Free Guide to Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity

Understanding Your Bathroom Vanity and When Replacement Makes Sense

A bathroom vanity is the cabinet that sits beneath your sink, typically containing storage drawers and shelves. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in your bathroom. The vanity holds plumbing connections underneath, provides counter space for your sink, and offers storage for toiletries, cleaning supplies, and personal items. Before deciding to replace your vanity, understanding what you have and why replacement might be necessary can save you time and money.

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Vanities typically last 15 to 20 years with proper care, though this varies based on material quality, moisture exposure, and maintenance. Signs that replacement may be needed include visible water damage, soft or warped wood, doors or drawers that no longer close properly, persistent mold or mildew despite cleaning, and outdated styling that no longer fits your bathroom design. Some homeowners replace vanities for purely cosmetic reasons—updating the look of their bathroom without addressing any functional problems.

The cost of replacing a vanity ranges from $200 to $3,000 or more, depending on whether you install it yourself or hire a professional, the quality and size of the new vanity, and whether additional plumbing work is needed. Understanding this range helps you set a realistic budget before starting your project. A basic 24-inch vanity with a pre-made top might cost $200 to $600, while a high-end 48-inch custom vanity with premium materials could exceed $2,000.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons for vanity replacement. Bathrooms are humid environments, and even small leaks from under-sink plumbing can cause wood to swell, rot, and deteriorate. If you notice soft spots in the wood, discoloration, or a musty smell coming from the cabinet, water damage is likely present. In these cases, replacement becomes necessary not just for appearance but for preventing further damage to your bathroom structure.

Practical takeaway: Inspect your vanity carefully before deciding on replacement. Look underneath and inside the cabinet for signs of water damage, check that all drawers and doors function smoothly, and assess whether the vanity style still matches your vision for your bathroom. Taking time to evaluate your situation thoroughly ensures you make the right decision about whether replacement is truly necessary.

Measuring Your Space and Choosing the Right Vanity Size

Accurate measurements are essential before purchasing a replacement vanity. Taking wrong measurements can result in ordering a vanity that doesn't fit, wasting money and time. Start by measuring the width of the space where your vanity will go, from wall to wall. Most bathroom vanities come in standard widths: 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60, and 72 inches. If your space is an odd size, you'll need to find a vanity slightly smaller than your available space or consider custom options.

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Measure the depth of your vanity space as well. Standard vanity depth is typically 21 to 22 inches, but some smaller spaces may require 18-inch vanities. Measure from the wall to where the cabinet ends, accounting for any wall trim or baseboards. The height of a standard vanity is 30 to 36 inches, though some people prefer 34 or 36 inches for ergonomic reasons. Measure from your floor to the underside of any existing mirror or cabinets above your current vanity to ensure your new one will fit proportionally.

Consider the location of existing plumbing. Your sink drain and water supply lines are already positioned in your wall and floor. If you choose a vanity with the sink in a different location than your current one, you'll need additional plumbing work, which increases cost significantly. Choosing a vanity with the sink in approximately the same location as your current setup minimizes plumbing changes. If you want the sink moved, plan for this additional expense.

Think about the number of sinks you want. Single-sink vanities work well for smaller bathrooms or guest bathrooms. Double-sink vanities require more space but are valuable in master bathrooms where two people might use the bathroom simultaneously. A double-sink vanity typically starts at 48 inches wide and goes up to 72 inches or larger. If you currently have a single sink but want a double, confirm you have the wall space and plumbing capacity for this upgrade.

Choose a vanity style that matches your bathroom's overall design. Vanities come in many styles: traditional with ornate details, contemporary with clean lines, farmhouse with rustic elements, and transitional with balanced details. Your vanity is a focal point in your bathroom, so selecting one that complements your tiles, wall color, and lighting creates a cohesive look. Research different styles online to identify what appeals to you before shopping.

Practical takeaway: Create a detailed measurement sheet including width, depth, height, and plumbing locations. Take multiple measurements and double-check them before ordering. Consider taking photos of your current space and vanity to reference when shopping online or visiting showrooms. Accurate measurements prevent costly mistakes and ensure your new vanity fits properly in your space.

Gathering Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before starting your vanity replacement project, gather all necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand prevents delays and frustration during installation. Basic hand tools you'll likely need include an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers (both Phillips and flathead), a tape measure, a level, a putty knife, and a flashlight for seeing under the sink. Many of these tools are inexpensive and useful for other household projects, so the investment pays off over time.

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You'll need plumbing-specific tools if you're disconnecting the water supply lines and drain pipes yourself. A basin wrench, designed specifically for reaching plumbing connections in tight spaces under the sink, makes this job significantly easier. Slip-joint pliers help you loosen and tighten plumbing nuts. A bucket or towels are essential for catching water that remains in the supply lines and trap after shutting off the water. Even when you turn off the water supply valve, some water stays in the pipes.

Materials needed depend on your situation but commonly include plumber's putty or silicone caulk for sealing around the sink drain and faucet base. If your old vanity is caulked to the wall, you'll need a caulk removal tool or utility knife to scrape away old caulk before installation. If you're moving the sink location or dealing with exposed wall areas, you may need drywall patches, spackle, and paint to match your bathroom walls.

Consider whether you need a new faucet. If your current faucet is in good condition and the mounting holes on your new vanity match, you can reuse it. However, many new vanities come with faucets included, and sometimes a new faucet designed for your new sink configuration works better. Sink holes vary—some sinks have a single center hole for a single-handle faucet, while others have three holes for a traditional two-handle faucet. Confirm this matches before purchasing.

If you're installing the vanity top yourself, you'll need adhesive or caulk appropriate for your counter material. If your new vanity comes with a pre-installed top, you skip this step. Some vanities include all hardware—drawer pulls and handles—while others don't. Check what's included and order any missing hardware before installation day.

Practical takeaway: Create a detailed checklist of all tools and materials you'll need before starting. Borrow tools you don't own from friends or neighbors rather than buying them if you won't use them again. Visit a hardware store and ask for recommendations on materials specific to your situation—bathroom vanity installation has standard solutions, and store staff can point you toward the right products.

Removing Your Old Vanity Safely and Properly

Proper removal of your old vanity prevents damage to your bathroom walls and plumbing. Start by turning off the water supply to your bathroom. Look under the sink for the shut-off valve, typically a small lever or knob on the water supply lines coming from the wall. Turn it clockwise until it stops. Test that the water is off by turning on the bathroom faucet—water should not flow. If you can't locate the shut-off valve under the sink, look for the main water shut-off valve for your entire house, usually located near your water meter or where the water line enters your home.

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With the water off, you're ready to disconnect the plumbing. Place a bucket under the sink to catch any remaining water.