A vanity is one of the focal points of your bathroom. It can make your bathroom more stylish and functional while hiding the unsightly plumbing and drains. 

Knowing what you want for your bathroom vanity can be hard and the line between looks and function can be a great way to find the best fit for your house and taste. 

We’ve collected some information about bathroom vanity installation to help you get the right vanity for you. Read on for:

• Types of bathroom vanity
• How to choose your bathroom vanity
• Who can install bathroom vanities?
• How much does bathroom vanity installation cost?
• How to hire a bathroom vanity installer
• Getting quotes for bathroom vanity installation

Types of bathroom vanities

There are a lot of different styles of bathroom vanities and you can generally mix elements of different designs into the perfect combination for your home. Decisions usually come down to mounting, number of sinks and how the sink is fitted into the vanity.

Mounting

In general, vanities are either floating, pedestal or freestanding. A floating vanity is mounted on the wall, leaving room between the bottom of the vanity and the floor. Pedestal and freestanding vanities are attached to the ground and the difference is usually in the amount of storage. A freestanding vanity will have extra storage space while a pedestal vanity usually has no storage. 

Number of sinks 

Some vanities will only have one sink which can work perfectly for small households or guest bathrooms. For families, ensuites and larger households, a double-sink vanity can be a great option as it increases storage space and allows multiple people to access the sinks at one time. 

How the sink is fitted

The sink is the central point for most vanities and there are many options available for how your sink is presented. Sinks can be vessel, under-mounted or drop-in. Each fitting type can change the look and feel of your vanity depending on your style. 

How to choose your bathroom vanity

With so many options available, it can be hard to know which vanity is right for you. There are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to help you make your choice.

What does the space require?

Thinking about where you will be putting your vanity can do wonders to help you narrow it down. Many practical factors can give you an idea of the right vanity so it can help to ask yourself questions like: 

• What size is the bathroom?
• How much space is available for your vanity?
• Where are the plumbing and pipes going to be?
• How much storage do you want or need? 
• Are there any potential obstructions to the vanity?

What style is the rest of your bathroom

Another easy question to ask yourself is what will fit in with the rest of the bathroom. If you have a beachy bathroom with light colours and tones, then a Hampton-style vanity might be the right one for you. If you have an older bathroom, then a Victorian vanity might work better. 

If you’re not sure, you can always get in contact with a bathroom designer or interior designer to get some advice from a design professional.

Who can install bathroom vanities?

You may need the services of more than one professional during the vanity installation process. 

A cabinet maker can install the majority of the vanity but you will need a plumber to install the basin and ensure that everything is correctly plumbed. No matter what professional is involved, it’s important to ensure that they are correctly qualified, licensed and insured as relevant. 

How much does bathroom vanity installation cost?

When looking into getting a bathroom vanity installed, expect to pay anywhere from $350 - $2,000 or more. The average bathroom vanity installation costs roughly $1,500. This can change depending on the size, material and complexity of your vanity. In general, it is cheaper to replace an existing vanity than install a new one

The price of your bathroom vanity installation may be:

• $470 for a 900mm wall-hung vanity with hidden handles
• $850 for a 750mm floor-standing console vanity
• $1,000 for a 1,500mm double bowl vanity
• $1,360 for a 1,200mm wall-hung vanity with integrated ceramic basin

Most professionals will charge by the hour and their rates are usually between $50 - $100 per hour. For complex jobs or locations that are hard to reach or maneuver, you may find the cost is higher. 

How to hire a bathroom vanity installer 

When you call a bathroom vanity installer it can be a good idea to ask them several questions to make your choice easier. Some of these questions include:

• Do you have experience with the job?
• Are you licensed?
• Are you insured to work in my home?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?

Getting quotes for bathroom vanity installers

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you’re unsure about. You can always ask about the quotes and get an itemised list of what you are paying for. One way to do this is to request a written quote. This will make it easier to compare the quotes you receive and choose the right installer for you.