Bathroom Furniture Installation 101: Key Steps for a Stress-Free Assembly Process

I believe there's something incredibly rewarding about DIY everything at your home. I recently decided to give my old bathroom a much-needed facelift. It desperately required bathroom storage. Once my new Royal bathroom, Orion Wall Hung Vanity Unit with Carrara White Top and Turin Wall Hung Tall Boy Cabinet Unit, finally arrived, my excitement turned into slight panic seeing pile of screws and some unfamiliar fittings. Knowing I don’t want to spend money on the installation, I searched on the internet for instructions on “how to install bathroom furniture”. It took me some time to gather my courage and start DIY bathroom furniture installation. It was a bit chaotic experience, but the feeling of accomplishment afterwards was brilliant. 

In this blog, I will share with you my personal experience of installing bathroom furniture confidently. 

Things to Know Before You Start

Whether you are installing a vanity unit, a bathroom cabinet, or a combination vanity unit, it is important to keep the following things in mind. 

    1. Carefully inspect all products before starting the installation process.

    2. Think about your storage requirements. Do you need extra space for towels, toiletries, or cleaning products? Plan the placement of shelves, cabinets, and vanity units to maximize space.

    3. If you find any damaged or faulty items, contact your supplier immediately. Do not attempt to install these products.

    4. All units come with the relevant fitting pack, clearly labeled for easy identification on the packaging.

    5. Know your wall type (e.g., drywall, tile, or brick) before drilling holes for furniture installation. The method and tools required to fix furniture will vary depending on your wall material.

    6. Take extra care when lifting heavy vanity hall units and worktops, following all health and safety guidelines.

    7. Review the manufacturer’s installation guide thoroughly before starting the project. Following the instructions step by step ensures proper installation and reduces errors.

    8. Ensure that all cabinets and drawer runners are clean and free from dust or construction debris before installing drawer boxes and fascia.

Tools You Need to Install Bathroom Furniture

Before you begin the installation process, gather the necessary tools before starting the installation process to ensure a smooth assembly.

These commonly include:

  • Tape measure

  • Spirit level

  • Screwdriver

  • Drill

  • Hammer

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Safety goggles

Now you have all the right tools, let’s get into the installation process.

Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Bathroom Furniture Installation:

When installing bathroom furniture, you should plan ahead. Think about specific measurements and consider what size would fit best. So, start by measuring the space available and the overall layout. Take into account the existing fixture placement to ensure you clear the area properly. You should also consider the accessibility and impact of this installation on overall aesthetics.

Here is how to install bathroom furniture step by step.

Prepare the Area:

Once you have rechecked and confirmed the vanity unit that you want to install can fit into the available space, the next step will be the preparation of the area. You should remove any existing furniture or accessories that may hinder the installation process. Additionally, your bathroom floor should be clear of debris. 

Assemble the Furniture

The vanity units and bathroom cabinets from Royal Bathrooms come pre-assembled. However, if you have bought bathroom furniture that is not yet assembled, it is now the time to assemble it before fitting. You will generally need to get help from the product manual or the internet for assembly instructions. Make sure to align the pieces properly and tighten all the fasteners securely. 

Secure To Wall or Floor

If you are installing a wall-hung vanity unit, then you will need to fix it to the wall through anchors. For a freestanding vanity unit or storage or cabinets, simply secure it to the floor for extra stability. For more detailed installation instruction check our DIY wall hung vanity unit installation guide  or floor standing vanity unit installation guide depending on your requirements.  Most of the suppliers provide anchors, brackets, and screws that you can use to fix the unit to the wall or floor. You should use a level to ensure the furniture is straight and properly aligned. 

Connect Plumbing 

Besides hanging on the wall and fixing on the floor, you will also need to connect the plumbing for the inlet and outlet of the water. Simply follow the instructions provided carefully, Fix the water inlet line first that will be attached to the sink taps. It's a rather simple task simply joining the pipes. Modern vanity units come with pipes desired to be easily attached to the water inlet source. 

Testing The Connections. 

Once the water inlet and outline pipes are connected you can turn the water from the main supply on and check for any leaks and connection problems. You should also check whether the vanity unit or storage unit you have just installed is fastened securely. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is in working order.

Common Challenges and Solutions in DIY Bathroom Furniture Installation

Here we have discussed a few common challenges and their solutions that you may encounter during DIY bathroom furniture installation.  

Can I Install Bathroom Furniture on any Type of Flooring?

Generally, you can install bathroom furniture on any bathroom floor as long as it is uneven and can bear the weight of a bathroom cabinet when it's loaded. If the floor is not even, you can use the shims or adjustable feet to level the furniture to provide stability. 

How to Make Small Bathrooms Look Spacious? 

Fitting the bathroom furniture in a small bathroom can pose a challenge due to space constraints. If you are installing the bathroom furniture in a small bathroom or cloakroom then you must choose a compact vanity unit that is especially designed for a small bathroom. Additionally corner units or vertical storage solutions such as tallboy cabinets can also an option

How to Overcome Plumbing Obstacles? 

Changes in existing plumbing can have high costs. Therefore, making changes to the plumbing system inside the bathroom is not recommended. You must avoid it unless absolutely necessary. You may avoid such changes by installing the bathroom furniture in a designated space. 

Pro Tips for a Successful Bathroom Furniture Installation Project: 

Here, we have a few tips for the perfect DIY bathroom furniture installation. 

  • If the manufacturer’s manual is available, then read it carefully before the start of the installation. This will prevent mistakes and ensure a smooth process.

  • If you're unsure about any aspect of the installation, don't hesitate to seek professional help. It's better to have an expert guide you through challenging installations.

  • Wear safety goggles when drilling or using power tools. Follow safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer and use caution throughout the installation process.

 

Tools

Description

Tape Measure

Used for precise measurements and ensuring proper placement.

Level

Helps ensure the furniture is straight and aligned.

Screwdriver

Necessary for tightening screws and fasteners.

Drill

Used for creating holes for screws and anchors.

Hammer

For driving nails or tapping components into

 

Conclusion

Installing bathroom furniture as DIY breathed a new life in my bathroom. Both wall hung vanity unit and tallboy cabinet storage unit not only enhanced the look and aesthetics of my bathroom. All you need is some knowledge of using plumbing tools and following our step-by-step guide and install the bathroom furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install freestanding bathroom furniture myself?

Yes, most freestanding bathroom furniture, including all the ranges from Royal Bathrooms is designed for DIY installation with basic tools. These tools include a drill, level, screwdriver, and possibly a wrench for plumbing connections.

How much does DIY bathroom furniture installation cost?

DIY bathroom furniture installation costs in the UK depend on the tools and materials you need. You will usually need material like sealant, screws and any additional plumbing fittings. Additionally, you may also need some tools if you don’t already have one. These tools, once bought, can be used for most DIY tasks in the bathroom. Overall, you should consider a budget of £50- £100

How to fit a vanity unit around pipes?

Fitting the vanity unit around pipes is a little complex. You will need careful planning, measuring , positioning, and cutting the poles to make room for the unit. You will need to use a Jigsaw or hole saw to create a precise opening for pipes while maintaining the structural integrity. Additionally, always seal cut edges with waterproof sealant to prevent moisture damage to the unit.

How to install a toilet vanity unit?

To install a toilet vanity unit or a combination vanity unit, you should begin with assembling the unit as per the instructions. If you bought bathroom furniture from Royal Bathrooms, then it most probably will not require assembling. Simply position the unit at its designated place. Use a spirit level to make sure perfect alignment both horizontally and vertically before securing the wall studs. The next step is connecting the plumbing, connecting the inlet and outlet pipes and using flexible hoses for easier alignment. Always recheck all the connections for any leaks before finalizing.

Can a freestanding vanity go against a wall?

A freestanding vanity unit can be placed against the wall, but ensure additional stabilization so it does not move a lot. I suggest using discreet L brackets at the top rear if your bathroom furniture is without a wall fixing point built in on the back. Simply leave a 5-10mm gap between the unit and the wall to allow for cleaning and accommodating any wall irregularities.

What is the cost of a vanity unit installation in the UK?

DIY bathroom furniture installation can cost around £20-£100 for basic plumbing tools and materials. In case you hire a professional for the installation, then they will typically charge around £150-£300, depending on the complexity and location in the UK.