In recent times, when you are choosing a vanity top for your existing bathroom model or you are just looking for a way to neaten up your bathroom space, now you have got millions of options in the market with different price ranges.
If you are looking for a stylish vanity top, your vanity top choice needs to withstand soap, water, cosmetics, toothpaste and alcohol.
Fortunately, these days some surfaces which work for kitchen tops can also be used in the bathroom, that gives you a plenty of options and room to choose.
Some top most choices include: cultured marble, marble, granite, tile, solid surfaces and wood. Today, the market place has an extensive range of materials from solid surfaces, natural stones to laminates and glass.
Every surface comes is different patterns, unique textures and colors. Price ranges vary from quality to quality.
Do you want a fancy bathroom like the ones we see in the movies showing millionaire’s lifestyles? Just by installing a stylish vanity top and backsplash will give you the exact feeling. All you have to do is get a counter with an integrated sink called the vanity top.
A vanity top is different from the vanity cabinet, and both come separately. Install the vanity top over the cabinet, attach a faucet to it, make all the necessary water connections, and you are good to go!
Now that you have chosen a vanity top, it’s time to add a backsplash. A backsplash is going to add more style and luxury to your bathroom space. A backsplash is like a bathroom jewelry, where you can fully express your personal style and taste for interior.
If you have got a plan and neutral bathroom space, then a good choice of backsplash would be a great punch. A backsplash is an eye-catching detail on bathroom walls that fill the gap between the countertops and cabinets.
Adding a backsplash is the most essential part of designing your bathroom to be aesthetically pleasing. All you have to do is select the right tile and install it as a backsplash. The backsplash also acts as a protective surface and should be made of materials that are easy to clean.
As simple as all of the sounds, you still do not want to make a mistake in installing the vanity top or backsplash. Read ahead!
Installing The Bathroom Vanity Top And Backsplash
The following installation steps will be helpful if you are remodeling your bathroom or building one from scratch.
Trust me, follow the steps, and never regret giving it a read, but before we dive deep into steps of the installation process.
Here is a list of all the items you need at hand before starting the work.
Equipment Needed Beforehand
- Vanity top and sink
- Faucet
- Water supply pipes
- Backsplash tiles
- Drill
- Hammer
- Measuring Tape
- Silicone caulk
- 2-inch screws
- Adhesive
8 Steps To Install A Bathroom Vanity Top And Backsplash
A little mistake can cost you to replace the entire top all over again.
Just so you don’t make any mistake, I have well researched to explain you the process step by step.
Let’s have a look!
Step 1: Measurement
You need to have the right dimensions at hand for the perfect fit. This is the first and most foremost step which needs to be done with extra care.
Measure the length and width of the vanity and buy a top accordingly. One important point to note is the sink should be placed directly above the drain hole.
Any mismeasurement will leave you with a vanity top that does not fit in. This step is essential for both renovating and new bathrooms.
Step 2: Switch Off All Water Supply
If you are replacing your old vanity, make sure to shut down any water supply before working. Not doing so will cause fast-flowing water from the pipes to flood your bath.
This step is only important for those remodeling their bathrooms as their water connection is already present.
Step 3: Detachment Of Supply Lines
Now that all the precautionary measures are done. Let’s get to work with a pipe wrench. Now we have to detach the drain pipes from the old sink.
If you are building a new bathroom, skip this step and make sure your plumber fits the right drain pipes and supply lines because this is the time to double-check.
At this point, make sure supply lines and pipes are not rusty and do not need to be replaced. If they are damaged or weak, it is best to replace them before installing the new vanity top.
It is always important to have the foundation of the final product durable and lifelong.
Step 4: Removing The Old Vanity
Since all the connections have been detached, it is time to remove the old boring vanity top with a screwdriver.
The clips holding the vanity in place will be located beneath the vanity base. Once you unclip it, get excited about installing your newest elegant vanity top.
Step 5: Cleaning
I know, I said, get excited, and this step is a bummer and as boring as it is, let’s clean our surface before installing our shiny new vanity top.
A little effort and all the sticky adhesive and dust will be removed. For those with a new bathroom, you are lucky for not having to do this step!
Step 6: Let’s Glue It Up
First the cleaning and now the gluing step, I agree, I am being quite boring.
But just one last task before you enjoy your new bath! Align your new vanity top with the vanity cabinet to check the level.
You can use a few shims for adjustment. After doing so, apply adhesive on the surface of the cabinet for the vanity top to glue in.
Step 7: Installing A New Vanity Top
Yes, we finally made it to the most exciting part of the process! I am sure you can’t wait to get your hands on the new vanity top.
Before you indulge in it, I have to make sure you have attached it properly to assure you seamless use throughout.
Place your new vanity top carefully on the cabinet, align the sink with the drain pipes, and attach it with its base using a screwdriver. Now attach the faucet on the vanity.
Last but not least, undo step 3. Yes, to ensure smooth water flow reattach all the supply lines with the pipe wrench. You are all set!
Step 8: Finishing
We have finally installed our new vanity top! Now it’s time to take one last precautionary measure.
To prevent any water leakage in the future, use a caulking gun to caulk the corners and the vanity top’s borders.
This will seal all gaps and leave you stress-free!
Cleaning Of Bathroom Vanity Top
There are few tips and methods through which you can maintain the cleanliness of vanity tops.
Through this way the vanity tops will be more durable and it increases the life time of the vanity top.
Some tips are as follow:
- Never let the water stand on the vanity top. Whenever you wash hands and splash water on your face, afterwards always clean the splashes of water from the top with the cotton cloth. Otherwise, the splashes can cause stains on the vanity top.
- To make the vanity top shine, once in a week add some drops of glass cleaner on a clean towel and wipe down your vanity tops and faucet handles with it.
- Clean your vanity top daily and soak up every drop of water from it.
- Use safe soap free products for clean9ing the vanity top.
- Don’t use powder cleanser or any sort of cream cleanser.
- Don’t paint your nails by placing your hands in vanity top.
- Don’t put wet perfume or deodorant bottles onto the top. Use appropriate trays or containers to place the bottles inside.
Installing A Backsplash
Now that we are done installing our new vanity top, it is time for the backsplash. Tile backsplashes look attractive and extremely presentable in bathrooms.
It is a very easy task to do and can say much about your high living standard. You can be very creative with bathroom backsplashes, as you are free to do what you want.
A backsplash could be frame over the vanity top or the entire wall. Be it anything, the process is simple and will be worth your patience.
Let’s start with the steps to install a backsplash, which will make your bathroom seem luxurious.
Step 1: Measurements Of The Area
It is always important to measure the area you want to use as a backsplash. Measurement is essential, so you don’t waste your money on purchasing extra tiles.
Once you are measuring the wall, I would advise you to clean the wall and remove any stains.
Step 2: Purchase The Tiles
This is the exciting part. Your creativity will make your bathroom stand out. You can choose from a variety of styles and types of tiles.
Generally, backsplashes are of marble or porcelain tiles. If you have a high budget, you can also choose to go with natural stone walls.
Step 3: Mark And Apply Adhesive
Once you have brought the tiles home, start with making a tile grid. This will help you install the tiles more easily, leaving no room for error.
Once you have made your marking, start applying the tile adhesive with a tiling scoop or trowel.
Step 4: Placement Of The Tiles
Since you have already done the marking and applied adhesive, it will be simpler now. You have to firmly plug in the tiles into their place.
Use a spacer to align the tiles professionally. Once all the tiles have been placed, let them rest until it dries.
Step 5: Applying Grout
Once all the tiles have been in place and dried. Apply grout to give the tiles a nice smooth finish.
Now is the time to remove any spacers still intact. You should apply grout between tile spaces to create a level.
Step 6: Cleaning
Once the grout has been applied and dried, Clean the tiles to remove any spread out adhesive or dirt. After cleaning, you are all set to use your new bathroom with a completely changed look and design!
You have just remodeled your entire bathroom by simply changing the vanity top and adding a backsplash! You can share your ideas and contact me for any further support!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a bathroom vanity top?
Bathroom vanity top refinishing is still the best option to increase the lifetime of the vanity top. Refinishing will extend the time period and quality of the vanity top for almost 15 years.
The refinishing process includes fixing or repairing any sort of damage so your vanity top start looking neater and newer.
Can I replace the vanity top of my bathroom?
If your bathroom vanity top is somehow damaged or maybe you want to change it and update it with a new and stylish look, you can easily replace it.
Changing a bathroom vanity top is way easier than changing the kitchen counter top. You can simply change it by yourself with the help of tools and DIY hacks.
Are bathroom vanities easy to install?
The installing of a new vanity top is the easiest when it comes with a top including an integrated sink. The vanity top is separated from the cabinets.
The cabinet includes an open top and back. So, that’s why it is easy to install and fasten from the above.
What can I use instead off a backsplash?
If you do not want to use a backsplash then there are plenty of options available in the market such as glass, vinyl wallpaper, panels, wallpapers, plaster and thermoplastic backsplash.
How high should be a backsplash used in the bathroom?
The standard height for placing a backsplash is 3-4 inches. But if you want to go with a higher backsplash, it will add more grace and a custom look to your bathroom. It will give a more elegant look.
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