How to Build a Vanity Cabinet

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

A vanity cabinet can be a statement piece in your bathroom that also doubles as storage. If you want a low-cost option that’s customized to your style, building the cabinet by yourself is a great alternative! You’re probably wondering how to get started, and we've got you covered. We’ll answer some of your most common questions step by step so you can feel confident going into your build!

Question 1

Question 1 of 12:
How much does it cost to build a bathroom vanity?

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You can build a simple vanity for under $300 USD. The main components of your vanity are the lumber and countertop, so there aren't a lot of materials. If you’re looking for a basic vanity construction that only has one main storage compartment, your build won’t be very expensive. However, you’ll start spending more money if you want to add extra drawers and hardware.^{[1]
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- Pre-made vanities cost an average of $300–800 USD, but custom cabinets can cost upwards of $2,000 USD.^{[2]
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Question 2

Question 2 of 12:
How hard is it to build a bathroom vanity?

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This project takes a bit of time, but only requires basic woodworking. At its core, a bathroom vanity is just a large wooden box, so you don’t have to worry about a lot of advanced construction. If you have access to and feel comfortable using power tools, then you won’t have much trouble working on the vanity. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t have experience in woodworking, but brace yourself for a little hard work.^{[3]
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- If you don’t feel like you’re able to build the vanity on your own, ask a friend that’s more experienced to help you out.
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You’ll build the frame, install it in your bathroom, then add a countertop and sink. You’ll start by framing your cabinet with lumber and plywood, leaving openings for where you want to install doors and drawers. After that, secure it to your bathroom wall so you can set and secure the countertop on it. Then, you can drop in your sink and connect it to your home’s plumbing.^{[4]
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- You can always hire a professional to build the vanity for you if you’re not able to.

Question 3

Question 3 of 12:
Can I use a kitchen base cabinet for a bathroom vanity?

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Yes, but it adds more work since you need to seal it and remove the drawers. Since kitchen cabinets aren’t made for the moist, humid environment in your bathroom, you’ll need to apply sealant on them so they don’t warp. If the cabinets have drawers, you’d also have to take them out so there’s room for your sink and plumbing. Stick with building the cabinets from scratch or getting cabinets made for your bathroom.^{[5]
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- Even though kitchen cabinets are deeper, they may extend too far from the wall and block walkways or doorways.

Question 4

Question 4 of 12:
What are standard sizes for bathroom vanities?

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They’re usually 20–24 inches (51–61 cm) deep, but their lengths depend on your bathroom. Make sure you leave enough room so you can walk through your bathroom without bumping into anything else.^{[6]
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Research source} Aim to have about 30 in (76 cm) of clearance between the edge of your vanity and any other fixture or wall.^{[7]
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- Measure the wall where you want to install your vanity so you have an idea of the space you have available.
- If you’re replacing an old vanity, try to stick with something that’s a similar size so you don’t have to renovate other fixtures in your bathroom.
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Keep your vanity around 32–36 in (0.81–0.91 m) tall. Set your vanity around waist height for the people using the bathroom. Shorter vanities work great if you have kids so they’re able to reach the sink. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more comfortable to use, make your vanity a little taller so you don’t have to bend down to reach it.^{[8]
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Question 5

Question 5 of 12:
What kind of wood should I use for a bathroom vanity?

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Choose hardwoods like birch, maple, and poplar for the most moisture resistance. For the main shell, shelves, and door panels, opt for plywood since it’s cheaper and easier to work with. For the cabinet faces, framing, and drawers, pick solid lumber for more stability and durability.^{[9]
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- Avoid building a vanity out of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) since it won’t handle the changes in moisture and humidity very well.

Question 6

Question 6 of 12:
Can I add drawers to a vanity?

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Yes, as long as they don't interfere with the pipes or plumbing. Keep in mind where the drainpipe connection is in your bathroom and where the sink will fit on your vanity.^{[10]
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Research source} Usually, you’re pretty safe installing the drawers closer to one side of the vanity so they don’t come into contact with the pipes. Frame out where you want the drawers using some lumber on the front of your vanity.^{[11]
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- You can either buy pre-built drawers or make your own.
- Install vertical pieces of wood inside of your vanity if you want to separate your drawers from the rest of the cabinet. The dividers can also make the inside of your vanity look a little cleaner.

Question 7

Question 7 of 12:
What’s the best finish for bathroom cabinets?

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Semi-gloss paint repels moisture the most effectively. Opt for an oil-based paint or a mildew-free latex paint since they’ll work the most effectively. Load a roller with your paint and go over all of your vanity’s surfaces. Use a bristle brush to work the paint into the crevices of your cabinets so it has a nice even coat. Let your paint dry completely before giving your cabinets another 1–2 layers.^{[12]
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Research source} Allow the paint to cure completely before installing the vanity.
- Darker colors will hide marks and dirt more effectively than lighter tones.

Question 8

Question 8 of 12:
How do I install a vanity in my bathroom?

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Move the vanity into place so it’s level and screw it into the wall studs. Ask someone to help you move the vanity into your bathroom so you don’t hurt yourself. Push the vanity flush with your wall and ensure that it’s level. Find the studs in your wall and screw the back of the vanity frame tightly into them.^{[13]
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- If your vanity isn’t level, insert wooden shims underneath the lower side until it is.
- If you don’t have studs in your wall, then drill pilot holes and insert wall anchors first so you have something sturdy to screw into.

Question 9

Question 9 of 12:
What is the best countertop for a bathroom vanity?

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Granite, marble, quartz, and laminate are great options. If you’re putting a vanity in a bathroom that has a lot of traffic, choose laminate or quartz since they’re the most durable and have the lowest maintenance. If you want to make a master bathroom look a little classier, granite and marble work well, but they require a little more upkeep. Ultimately, go with whatever is in your budget and matches the style of your bathroom.^{[14]
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- Try to coordinate the colors of your countertop with the tiles in your bathroom.^{[15]
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Question 10

Question 10 of 12:
How do I attach a vanity top to a base?

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Secure your countertop with an adhesive silicone sealant. Before you attach the top, set it down on your vanity first and check if it’s level. If it sits evenly, lift the vanity top back off of the cabinets and put dots of the adhesive sealant in the corners of the cabinet. Position the top back on the vanity and press it down firmly. Let the sealant set for 24 hours before you use your vanity.^{[16]
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- If there’s excess sealant oozing out, wipe it away with a damp cloth.
- If your vanity top weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kg), ask someone to help you lift it.
- Some vanity tops come with separate backsplash pieces. Put a bead of sealant on the back of the piece and press it firmly against your wall behind the vanity.

Question 11

Question 11 of 12:
How do I fill a gap between a wall and vanity?

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Put a bead of caulk along the length of the gap to keep moisture out. Place the applicator tip of a caulk gun at the start of the gap. Gently squeeze the trigger so a thin line of caulk comes out. Move the caulk gun along the entire length of the gap so it’s completely filled in. Then, smooth the caulk out with your finger. Let the caulk cure for 1 day before using your vanity again.^{[17]
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- This prevents mold and mildew from forming between your vanity and the wall.

Question 12

Question 12 of 12:
How do I attach a bathroom sink to a vanity?

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Use silicone sealant around the edge of the sink and set it in the vanity. Turn the sink over so it’s upside-down. Apply a thin bead of the sealant on the edge of the sink that comes into contact with the counter. Carefully flip your sink back over and position it inside the hole on your vanity top. Let the sealant cure for at least 24 hours before you use your sink.^{[18]
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- If you have a bottom-mounted sink, install it in the vanity top before attaching the top to your cabinets. Otherwise, your sealant won’t set properly.

Warnings

Always use caution when you’re working with power tools so you don’t injure yourself.

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Ask someone to help you carry the vanity top if it weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kg) so you don’t strain while you’re lifting.^{[19]
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Hire a contractor or plumber if you have trouble installing the vanity on your own.

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