Installing New Vanity Countertops

By: Joanne Dorin


Bathroom cabinets and vanity countertops provide necessary bathroom storage space. After all you need a place to store your toiletries, medicines, facial cleansers, moisturizers, deodorants, first aid products, shower products, and towels.

Vanity countertops make an amazing accent to your bathroom. It will provide you with useable counter space and help you keep your bath organized. Here are some tips to use when installing cabinets and countertops in your bathroom to give it that sophisticated trendy look.

Most times it's easier to put the medicine cabinet in before you put your vanity in. To avoid damaging the cabinets take the doors off before you install it.

You need to measure for the proper height and then fit the cabinet between the 2x4's. It should fit snugly. Level the top and secure firmly.

Next it's time to install the vanity cabinet. Use a level to find high point on the floor. That will determine the high point of the cabinet. Mark that point across the wall which will be your reference for your cabinet tops.

Now you need a plumb line that intersects down the middle. The middle cabinet always is installed first. Draw your line down the back center and line it up with your guide line. Now you need to determine where your pipes need to run and drill those holes using a spade bit.

Next slide the cabinet into its proper location and level. Secure it to wall using drywall screws. Flush and plump all cabinet components and use a wood clamp to tie the front frame together. Now screw all components together.

If there is a gap between the cabinet and the wall, not to worry this is common. Cut a piece of trim to fill the gap and attach to the cabinet with screws.

Now comes the vanity top which is made from ¾" plywood. Find the center point on the cabinet front. Now center the countertop and secure it to the cabinet with drywall screws. You can build up the edges of the countertop if you like which stops the doors from hitting the trim.

Use ¾" plywood strips for your trim and attach using adhesive and screws. Mark for sink opening. Most vanities come with a template for the opening which makes it much easier for cutting the opening. Start by drilling a pilot hole with your jig saw blade and then cut out the entire opening.

Now you are ready to start your tiling or laminating process. If you are using a laminate then you will be using contact cement which is highly flammable so make sure your room is well ventilated and that there are no sources of flame.

Add bottom supports where needed and use your adhesive glue to attach. Place your laminate on your countertop. Score using your utility knife then snap. Use a jig saw to cut your laminate pieces. The direction you cut depends on the laminate. Cut a test piece to see which direction cuts with the least amount of chipping. That's the direction you'll want to cut your good piece.

The laminate and cement make an excellent bond but you still need to use a roller to squeeze out air bubbles and ensure good contact. Until you are certain your placement is correct use cardboard inserts to work with your aligning.

Once the edges are set up you can cut off the excess with your router. Make sure you use a carbide laminate bit. You will want to glue the top piece exactly the same way.

If you are going to install a laminate backsplash start butting it flush to the back of the vanity and tight against the wall. Once you have everything aligned use your drywall screws to attach the backsplash to countertop.

Your bathroom will look great with your new vanity countertops! Are you ready?


Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more countertops & decorating ideas for your home and garden visit www.decorz.com.