dramatic difference in the look, functionality and storage capability of any bathroom. With these step-by-step instructions, you can install your bathroom vanity like a pro.

How to Install Bathroom Vanity – Learn Step by Step the Installation