A new vanity top can breathe life into an outdated bathroom. Learning how to mount a vanity top isn’t difficult, but this project can take the better part of a morning or afternoon, depending on your DIY experience. Roll up your sleeves, dust off your caulk gun, and follow these eight steps to install a new vanity top.
Prepping to Install a Bathroom Vanity Top
You can cut down on bathroom vanity installation costs by doing it yourself, but a big part of those costs comes down to picking the right vanity top. Bathrooms are high use and high moisture, making some materials, like concrete and natural stones, less practical than more popular choices, such as quartz, solid surface, and laminate. Maintenance will be easier with a nonporous, stain-resistant material that doesn’t scratch or crack easily.
If you aren’t ready to take on this project or have a complex setup in mind, call a local bathroom vanity installer or handyperson. You might spend more, but these professionals can replace your bathroom vanity top without costly mistakes.
Clean and Clear the Area
Remove everything from the existing vanity and the surrounding area, including bathroom storage, rugs, hampers, and decor. Everything should be out of the way so it doesn’t get damaged. Wipe down the top of the vanity so you can work with a clean surface.
Turn Off the Water Supply
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Turn off the water to the bathroom sink. A dry surface is safer, and you don’t want to get your new vanity top wet during installation. After turning off the water, open the faucet to relieve any pressure.
Disconnect the Drainpipe and Faucet
Photo: Eakrin / Adobe Stock
Using a pipe wrench, disconnect the drainpipe from the sink. Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the water supply lines from the faucet. Check the pipes and lines to make sure they're in good condition. If everything looks good, move to the next step. If not, you might need to replace pipe sections or supply lines before moving forward.
Remove the Clips From the Vanity Base
Clips hold the existing vanity top in place, so use a screwdriver to remove them. Lift and remove the old vanity top from the base. These bathroom countertops can be heavy, so enlist the help of a friend to safely remove the top. Be careful not to damage the base while removing the old top.
Use a level to check the base on all sides—front to back and side to side. If the base isn’t level, use the base’s adjustable legs or place shims under the base until it’s level. Cut off any excess shims with a utility knife.
Apply silicone caulk to the top surface of the vanity base using a caulking gun. Carefully lift and center the vanity top on the base and put it in place. Vanity tops can be heavy, especially if they have sinks already attached, so ask your friend for help again.
If you’ve leveled the base well, the top should be level. However, it doesn’t hurt to use the level on the vanity top after placing it on the caulk. Finally, use the old clips (or new clips that may come with a new vanity top) and a screwdriver to secure the new countertop to the vanity base.
Reattach the old faucet. If installing a new faucet, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the adjustable wrench to attach the water supply lines and tighten the fittings.
If the new vanity top has no sink attached, re-install your sink. Connect the drainpipe, tightening the locking collar with the adjustable wrench (but be careful not to overtighten).
Place beads of caulk on any missed edges on the underside of the vanity top. If the vanity top didn’t come with a sink attached, apply caulk to the sink bowl edges, too. Make sure to color match the caulk to the sink and countertop.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Install a Vanity Top
You can save some serious cash by mounting a vanity top yourself. The supplies needed for this project are minimal, so most of the cost is in the vanity top. The average cost to replace a bathroom vanity top is $2,300, including labor and materials.
However, there’s a wide price range, depending on the material and size of the vanity top. Double-sink designs, for example, are more expensive to replace than vanities for single sinks. Countertops vary in price as well. Stock countertops can run anywhere from $100 to $2,600, and custom models cost about $500 to $2,800. If you choose to DIY, keep that in mind when choosing a material, as some are easier to work with than others.
The benefit of hiring a pro who installs vanities and sinks is the experience and know-how they bring to the project, especially if you want a custom vanity top or unusual vanity configuration. However, you’ll have to consult a plumber if the vanity doesn’t work with your current plumbing configuration. On average, local pros charge between $100 and $150 per hour for a project that will take about four hours. Keep in mind that their quote may include removing the old vanity and disposal of materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silicone caulk is the most common adhesive used to attach a vanity top. It’s flexible, water-resistant, and resistant to mold and mildew, which can grow in humid environments like a bathroom. While you can apply caulk without a caulk gun, the application is easier and less messy with a quality caulk gun for a more even application.
You don’t have to anchor a vanity. However, anchoring the vanity to the wall makes it more secure, especially for families with young children or pets who may try to climb on open drawers. It’s simpler to anchor the vanity with drywall screws and a power screwdriver before installing the vanity top.
Stacey has written in the home improvement space for more than five years for sites like The Spruce and Bob Vila. She’s written about everything from plungers to pavers, but her home improvement heart lies in finding the perfect textiles. She loves combining deep product research with in-person testing to help homeowners find the perfect tool, appliance, or solution for common home problems.
Stacey has written in the home improvement space for more than five years for sites like The Spruce and Bob Vila. She’s written about everything from plungers to pavers, but her home improvement heart lies in finding the perfect textiles. She loves combining deep product research with in-person testing to help homeowners find the perfect tool, appliance, or solution for common home problems.
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