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Bathroom Vanity Buyer's Guide
If you are in the process of building a new home an have finally decided it is time to renovate your existing bathroom, it can be overwhelming to shop for all the new products required to create your dream bathroom. Bathroom vanities are a beautiful option and come with a complete package usually including the sink, counter space and cupboard space. Available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes you are sure to find the perfect unit for your home.
Measure it up
Before browsing for a bathroom vanity determine how much space you have in your bathroom for a unit. If you are replacing an old vanity, take careful measurements and use this as a reference for the dimensions of your new one. If you are buying for a new bathroom measure the space that is available taking care to leave space for walking between the unit and the toilet as well as the shower. Ideally there will be at least a foot and a half of space, imagine a space that can accommodate a garbage can, the most likely resident of the small area between the vanity and the shower.
Bathroom vanities are available for everything from the most luxurious master bath to a tiny closet bathroom, making finding the perfect size a breeze.
One Sink, Two Sinks, Three…
Bathroom vanities are traditionally available with one or two sinks. This is usually a pretty easy decision for anyone who has stood with their mouth burning from mouth wash while their spouse slowly counts each brush stroke suddenly trying to achieve maximum dental hygiene. But seriously, this can be determined based off the number of people in your home and general household schedules. The downside to two sinks is that there are two sinks to clean, but it could save a lot of hip pushing to get to the sink.
It’s what’s on Top that Counts
Bathroom vanity counters can be found made in many different materials. The material will affect the look, ease of cleaning, strength and durability as well as the price of your bathroom vanity.
Concrete – Not so much a mixer dropping a thin layer of concrete on top of your vanity, concrete refers to counters such as granite and marble. These are heavy, durable and stunningly beautiful counters but require special care for their stone tops and can be very heavy.
Ceramic – Ceramic gives a nice clean look as well as often time matches the shower or bathtub in the bathroom. It is easy to clean and gives a very traditional look.
Wood - Treated oak and mahogany make beautiful wood counters which can add a very distinctive rustic or traditional style to your bathroom. Similar to the concretes, wood counters must be properly cared for and sealed to withstand the wet conditions it will be subjected to.
Other materials include plastic laminate, stainless steel and glass. Each has their own unique quality and the decision of which material to purchase usually comes down to personal preference and price.
When it comes to Installation
Eventually your new bathroom vanity will have to be installed. Sometimes it can be helpful to have a heads up of what installation entails before making a purchase decision. All bathroom vanities will be installed differently and unless you are experienced at doing handy-man/woman tasks around the home it might be easier to hire someone, although with a little research, common sense, dedication and maybe an extra hand to help with heavy lifting you can install your new vanity yourself. Here is a general rundown of what installation requires.
- Turn off the water to your bathroom vanity
- Remove existing vanity (if necessary)
- Prepare your new vanity for installation by removing drawers and remove the doors
- Slide the vanity into its space
- Secure the back of the vanity cabinet to the stud in the wall
- Connect the water and drain lines (test)
- Reattach the doors and drawers
- Done!
Tip!
One important tip to remember when shopping for bathroom vanities you must be sure to read the entire product description. Many bathroom vanities will be photographed with a faucet, mirror, sink and more but this does not always mean that the vanity will come with everything. The product description will clarify what is included.
Lastly, have some fun shopping for your bathroom vanity. The bathroom vanity is the perfect piece of bathroom furniture to get creative and incorporate color and style into your bathroom (as opposed to the toilet).
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