Transform your bathroom with the right vanity cabinet

The bathroom vanity is often the centerpiece of a bathroom. The vanity houses the sink and faucet, hides all plumbing, and has drawers or cabinets for storage. A vanity cabinet can be very simple, with clean lines and traditional hardware, or it can boast intricate designs that turn it into a functional work of art.

Typical costs of a vanity cabinet

Vanity cabinets come in three basic types:

1. Pre-made, basic or stock cabinets can be purchased already assembled and ready to install.
2. Semi-custom cabinets allow you to choose from a wide variety of options, including materials, finishes, styles, sizes and storage features.
3. Custom cabinets are generally made from scratch and to your exact specifications.

Stock vanity cabinets are often made of particle board, medium-density fiberboard or other inexpensive materials. They are often covered in a thin wood veneer. As the price goes up, so does the quality of the materials used. Semi-custom and custom jobs might use premium woods, elaborate sinks and faucets, and countertops of stone or other high-end materials.

A stock vanity for one sink can cost between $40 and $150 for a basic model and up to $900 to $1,500 or more for elaborate styles, including those with two sinks. Professional installation of a basic vanity can cost between $100 and $300 or more.

Semi-custom or custom vanities can cost between $75 and $250 per square foot, and an additional $50 to $100 per linear foot for finish work. For a typical master bath vanity with two sinks and up to eight feet of countertop, the cost could run between $500 and $2,800 for a semi-custom or custom job.

Though the semi-custom or custom options offer a nice boost to the luxury factor, they also take more time; expect delivery to take four to six weeks or more. Expect professional installation to add another $200 to $1,000 to the bottom line.

Bathroom vanity styles

There is a vanity cabinet style to fit every taste. Vanities that look like old-fashioned dressers can offer traditional elegance, while ultra-modern models can provide unique visual appeal. Colors and stains vary just as widely as the styles. The choice of countertop materials and styles, as well as the shape and style of the sink and faucet, add even more options for the discerning homeowner.

All these options are offered by a wide variety of manufacturers. Companies like Empire Industries have been around for decades and offer sales through many types of stores. Others, such as RSI, offer their designs through Home Depot or Lowes. Some traditional furniture manufacturers, like Thomasville, offer bathroom vanities in traditional designs.

Vanity installations

A small, pre-made vanity might make a good do-it-yourself project. This is especially true for vanities that offer a sink, faucet and backsplash built into the unit. However, most homeowners trust their new bathroom remodel to the hands of a professional contractor.

If you are ready to transform your bathroom and need a contractor to make it happen, use the form on this page to get started. A few clicks can connect you to local contractors who guide you through the process of choosing the best vanity for your specific needs.