Installing a Bathroom Vanity

A new bathroom vanity cabinet can give you more counter space and better storage options. Installing a vanity is almost the same as installing a kitchen cabinet. Because vanities tend to get a lot of use and are exposed to moisture, pay particular attention to the quality of construction.

This project guide outlines the steps to install a single cabinet, one piece bathroom vanity. If you are installing a series of cabinets, you may also want to refer to the Installing Kitchen Cabinets project guide.

Tools:

Electric Drill

Screwdriver Bits

Stud Finder

2-foot Level

Utility Knife

Tools (cont'd.):

Hammer

Nail Set

Materials:

Vanity

Drywall Screws

Trim Molding

Finishing Nails

Shims

Steps

Steps 1 - 3 of 3

Step One

Put the vanity in place and trace its outline on the wall. Use a stud finder to locate the studs to which you will screw the vanity. Then, with a level, draw lines along the studs from the floor to the top of the vanity. These lines will help you spot where to place the screws in Step Three below.

Step Two

If the vanity has a back, measure, mark, and drill holes through it for drain pipes and supply pipes. Then put the vanity in place.

Set a level on top of the vanity and shim at the floor until the vanity is level. Then hold the level against the edge of the unit and shim at the wall until it's plumb.

Step Three

From the inside, attach the unit to the wall by screwing 3-inch drywall screws through the mounting rail into the studs. Check for level again before trimming the shims flush with a utility knife. If it's not level, add shims.

If there are large gaps at the wall or floor, attach quarter-round moulding along the wall or floor edge with finishing nails.

Steps 1 - 3 of 3