Can I fit a double vanity in my bathroom?

A double vanity typically needs a wall long enough to give each sink comfortable elbow room and to keep clearances around the toilet and door. Many Palo Alto primary bathrooms can fit one; smaller baths may be better served by a single sink with a wide counter. We measure the space and show you the options.

Is a floating vanity a good choice?

Wall-mounted, or floating, vanities make a small bathroom look larger and suit mid-century and modern homes, including Eichlers. They need solid blocking in the wall to support the weight of the cabinet, counter and anyone leaning on it, and the plumbing has to be arranged to look tidy underneath.

Which countertop material is best for a bathroom?

Quartz is popular because it's nonporous, doesn't need sealing and resists stains from cosmetics. Granite and marble are natural stone; granite is durable, while marble is softer and can etch from some products. Solid-surface counters with integrated sinks are seamless and easy to clean. The best choice depends on the look you want and how much care you're willing to give.

Can a new vanity go where the old one was without moving plumbing?

Usually. Most replacement vanities can use the existing drain and supply lines, sometimes with minor adjustments. Moving the sink to a different wall or adding a second sink requires new plumbing, which adds to the scope and may require a permit.

Why did my old vanity swell at the bottom?

Many older and budget vanities are made of particleboard, which swells and crumbles when it absorbs water from a slow drain leak, splashes or a damp floor. A replacement made of plywood or solid wood, along with properly sealed plumbing connections, holds up much better.

Vanity Installation in Palo Alto, CA

Vanity installation in Palo Alto, CA replaces an outdated, damaged or undersized bathroom vanity with a new cabinet, countertop, sink and faucet that fit your space and storage needs. It’s for Palo Alto homeowners with swollen or worn cabinets, cramped counters or a layout that doesn’t work for two people sharing a bathroom. A new vanity is one of the most noticeable updates in a bathroom and often part of a larger remodel. The result is better storage, a cleaner look and a more functional room.

What Vanity Installation Includes

Removing the old vanity, countertop and sink.
Checking the wall and floor for water damage behind and beneath it.
Plumbing adjustments, such as new shut-off valves, supply lines and drain connections.
Installing the new vanity, floor-standing or wall-mounted, level and secure.
Setting the countertop and sink, whether undermount, vessel or integrated.
Installing the faucet, mirror or medicine cabinet and vanity lighting.

Signs You Need a New Vanity

Swollen, peeling or crumbling cabinet base from water exposure.
Not enough storage, with counters always cluttered.
A cracked or stained countertop or chipped sink.
A single sink where two people need to get ready at once.
An outdated look that doesn’t match the rest of the home.
Leaks or slow drains under the sink.

Why Vanities Wear Out

Vanities sit in the wettest part of the room besides the shower. Splashes, drips from slow leaks and damp floors are absorbed by particleboard cabinets, which swell and fall apart. Older countertop materials crack, stain or lose their finish. And as households change, a vanity that worked decades ago may no longer offer enough storage or counter space.

Vanity Options

Single or double vanities, depending on the wall length and who uses the bathroom.
Floor-standing vanities with full-height storage.
Floating vanities, which open up floor space and suit modern and Eichler homes.
Furniture-style vanities for a traditional look in older homes.
Countertops in quartz, granite, marble, solid surface or porcelain slab.
Sinks that are undermount, integrated, vessel or console.

The Installation Process

Measure the space and review plumbing locations.
Choose the vanity, counter, sink and faucet, plus mirror and lighting.
Order materials, including custom countertops if needed.
Remove the old vanity and repair any damage found.
Install the vanity, adjust plumbing and add wall blocking for floating units.
Set the countertop and sink, install the faucet and connect the plumbing.
Finish with mirror, lighting and caulking, then clean up.

What Affects the Cost of Vanity Installation

Vanity size and construction, from stock cabinets to custom builds.
Countertop material and whether it’s custom fabricated.
Sink and faucet choices.
Plumbing changes, such as adding a second sink or moving the drain.
Wall or floor repairs found during removal.
Lighting and electrical changes around the mirror.
Accessories, such as a medicine cabinet, towel bars and drawer organizers.

You’ll receive an exact quote after a free in-home visit.

Replace the Vanity or Remodel the Whole Bathroom?

If the rest of the bathroom is in good shape, replacing just the vanity, counter and faucet can transform the room at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel. If the shower leaks, the tile is failing or the layout doesn’t work, combining the vanity with a shower remodel or bathtub installation is usually more efficient.

When a Damaged Vanity Is Ignored

A leak under a vanity can soak the cabinet, the subfloor and the wall behind it before anyone notices. Swollen particleboard eventually gives way, and moisture can lead to mold. Replacing a failing vanity early keeps the damage limited to the cabinet.

Modern brushed faucet over a white bathroom sink

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Bathroom Vanity Installation in Palo Alto