How to Install your Bathroom Vanity

There is a specter haunting home design, the specter of D.Y.I.  Installing your bathroom vanity is a fun project.  Follow some basic advice, and your bathroom vanity will shine.

Start off right

You might have installed a dozen bathroom vanities, but that's no excuse to skip reading the directions.  Bathroom vanities, vanity mirrors, even vanity lights have particular characteristics you should know.  Once you know where to go, check out the tools to get there.

The right stuff

In addition to any extra materials the instructions require, have on hand a few standard items.

Electronic stud finder

Adjustable wrench

Electric drill

Utility knife

Tape measure

Leveling devices

Extra pieces of flexible tubing

Extra 2 inch drywall screws

For a truly handy tool box, invest in a caulking gun, extra trim, and a pipe wrench.

Measure twice, cut once

You've removed the old bathroom vanity, now it's time for the new.  Double check the measurements.  Draw out guidelines of where your bathroom vanity will be.  The guidelines will help get the bathroom vanity into place, but you still need to fine tune your work.  Using a level, add trim or cut the base of the bathroom vanity until it's even.

Secure to the spot

Locate the studs and bore holes in the back of the bathroom vanity.  Secure with 2 inch drywall screws.  Excess shim can be removed from the vanity with repeated sweeps of the utility knife, or fill in gaps with caulk.  Detailing the bathroom vanity now saves fuss in the future.

Water and drains

Water supply lines should fit snug in the faucet tailpieces.  Teflon tape, also called plumbers tape, will ensure a tight seal.  There are several types of tubes, but flexible tubing from a local hardware store usually works best for bathroom vanities.  Tighten this tubing with two opposing adjustable wrenches.

Bathroom vanities have different drain systems.  In general, if the drain body is not connected, get advice from the local hardware store.  Otherwise, hand-tighten the connection and test.  If there are leaks, tighten gently with a pair of pliers.

The last step

If your faucet has an aerator, remove and set it aside.  Switch the water valves back on, letting water run for a few minutes in bathroom vanity.  Put the aerator back in, reinstall the cabinets and doors, and your bathroom vanity is ready for service!

More information on vanities