How to Install a Bathroom Vanity

72" Novak Vanity with Rectangular Undermount Sinks in Bright White for installing a bathroom vanity

Ready to get your new bathroom vanity set up? Don’t sweat it, as this DIY-friendly installation may not be as difficult as you’d think. Once you gather the appropriate tools, follow along as we break down vanity installation into a few small, easy-to-follow steps.

If you’re unfamiliar with installing a bathroom vanity and/or plumbing fixtures in general, we recommend consulting a professional. Keep scrolling to find answers to your most frequently asked questions about vanity installation. Now, let’s get started!

Tools & Materials

Pencil
Stud Finder
Tape Measure
Drill
Screwdriver
Level
Silicone Sealant
Wooden Shims

Installing a Bathroom Vanity

Step 1

Before installing a vanity, you need to determine your vanity placement and mark the area on the wall where it will be installed.

Step 2

Locate and mark the location of the studs to which you will fasten your vanity. You can find studs by listening for a solid sound as you knock on the wall or by using a stud finder.

Step 3

If your vanity cabinet has a solid back, mark and drill holes to accommodate drain pipes and supply pipes as necessary.

Step 4

Place the vanity in the installation location. Verify that the vanity cabinet is level. If the vanity is not level, use vanity feet (if included) or wooden shims to adjust as necessary.

Step 5

Attach the vanity to the wall by screwing through the mounting rail in the back of the vanity cabinet into the wall studs.

Step 6

Install the integral sink or vanity top by applying a dot of silicone sealant on the corners of the vanity. Position the vanity top onto the vanity and press firmly into place. Wipe away any excess sealant with a damp cloth.

Step 7

If your vanity top has a separate side and/or backsplash, place a bead of adhesive silicone sealant on the back and press firmly into place.

Step 8

Fill any gaps between the wall and vanity top and/or backsplash with silicone sealant. Wipe away excess sealant with a damp cloth.

Step 1

Before installing a vanity, you need to determine your vanity placement and mark the area on the wall where it will be installed.

Step 2

Locate and mark the location of the studs to which you will fasten your vanity. You can find studs by listening for a solid sound as you knock on the wall or by using a stud finder.

Step 3

If your vanity cabinet has a solid back, mark and drill holes to accommodate drain pipes and supply pipes as necessary.

Step 4

Place the vanity in the installation location. Verify that the vanity cabinet is level. If the vanity is not level, use vanity feet (if included) or wooden shims to adjust as necessary.

Step 5

Attach the vanity to the wall by screwing through the mounting rail in the back of the vanity cabinet into the wall studs.

Step 6

Step 7

If your vanity top has a separate side and/or backsplash, place a bead of adhesive silicone sealant on the back and press firmly into place.

Step 8

Fill any gaps between the wall and vanity top and/or backsplash with silicone sealant. Wipe away excess sealant with a damp cloth.

Vanity Installation FAQs

Do bathroom vanities need to be anchored?

It’s best practice to secure your vanity to the wall to keep the fixture firmly in place while hiding and protecting its plumbing, even if it’s freestanding. For a safe and technically correct attachment, screw the mounting rail in the back of the vanity cabinet into the wall studs.

Are bathroom vanities hard to install?

Surprisingly for such large fixtures, bathroom vanities are quite DIY friendly. If you have the rights tools and are remotely familiar with installing plumbing fixtures, a vanity shouldn’t be hard to install.

How long does it take to install a bathroom vanity?

While this greatly varies depending on the knowledge and experience of the installer, on average, a bathroom vanity installation takes 2-3 hours.

Is it okay to have a bathroom vanity without a backsplash?

While it is okay to not have a bathroom vanity without a backsplash, you may want to waterproof the wall behind your vanity in some other way (i.e tile) to prevent water from splashing directly on your walls.

Does the bathroom vanity need to be flush with a side wall?

A bathroom vanity does not need to be flush with a side wall. It can land anywhere you’d like along a wall, as long as the back of your vanity is correctly secured and there are stop valves and drain lines directly behind it that fit inside.