How much does it cost to install a bathroom vanity?

Average cost to install a vanity

The installation costs of a vanity can range from $200 to $1,000 depending on the amount of work required, such as bathroom preparation and removal of old materials. Added to this is the cost of the vanity unit itself, and this depends on:

• Whether the vanity is premade or custom-built.
• The size of the countertop and the number of sinks.
• The material the top is made from, ranging in cost from ceramic tile up to high-end granite slab.
• The size, design, material, and finish of the under-sink cabinet.
• The range of extra features and luxuries, such as high-end faucets, multiple mirrors, a cupboard above the sink, and so on.

Premade vanity costs

A low-end premade vanity can be bought for around $100, rising to approximately $2,600 for a more upscale model with better quality materials and more features.

There are three main price grades for premade bathroom vanities. At the entry level, builder or retail grade vanities will be the least expensive to install, and will be straightforward designs made from solid but basic materials. Builder or retail grade is a good way of adding a vanity quickly without spending a fortune.

In the middle grade, material quality will be higher, and the vanity will likely last for several years longer. Designer grade uses high-end materials and adds more features. These two vanity grades are ideal for installing as part of a wider bathroom remodel, or if a new vanity will be the focus of the room's decor.

Bathroom vanity cost by size

At the lower end of size, a vanity with a 2.5' countertop and a single sink will cost between $100 and $500. Doubling the counter size to 5' but keeping a single sink will bring the price range to $500-$1,800.

The smallest vanities which feature a double sink usually have countertops of 5', and will cost from $550 to $1,900. Larger vanity sizes will usually be custom made, and can cost significantly more.

Custom bathroom vanity cost

Because of the extra work involved, you're unlikely to find a custom bathroom vanity for less than $500. Depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used, the base cost of a custom vanity could reach $2,800 or even higher.

One of the biggest costs of a custom vanity is cutting a stone countertop to the right shape, and finishing it for a smooth result. Unusual outlines, non-standard sink shapes, or intricate faucet connections can increase the cost considerably.

Price of vanity tops in different materials

The material used for the countertop is perhaps even more important than the size when it comes to the total cost of the vanity. Depending on the kind and quality of the material, tops can cost anywhere from $5 up to $135 per square foot, covering all price points in between.

Choosing the right material for your budget is important for getting a vanity you'll be happy with, and here are some of the most common countertop materials and their typical prices.

Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is the most common material for premade vanities, with a cost of around $65 per square foot. This material is popular because it's fully waterproof, easy to clean, affordable, and looks nearly as good as the more expensive marble slab.

Granite

Granite is a popular countertop material that's available in tile form, costing between $5 and $15 per square foot. Tiles make for easier installation, but for a more upscale look, granite slab costs from $40 to $60 per square foot.

Granite vanity tops are tough yet attractive, but are relatively heavy, which could increase the installation costs, especially for larger vanities. Granite can also need surface treatment and maintenance to increase its natural waterproofing.

Quartz

Quartz countertops can be bought for around $75 per square foot. Quartz is smooth and durable, and also non-porous and waterproof, making it an ideal choice for a bathroom with a contemporary decor style.

Concrete

Concrete tops cost between $65 and $135 per square foot. Concrete is an increasingly popular material for contemporary decors, and is highly durable and low-maintenance in daily use. The one drawback is its heaviness, requiring a more solidly built cabinet which can increase overall costs.

Corian composite

Corian is a composite of metal and plastic resin, with an average countertop cost of $42 to $65 per square foot. Corian is non-porous for waterproofing and high hygiene, easy to keep clean, and is available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Stone composite

Composite stone countertops cost around $75 to $120 per square foot. They're made from a mix of stone and plastic resin, producing a top with many of the hard-wearing qualities of stone slab, but with easier maintenance and a lighter weight.

Laminate

Standard laminate countertops cost an average of $53 per square foot, and are made from a composite of paper, wood, and plastic resin. Laminate is a popular material thanks to its affordability, smooth surface that's easy to clean, natural looks, and the wide range of colors and finishes available.

Porcelain or ceramic tile

Fitting a countertop with porcelain or ceramic tile costs between $6.50 and $19 per square foot. The tiles themselves cost between $0.50 and $10 per foot, with the adhesive, sealant, and other installation materials costing from $6 to $9 per square foot.

A final point to note about countertops is whether or not they're sold prefabricated and with a sink already installed. The less assembly that's required, the lower the installation labor costs will be.

Labor cost to install a bathroom vanity

For a basic premade vanity, installation is a straightforward job for an experienced professional, and can be done for a cost starting around $100. More luxurious vanities with heavier materials and more complex plumbing can push the labor costs higher, potentially reaching $1,000 or more.

Most installers will provide an estimate for completing the project, but some may prefer to charge by the hour, with an average rate of between $100 and $150.

Labor costs may be increased if your bathroom requires new plumbing lines for the sink and faucet, especially if the installer needs to call in a certified plumber.

Bathroom vanity replacement cost

Replacing a bathroom vanity will add extra costs to installing new, because of the increased labor of removing the old vanity, tidying any damage, and preparing the bathroom for the new fitting.

Removing your current vanity will typically cost between $100 and $400, and safe disposal could add up to $100 more. Larger, heavier vanities will take longer to dismantle, pushing the removal costs upward.

And if the new vanity requires replacement plumbing, either because of a different pipe size or the old pipes are worn, removing the old plumbing and installing new could cost anywhere from $350 to $1,800.

Lastly, if the replacement vanity is in a different part of the bathroom, work may be needed to tiling, plumbing, flooring and more, pushing the price closer to that of a full remodel.

Sink and faucet replacement cost

A more economical alternative to a full vanity replacement is an upgrade to the sink and faucet, adding a fresh new look and maybe better features.

For a simple replacement, this requires removing the old parts, assembling the new ones, attaching them to the countertop and plumbing, and testing that all the fixtures work as intended. The average cost of a sink and faucet replacement will be $380 for a single sink with fittings in standard shapes and sizes.

Additional vanity installation costs

There are several issues which can increase the overall cost of a vanity installation, with the most common ones including:

Installing a backsplash

Protecting a wall finished in plaster or other non-waterproof material with a backsplash will cost between $1.50 and $30 per square foot, depending on the material used.

Installing or replacing plumbing lines

If fitting the vanity requires replacing, extending, or installing plumbing lines, a certified plumber may be needed. The costs will vary widely depending on the complexity of the job, but expect to pay somewhere in the region of $1,000.

Removing a wall

If your bathroom is not laid out correctly for a vanity of the size you want, a wall may need to be removed. This can cost around $1,000 for a simple job, or significantly more if the wall contains electric wiring or is load-bearing.

DIY bathroom vanity installation vs hiring a pro

The most straightforward vanity installations or replacements can be handled by an expert handyman or an advanced DIY enthusiast, especially if installing a premade model needing little assembly. However, because of the physical effort involved and the potential for plumbing errors, professional installation is usually recommended.

When dealing with heavy and expensive materials like granite or marble, experience is important to avoid damage during installation. A professional will also ensure that all seals and joins are made up to a high standard, essential for a bathroom vanity that will see daily use in a wet or humid environment.

Hiring a pro is especially recommended if your new vanity requires a change or upgrade to your existing plumbing, as any mistakes made during installation can be difficult and costly to fix later on.

And lastly, hiring an expert to design, build and install a custom vanity makes sure that you get the very best fitting for your bathroom.