Vanity Units

Step One: Turn off the water to the bathroom. Disconnect the plumbing to the existing vanity. Remove the counter top or sink. Remove the old vanity (usually done by unscrewing it from the studs).

Step Two: Measure the space - measure the vanity - and then mark the wall and the floor (and measure again to check your measurements). Locate a stud in the area where you drew on the wall. Find the pipes and measure from the wall markings to the pipes and make corresponding marks on the back of the vanity. Cut out holes for the pipes on the back of the vanity.

Step Three: Remove the new vanity doors and drawers to make installation easier. Slide the vanity into place and check to see that it is level from side to side and from front to back. Use wooden shims to achieve plumb. Attach the vanity to the studs through the nailer (the piece of wood running across the back of the vanity).

Step Four: Put the doors and drawers back on the installed vanity.

Step Five: Place a bead of latex caulk around the top edge of the vanity. Set the countertop in place on the vanity and press down. Allow the caulk to dry before proceeding.

Step Six: Install the sink and fixtures.

Websites that can help:

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/10-12-2005-78681.asp

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p=Improve/installbathroomvanity.html

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/installbathvanity

Tips: Countertops will overhang the cabinets. Compensate for the overhang when making measurements for the space.

The normal height for a bathroom vanity is around 34 inches.