What a vanity remodel includes
- New vanity cabinet: freestanding, wall-mounted (floating) or built-in.
- Countertop: quartz, natural stone, solid surface or an integrated top.
- Sinks: undermount, vessel or integrated.
- Faucets: deck-mounted or wall-mounted.
- Mirrors or medicine cabinets, and lighting at face height.
- Outlets inside drawers for hair tools and toothbrush chargers.
Choosing the right vanity
Size and sinks
Two sinks are only useful if each person has enough counter space. In a shorter vanity, one sink with more counter often works better than two crowded sinks.
Height
Many newer vanities are taller than the older standard. Taller heights are easier on backs. Match the height to the people using it.
Storage
Drawers beat doors for most items. Plumbing-friendly drawers wrap around the drain so space under the sink is still usable.
Floating or floor-standing
Floating vanities make a room feel bigger and make floors easy to clean. They need solid wall blocking and careful planning of plumbing heights.
Surfaces that handle hard water
Hard water leaves deposits around faucets and on dark, polished surfaces. Lighter or honed tops, simple faucet bases and undermount sinks with no exposed rim are easier to wipe clean.
Lighting and mirrors
Side-mounted sconces or lit mirrors give even light for grooming. A single fixture above the mirror can cast shadows. Plan lighting before buying the mirror, so fixtures and mirror fit together.
Permits
The City of Scottsdale lists replacing plumbing fixtures in the same location as a minimum plumbing permit, and new or altered circuits as a minimum electrical permit. See the city’s home improvement page.
If the shower, tub or tile also need work, see bathroom remodeling. For a spa-style primary bath, see luxury bathroom remodeling. Our bathroom design guide covers more daily-use ideas.
