A bathroom vanity is a place where we store more than we realize, from skincare products to tissue rolls. If you notice a bathroom vanity, the small space contains a variety of compartments made of high-quality materials such as wood!
One or more storage cabinets are located at the bottom, and a granite or marble counter surface is located on top. A sink with a faucet kit is always included.
With all of that, the price of bathroom vanities is expensive, making you wonder if you should build your own!
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Why are Bathroom Vanities so Expensive?
Bathroom vanities are extremely expensive, despite the materials used to construct the vanity cabinet and vanity top. The more sections added to the vanity, the more expensive it becomes. Aside from the complexity of the designs and materials, there is a significant cost associated with the installation of the vanity.
Some vanities include cabinet mirrors, while others include traditional mirrors with vanity bulb lighting systems. There must also be dispensers for washing soaps, toothpaste, and shampoos. You can’t go wrong with tissue or towel holders.
It doesn’t matter what kind of bathroom vanity you have. In the end, the structure will be wet and humid.
As a result, it is critical that the material used to build the vanity be long-lasting and of high quality. As a result, bathroom vanities are typically quite expensive.
There are five reasons why bathroom vanities are so expensive:
For six reasons, bathroom vanities are typically extremely expensive:
To make sure that your bathroom vanity is long-lasting and can handle a lot of humidity and moisture, you need to look at the material of the cabinets.
Vanity material
Most vanities are made of solid wood, plywood, or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Particleboard and rubberwood are two other options.
Among these, solid wood is the most popular and most expensive option. Solid wood is the most trusted material for creating the most sustainable and resilient vanities. However, the classic wooden look comes at a high cost.
The most durable and expensive vanities are made of solid wood, teak, and mahogany. Woods such as Douglas fir and maple are less expensive, but only in comparison.
Engineered woods such as plywood, particleboard, and MDF are less expensive than solid wood.
Vanity top material
Granite or marble is the most commonly used material for bathroom vanity tops. These two materials are quite expensive, although they are extremely durable and can withstand a great deal of damage and heat without showing signs of wear.
There are a variety of granites to choose from. As you might expect, the highest-graded ones are the most expensive.
Solid surface and laminate countertops are less expensive options.
Readymade or custom-made
Some vanities are completely prefabricated and only require installation. Many people prefer hiring a professional and gradually increasing their vanity.
Even though the price range isn’t that big, ready-made vanities are cheaper than custom-built vanities because they’re already made. As expected, custom-made vanities have higher labor costs.
Installation fees
You can avoid these fees if you can build and install the bathroom vanity yourself.
Of course, it is possible. However, if there are too many compartments and heavy-duty plumbing work to be done, it is best to hire a professional.
The installation cost can be quite high, depending on how long it takes them and how much work there is, especially if you live in an area where installation professionals are paid a higher rate.
Size and design
Whether you choose a ready-made vanity, a custom-made vanity, or plan to build your own, the larger the vanity, the higher the end cost. Single, double, and large double basins are available.
If you want to make your vanity look fancy, you can add special lights, wallpaper designs, and attractive dispensers. For all of this, the cost of vanity will rise even further.
What should the price of a bathroom vanity be?
Bathroom vanities are generally expensive if they are made of high-quality materials. Some vanities are also reasonably priced. Depending on the type of vanity you want, the price can range from $500 to $3,500.
When it comes to ready-made vanities, a single basin costs $200, while large double basins can cost up to $2,500. Custom-made vanities are more expensive than ready-made vanities, with prices ranging from $500 to $3,000.
The plumbing work is usually done by a professional, so the cost of installing a good vanity will range between $200 and $1200.
Solid wood bathroom vanities range in price from $1200 to $3800, depending on the grade of wood used.
How difficult is it to construct a bathroom vanity?
We won’t say that building a bathroom vanity from scratch is easy, especially if the design is complex and fancy, but it is certainly possible. The structure will be more difficult to build if the bathroom vanity has a double basin system and several compartments.
If you want to replace the vanity, you can simply buy a ready-made vanity and install it. However, if you are not skilled at plumbing, it is always best to hire a professional.
Furthermore, if there is no tile work and the bathroom vanity you want to build is minimalistic, you won’t have too much difficulty making it yourself. Remember that you’ll still need excellent plumbing and carpentry skills to build the vanity correctly and from the ground up.
What is the cost of making your vanity?
The cost of building your vanity ranges from $100 to $2,500. How much it will cost to build the cabinets from scratch or put them in an existing media cabinet or dresser will depend on how you do it.
The latter is not expensive if you have all of the necessary tools. By constructing your cabinet, you can save anywhere from $200 to $1,200 on installation costs.
How do you make a low-cost bathroom vanity?
If you have an unused media console, sideboard, or even a student desk at home, you can certainly make a cheap bathroom vanity. Also, make use of that extra mirror to save even more money and create the cheapest bathroom vanity.
Here’s how you can go about it:
- Step 1: Place your chosen cabinet in the designated area of your bathroom.
- Step 2: If the cabinet has doors, you have the option of leaving them alone or replacing them with a glass sliding door.
- Step 3: If you want more compartments, add wooden or glass racks to the central cabinet space, leaving enough space for the plumbing system.
- Step 4: Remove the top and replace it with a sink. Choose from a variety of faucet kits.
- Step 5. Construct the plumbing system beneath the sink.
- Step 6: Get a solid surface or laminate vanity top and install it.
- Step 7: If you don’t have a vanity top, paint it and coat it with water-resistant polyurethane.
- Step 8: Install the mirror, tissue holder, and soap dispenser.
What items can be used to make a bathroom vanity?
The most practical way to save money on bathroom vanities is to use one of your pieces of furniture as a cabinet. With a little medication here and there, you can use the following as your bathroom vanity:
- Dresser
- Console Table
- Media Cabinet
- Student workstation
- Buffet or sideboard
- A bureau made of wood
Is it possible to make bathroom vanity from dresser?
Follow these steps to convert a dresser into a bathroom vanity:
- Choose the dresser that you want to use as a cabinet.
- For greater precision, measure the top of the dresser as well as the inside of the space.
- Choose a sink. Determine the size of the installed sink.
- If the dresser has a top drawer, remove it.
- Trace the measurement onto the top of the dresser and cut out the wood.
- Place the cabinet on top of the sink.
- Coat the dresser top several times with water-based polyurethane.
- Install the plumbing system beneath the sink.
- Screw the vanity into the wall against which it is to be placed.
- Install the faucet, mirror, and other dispensers.
Can I use kitchen cabinets to make a vanity for my bathroom?
A kitchen cabinet can be converted into a bathroom vanity. However, kitchen cabinets must be extensively modified before they can be used as vanities. For starters, the drawers must be removed because you will need space inside your cabinet.
Although most bathroom vanities are expensive, this is not true for all of them. On the other hand, cheaper bathroom vanities may only indicate that the materials used are not of the highest quality. If this is the case, your bathroom vanity will most likely bulge, expand, and crack.
As a last option, you can always make your vanity. Even in this case, the vanity must be truly water and humidity-resistant.