A smaller project with a big effect
Replacing a vanity is one of the most popular bathroom updates because it changes how the room looks and works without a full remodel. It can be as simple as swapping a cabinet and top, or it can include new plumbing, lighting, a mirror or medicine cabinet, and an outlet.
Sizing and layout
Measure the space carefully, including clearance to the toilet, door swing, shower door and any baseboard heaters or vents. Codes and good design call for clearances around toilets and in front of fixtures, so a larger vanity isn't always possible. Consider:
- Width: single or double sinks. A double vanity needs enough width for two people to use it comfortably.
- Depth: standard depths fit most rooms; shallower vanities help in tight bathrooms.
- Height: taller "comfort height" vanities are easier on backs.
- Storage: drawers are often more usable than doors under a sink.
Materials that handle moisture
Bathrooms are humid, and vanities sit right next to water. Solid wood, plywood and moisture-resistant materials hold up better than standard particleboard, which can swell if it gets wet. Look at how the cabinet box is built, not just the doors. Wall-mounted (floating) vanities make cleaning the floor easier and show off the flooring.
Countertops and sinks
- Quartz is durable and low maintenance.
- Granite and other natural stone need periodic sealing.
- Solid surface can include an integrated sink with no seam.
- Cultured marble is affordable and comes with integrated sinks.
- Laminate is the most affordable but less tolerant of standing water at seams.
Undermount sinks are easy to clean around; vessel sinks sit on top and need a taller faucet; integrated sinks have no seam. Make sure the faucet matches the sink's holes and the countertop's thickness.
Plumbing
A new vanity may have its drain and supply lines in different places than the old one. Floating vanities and some styles need plumbing moved or hidden. Replace old shutoff valves and supply lines while the vanity is out. If the drain is slow or the shutoffs don't close fully, it's the right time to fix them.
Lighting, mirrors and outlets
Good vanity lighting lights the face from the sides or front, not just from above. Bathroom outlets must have GFCI protection. Adding an outlet inside a cabinet for a toothbrush or hair tools is a popular upgrade but should be done by an electrician. Medicine cabinets can be surface-mounted or recessed into the wall if there's no plumbing or wiring in the way.
What a vanity replacement includes
1. Removing the old vanity, top, sink and faucet. 2. Repairing walls and flooring as needed. 3. Adjusting plumbing, replacing shutoffs and supply lines. 4. Installing and leveling the new vanity, securing it to the wall. 5. Installing the top, sink and faucet, and sealing joints. 6. Backsplash, mirror, lighting and any outlet work. 7. Testing for leaks.
Questions to ask
- Will the new vanity fit with proper clearances around the toilet and door?
- Will plumbing need to move?
- What is the cabinet box made of?
- Will you replace the shutoff valves and supply lines?
- Who handles electrical work for lighting and outlets?
Backsplashes
A backsplash protects the wall behind the sink from splashes. It can be a short piece of the countertop material or tile that runs higher. Seal the joint between the countertop and wall with a flexible sealant.