How To Install A Bathroom Cabinet Vanity?
Replacing your old vanity cabinet with a new one can radically change the outlook of your bathroom.
Here we have given the instruction which will make the installation of a new vanity easier and hassle-free for you.
Required Tools And Materials
Before getting into the main job you need to get some necessary tools and materials for installing the new vanity. The list is as follows:
Tools:
- Caulk gun
- Drill
- Stud-finder
- Gauge (small profile)
- Tape measure
- Coping saw
- Level
- Jigsaw
- Pencil
- Materials
Materials:
- Wood shims
- Sink-drain assembly
- Vanity with sink and countertop
- 2-inches drywall screws
- Water supply tubes
- Filler strip
- Wood finish materials
- Silicone caulk
- Wood blocking
- Faucet
- Setting and fastening the vanity
Instructions:
Locating The Wall Studs
In the first step, you need to locate the wall stud behind the vanity using an electric stud-finder and mark the core of that.
If possible, do the same thing again for finding the second stud. If the vanity has an attachment with the sidewalls you need to find the studs in the sidewall as well.
Setting And Fastening The Vanity
Now you have to take the height measurement of the vanity excluding the countertop and transfer the measurement to both side and back wall.
Draw a level line using a level at the vanity height. Now place and cabinet in position and make sure that the cabinet is level both front-to-back and side-to-side.
You can use wood shims under the cabinet for making it level. At this moment, use two 2-inches drywall screws for securing the cabinet to the back wall.
Drive the screws through the mounting strip of the studs of the back wall. After securing the position in the back wall, fasten the attachment with the sidewall as well.
Inspecting The Side Gaps (applicable for sidewall installation only)
If you find a wide gap between the sidewall and the cabinet, you can fill the gap by cutting a narrow filler strip.
However, you should keep in mind that the shape of the filer strip must have the same measurement as the gap between the sidewall and the cabinet.
You need to cut the strip according to the measurement of the widest gap and then you can scribe the strip according to the contours of the gap so that the strip perfectly fits into the gap.
Cutting And Installing The Filler Strip (applicable for sidewall installation only)
In this step, cut a filler strip according to the overall dimension of the gap between the sidewall and the cabinet frame. You can use either a jigsaw or table saw or circular saw.
Now, either create a paper template that will match the profile of the baseboard or copy the profile using a small profile gauge. Trace the profile using a pencil and transfer the profile to the filler strip.
Now, cut the profile using a jigsaw or coping saw and adjust it accordingly by testing the fitting of the filler strip. For better finishing, sand and stain the strip so that it matches the base colour of the cabinet frame.
If the strip is heavier, attach it with the cabinet base using screws else you can glue the strip and the base of the cabinet together with epoxy in case the strip is thin.
Fastening The Sidewall (applicable for sidewall installation only)
For better durability and longevity, you should fasten the cabinet to the sidewall as well as to the back wall. It will keep the cabinet secured as if there is a gap between the sidewall and the cabinet, you won’t be able to drive screw for installing the cabinet securely.
For fastening the sidewalls you need to cut 2 wood scraper block. The width of the block should be 1/8 inches shorter than the gap between the wall and vanity.
Now, place the wood shims in between the wall and wood spacer blocks which will create a better fit. Get a long drywall screw and drive it into the wall and cabinet side.
Installing The Vanity Top
If your vanity comes with a spate sink then you need to attach the sink to the countertop before heading towards the main installation process.
Some vanity comes with an integrated sink which doesn’t require any additional installation. Now, install the drain fitting and faucet according to the directions on the manual.
Attach the top corners on the wall as well by placing some silicone caulk and set the sink assembly and countertop in place so that it overhangs evenly.
Connecting The Plumbing
In this step, connect the plumbing by connecting the sink drain to the branch drain and drain trap also connecting the faucet to the water supply lines. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction while making the connections.
Installing The Backsplash (if any)
If a separate backsplash comes with your vanity, you need to attach it by applying some silicone caulk. For secured attachment, press the backsplash evenly against the wall.
Caulking The Joints
Caulk the joints by applying some silicone caulk at the meeting point of the wall and the counterpart. Give at least 24 hours to the caulk to cure before you start to use the vanity.
Installing a vanity is nothing difficult if you follow the steps gradually. We believe, our instruction guide will help you to complete your job without any trouble and also in a shorter duration.