When properly designed, bathroom cabinets eliminate clutter and make your restroom look tidy. A typical bathroom cabinet design may involve a bathroom sink cabinet, a bathroom towel cabinet, and/or bathroom storage cabinet. Coming to the materials, most modern bathroom cabinet components are either oak wood, maple, or pine. However, more and more manufacturers are expanding their bathroom cabinetry line to include cherry bathroom cabinet styles, hickory, or other exotic woods. And as for the location, there's one space that's always available in every bathroom...under the sink. In fact, single and double under-sink bathroom cabinets have been popular for many years now.
Adding a sink cabinet is no rocket science, but you should follow the right steps in the right sequence. Here they are, at a glance.
Add a New Bathroom Sink Cabinet in 14 Easy Steps
Installing a new sink cabinet or vanity is a relatively simple procedure. One many homeowners can successfully undertake as a DIY home project by following these easy steps:
1. The first step is to shut off water service to the existing sink fixture, and disconnect plumbing; both water supply lines and drain fittings. If the existing supply lines do not have shut-off valves, the main water supply to the home will have to be shut off.
2. If the cabinet installation will not be completed quickly, bathroom sink supply lines may need to be capped until project completion, so that water service can be left on for the rest of the home.
3. If supply lines don't already have shut off valves, this is an ideal time to add them.
TrustedPros Tip: Once the old fixtures have been disconnected, many homeowners opt to install new bathroom floor covering; such as vinyl floor covering or bathroom floor tile. After floor covering has been installed, a pre-manufactured bathroom sink cabinet can be installed very quickly; usually in only several hours.
4. Accurately measuring the available space for a new sink cabinet unit is crucial; you will need this measurement before purchasing the cabinet. Measure the unit for height and width; mark these lines on the wall with the width measurement centered over plumbing service lines.
5. Using a stud finder, locate and mark at least one wall stud inside the height and width marks on the wall; make sure that they are plumb and level.
6. Measure the location of the bathroom hot and cold plumbing lines, and then make markings for them centered on the back of the vanity sink cabinet. Cut openings for each; be sure to leave ample room to connect the fittings later.
7. Set the vanity in place, using the wall marks; also make sure that the cabinet sits solid and level. Use wood shims to level if necessary. Note: before installing the cabinet vanity, remove the doors. This helps avoid accidental damage to them during installation. Replace the doors once installation is complete.
8. Secure the cabinet in place by using at least 3-inch screws through the “nailer†(a wood brace across the back of the cabinet) and into the wall stud.
9. Recheck the cabinet to insure it is still level, then trim any protruding shims using a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to damage the floor covering.
10. If a noticeable gap exists between the cabinet and floor due to shimming, cover the problem by nailing trim molding along the bottom edge of the cabinet.
11. Caulk around the cabinet floor perimeter, and then lay a solid bead of caulk or silicone around the entire top edge of the cabinet.
12. Set the countertop on the cabinet and gently press into place; allow caulk to fully set.
13. Attach water supply lines and drain to the sink and fixtures.
14. Turn the water on and check for leaks. It is prudent to frequently check for leaks in supply lines and drain for several days following new bathroom cabinet installation to insure everything is water tight.
Note: be sure to follow any additional manufacturer installation guidelines that came with your cabinet sink.
Sounds too Complicated? Hire a Professional!
At TrustedPros.ca, finding a professional to install a bathroom cabinet in Canada is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Homeowners can sign up at TrustedPros.ca absolutely free with no obligation. Post your cabinet project online with our free, easy-to-use tools, and then sit back and relax. Reliable local contractors view project details and provide competitive bids in days, even hours after project posting. Homeowners can evaluate contractor portfolios and credentials online 24/7 and connect only with those contractor's of their choosing (or none at all).
TrustedPros uses the industry-leading TrustScoreTM contractor rating system to provide you the most authentic and reliable contractor ratings and reviews in Canada.
Posted by: TrustedPros