So you’ve decided to remodel, and you need a small project to get you started. One of the simplest projects you can tackle is a bath vanity remodel. New bath vanity cabinets are available from 24” to 60” and may come with tops and sinks already installed, meaning all you have to provide are fixtures and plumbing. The 60” selections will almost always accommodate two sinks, for his and hers sides of the vanity.
As with any project though, first things first: Start by choosing what style vanity you want, then by choosing the actual vanity. Modern vanities are typically clean and minimalist in their styling. You’ll find them in sharp, angular designs with clean edges and in color schemes like black with chrome accents.
Contemporary vanities keep with the clean lines of modern styles, but with one important difference. They don’t stick to angles. Contemporary vanities combine the simplified colors and clean edges with sweeping curves giving them a generally softer appearance.
Traditional bath vanities are much more ornate and are normally made of wood. All of the accents are typically ornately designed metals and are generally given an antiqued look. The vanity itself is normally made of ornately carved and stained wood and the fixtures are usually very decorative in nature. The countertops are usually either stone such as marble, or a simulated version of stones.
A double bath vanity can come in any of the styles listed above, but has the distinction of holding two separate sinks. A double vanity may also have a separator in the center consisting of cabinets and drawers for keeping various bathroom items and toiletries, as well as keeping his and hers bathroom items separate on the counter space.
Once chosen, installation can be simple or difficult, depending on the particular vanity you’ve chosen. The simplest installation will involve driving a few screws through the back of the vanity and into studs in the walls, and then connecting waste and supply pipes to the sink or sinks. More difficult assemblies could include assembly as well as sink and fixture installations.
Refer to the manual that comes with your vanity, as well as possibly how-to articles on the internet for tips from people who’ve already installed them. Make sure you’re capable of the installation before you take it on yourself – there’s no shame in enlisting the help of a professional if you need it, especially for things like plumbing if you have to run new pipes.
Once your project is done; you’ll have the confidence, experience and knowledge to start looking into other projects around the home. Now it’s time to sit back, relax and treat yourself to your beverage of choice and enjoy your new home improvement accomplishment. photo credit: billh18