Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Table of Contents

Bathroom

5 min read

How to Install Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom

5 min read

How to Install Bathroom Cabinets

BathroomHow to Install Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom renovations are always an excellent investment, as they tend to offer the best return. Not to mention, the bathroom is a fairly integral room in the home. This space is used on a daily basis for many essential activities, and this includes washing up in the morning as well as before bed, getting ready for work, taking care of overall hygiene  and so forth. Even though it’s a small space, storage is essential.

This is why bathroom cabinets need to be in good working order. If you’re taking on a bathroom renovation or installing new cabinets, the process can be challenging for the novice but doesn’t require professional skills. Luckily, we’re here to help with the basic steps!

Here's how to install bathroom cabinets!

bathroom cabinets_renoquotes.com

source: pixabay

Getting started

As mentioned, this DIY project is fairly straightforward. As a novice, it may be difficult to know where to start, but with the right tools and materials it shouldn’t take more than a weekend. Here are a list of things you will require for the installation:

  • Drill with screwdriver bits

  • Stud finder

  • Level (24” or 48”)

  • Manual coping saw

  • Pencil

  • Tape measure

  • Wallboard screws

  • Silicone caulk/sealant

  • Caulk gun

Your first step will be to locate the studs in the wall using your stud finder. Most bathroom cabinets are very heavy and thus, securing them correctly into the wall is essential. Grab your stud finder and locate at least one stud on the wall where you plan on placing your cabinets. Look for a second stud, which should be located between 12 to 16 inches from the first. If you’re securing the cabinets to an adjacent wall as well, make sure to locate studs there as well.

Prepare the surface for the cabinets

Using your pencil, begin by marking the height of the cabinets as they would sit against the back wall where they will be installed. If you’re working with a side wall as well, mark this too. The dimensions of your cabinets should be located inside the instructions. However, if you’re unable to find them, just go ahead and measure the cabinets yourself. Using your level, mark the height of the cabinets along the wall.

Once the height has been marked, you can place your cabinets into their desired position. If you are only attaching the cabinets to a single wall, make sure that they are positioned in such a way that the vanity top has an equal overhang. Again, if there is a side wall that you’re working with, make sure the cabinets' countertop is touching it. It’s recommended that you take the time to test fit the countertop in place.

You may need a friend or family member to help you hold it in place, but once the vanity is in position, grab that level and make sure it’s level in all ways: side-to-side and front-to-back. Now, it’s time to secure the cabinet in place. Wallboard screws should be driven into the mounting strip located at the back of the cabinet, driving them into the previously marked wall studs.

Secure the cabinet in place

If the cabinet is positioned against a sidewall, there is likely a gap present. This will need to be filled in using a filler strip that can be cut and installed yourself. Measure the gap and cut a piece of filler strip so that it can fit around the baseboard. Before attaching it, it will be necessary for you to scribe the profile of the baseboard onto the strip itself, as this will help it to fit perfectly into the space.

Make sure to trim the strip to be in line with the width of the gap. Test out the filler strip to make sure it fits snuggly in place, and once you’ve found the perfect fit, sand it down and stain it to be certain it matches. In some cases, filler strips may come with your cabinetry and therefore, will not require you to measure and cut them out.

Finish the installation of your bathroom cabinets

tiles_renoquotes.com

source: unsplash

If you are securing your cabinets to the side wall, there will likely be a gap between the cabinet and the wall itself. For this reason, you will need to shim out the gap for support. Cut two wood blocks that can be used as spacers. They should be 1/8th an inch shorter than the distance between the vanity and the wall. Next, place wood shims between the spacer blocks making sure that they fit perfectly in place.

You’ll need to drive them in place with screws that should be long enough to fit through all of the pieces. Of course, if you’re not working with a side wall, this step can be completely omitted.

The next step will be installing the top of the vanity, or the sink. Not all cabinets will require you to install the sink separately, as some will come with it already in place. This will need to be attached before you install the countertop, including the faucet and other sink hardware pieces.

To install the countertop, place a tiny amount of sealant on its bottom surface, then set it in place. This should be enough to secure the countertop firmly. Also worth mentioning is that your counter should have an equal overhang on either side, and the back should be pressed firmly against the back wall.

Connect the plumbing and install the backsplash

This is definitely one of the more crucial steps. Once everything is neatly set in place, hook up the water supply. The process for this part will be dependant on the manufacturer of your faucet. The same goes for the installation process of your backsplash. In the majority of cases, you should apply caulk or sealant on the back of a backsplash, pressing it firmly in place on the wall. This will need to cure for at least 24 hours before you begin washing your face and brushing your teeth.

Get quotes for your bathroom cabinet renovation or installation project

RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your bathroom cabinet renovation. If you submit your project to us, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill out the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from companies that are specialized in home renovations.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!


Last modified 2023-11-07

List of sources


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Table of contents


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Are you a contractor?

Join our network and receive real leads!

Download the price guide for renovations

We’ll be emailing you the latest market price guide for renovations.



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

2 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

6 Ways to Deal with Flooding

Every spring, homeowners, and especially those who live close to waterways, fear being flooded. The damage this disaster causes is serious, and thus, we can understand the concern.

4 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

Wind-Damaged Roof: Replacing or Repairing

Having a roof over our heads is one of the many modern luxuries to which we all aspire. In fact, the roof of one’s home is a very important feature. Not only does it prevent the outdoor elements from entering indoors, but it actually regulates interior temperatures.

4 min read

Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023

Roof Sealant: A Necessary Additional Waterproofing Measure?

In northern countries, like Canada, where the weather is cold and the land is snow-covered, it’s important to present air and water infiltrations by appropriately shielding rooftops.

4 min read

N/A • 07 Nov 2023

Hardwood Floor Maintenance Techniques

Hardwood floors are a beautiful but serious investment. Protecting and maintaining the surface of your hardwood floors is an important part of owning them. This flooring material shows all signs of dirt and grime, and therefore, cleaning should happen frequently. However, hardwood floors are a delicate material and must be maintained using soft and specific methods.

9 min read

RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023

A Durable and Weatherproof Solution: Composite Flooring

Who doesn’t like wooden floors? The wide-ranging species are sought-after, whether installed inside or outside. However, while wood may be well-acclimated and low maintenance inside your home, it’s another tale when facing Mother Nature in your backyard. 


Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!