How to Install a Bath Vanity

Installing a bathroom vanity was something a year ago I could not have even told you were to start. With my job I have learned a few pointers to this little project that will make installation headache free for first time Do It Yourselfers.

The most common mistake a lot of us make when doing projects at home is. First we shop and see what we like,then we purchase it and then we get it home and try to make it fit. I know this because I have replaced my door facings a couple of times do to improper planning.
Installing a bath vanity in your home is more than just providing more space or drawer room in your bathroom. It consist of enhancing the look and value of your home. Your plumber dose not first purchase pipe and then install it. He has to have accurate measurements in order for everything to work as a whole.

The first step after you have decided to change or install a bath vanity in your home would be to get proper measurements of the room you will be doing the installation. These measurements should consist of floor square feet as well as the width of your door way on the room. The purpose for these are to give you an idea of your space and accessibility of your vanity which will come in handy later when you go to shop for your new vanity. It is always a good idea to sketch a floor plan of your room to take with you when you shop,as well as your measurements written on it .A photo will help give you and the associate an idea of space. Next will be deciding on a color or type of wood that will fit your taste. If you want to blend your vanity in with existing fixtures it would be a good idea to take photos or samples with you to match with.

One major item people sometimes forget with this type of project is to also consider your plumbing. Why you ask?. There are several different styles of vanities as well as shapes and sizes of lavatories or sinks to accommodate them. Some set center of the vanity and some set of to one side to give extra counter space, others are open counter tops where you can place what is known as a (drop in lav). The drop ins come two ways. One is standard where the rim of the sink sets on top of the counter, and the other is one where the sink will set under the counter. These are generally used when the hole being cut for the sink is covered with the same laminate or ceramic color as the rest of the counter top.

Now that you have a good idea of the space you have and the texture or color type of look you are ready to find a home center to purchase your new look. One place I recommend to start would be at a local Home Depot Store. My reason for this is that I am not an employee of Home Depot but I am familiar with the kind of attention to detail they give their customers. They also carry a great in stock selection of bath vanities ready available to you. Most of your ready in stock vanities start at widths of 21 inches then 31,48 and 60 inches. Here is where your measurements come in. Some homes will require special sizes to accommodate your needs and space. These can be discussed with your home improvement associate and if you prefer or need a custom size or look they will be happy to help you design this right at their dept computer to give you a ready look of your finished product. In the case of a customized design or style you may have to pay more for the finished product.

Once you have your purchase or order complete you need to prep your work area. Clean real good around the floor and wall area where your vanity will be installed. Once you have your vanity and top you want to place a level on top of all four outer walls to make sure your top will set evenly without rocking. Place your vanity on the area you are going to install it and make sure all 4 outer edges are solid with no rocking. In some cases it may be necessary to use wooden shims to level you vanity up. Before you mount or screw your vanity down you want to make sure you plumbing is going to hook up to fit your new sink. For this you will place the vanity top or drop in sink into the vanity case. You want to make sure your hot and cold water lines are able to connect with no binding. Then you want to check your water drain to make sure it will be clear of all drawers or mounted storage space under the counter and that you can assemble it freely with no binding. Try to force plumbing to work can cause you major problems later on for you new vanity.

Once you have checked all these areas and are satisfied you are ready for your installation to begin. First set and mount your vanity case. A good securing piece is called a (L bracket). These can go on the inside of your case without being exposed. You can place 3 on each side going into the vanity and then into the floor.
You can also place at least 3 across the upper back to secure it to your wall if applicable. Second part is to now mount your top to your case. Most all tops or drop-ins come with the mounting hardware and yeas men it comes with instructions. That sheet of paper we set on so we will not get dirty. You might want to read them on this one they are a great help to make sure your new purchase is assembled correctly. The third part of your assembly is your plumbing. If possible you can use braided or flexible water lines these are easier to connect to your faucet. You want to be sure to place a single wrap of Teflon tape on your faucet threads prior to connecting your lines. A good hint for your tape is wrap it in the direction you will be screwing the connection this will make a proper seal. Once you have your pressure lines on your last step is to assemble your drain line. Make sure all your connections are tight.

You have it assembled and now ready to test. Have one person stand at the sink while the other turns the hot and cold pressure valves on slowly. As water begins to run from the faucet look under the cabinet at your connections to insure there is no water seeping from the connections. At the same time check your drain connections to insure as well that there is no water leaking around connections. If no leaks appear your are ready to enjoy your new do it yourself vanity.