Do It Yourself: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity

What You'll Need
Of course, specific instructions will depend on a number of variables, including the particular vanity you select, the size of your bathroom and your bathroom's unique plumbing. This guide will give you a good overview of what to expect with your bathroom vanity installation...

Typical materials needed when installing a bathroom vanity include:

• Two pieces of flexible reinforced tubing (PB piping)* (You may have old water supply lines in excellent condition.)
• P-trap (drain trap)* (You may have a used one in excellent condition.)
• Tapered shims
• Electronic stud finder
• Electric drill
• Several 2 inch drywall screws
• Groove joint pliers
• Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
• Adjustable wrench
• Spirit level
• Pencil
• Utility knife
• Tape measure

*We believe plastic piping is easier to work with, which is why we recommend it, but your local building codes may stipulate the use of metal, copper, or another kind of piping. Check with your local government to be sure of the requirements.

Optional items

• Acrylic caulk and caulk gun
• Trim
• Channel-locking pliers or pipe wrench

Shut Off the Water
As with any plumbing project, the most important thing you can do is make sure your water is shut off. Usually, a water shut-off valve can be found in your basement, or wherever the local water line enters your home. If you don't do this, you could end up with quite a mess. Also make sure to disconnect the supply lines. And make sure to have a bucket nearby to collect the excess water that has been sitting in the pipes you're about to disconnect.

Remove Your Existing Vanity
When removing your existing vanity, be sure to take care not to damage the wall. Even though your old vanity will be going in the trash, your wall - of course - will remain. You don't want to cause damage.

Prepare Your Vanity for Installation
Once you've removed your old vanity, it's time to get your new bathroom vanity ready to install: First, remove any drawers, and unscrew the hinges to remove the doors. Take a measurement of the cabinet height, and mark your wall to indicate the height. Make sure to use a level when drawing the line to ensure a good installation.

Next, slide the vanity into place based on the lines you have drawn. Again, be sure to use a level so you don't have a lopsided vanity. You can use tapered shims under the new vanity to adjust it to the proper level. If you come across an bathroom floor that not level, you can cut the base of the vanity to match the floor, or use a rubber trim to hide any gaps.

Now, use a stud finder to find your wall's studs. You're going to need to drill holes in the back of your bathroom vanity at the stud locations in order to secure your vanity to the wall. Always make sure to attach the vanity to the studs - not to drywall. Otherwise, the vanity will not be secure.

After you've got the vanity in place, remove the extra shim material with a sharp utility knife, and use caulk to fill any gaps between the vanity and the floor. Also, you can use a trim - either vinyl or wood - to cover large gaps.

Hooking It Up
To install the plumbing, you'll first need to replace the p-trap. Make sure to use Teflon sealing tape to make sure you don't spring a leak.

Once you attach the supply lines to the plumbing, you're ready to turn the water back on. If you've followed these simple instructions - and with a little luck - your bathroom vanity will be all ready to go.