Let me tell you all, that I just tackled a project I never thought I'd do myself: installing a brand-new combination vanity unit in my bathroom! Honestly, tackling a bathroom remodel myself never even crossed my mind. 

Plumbing? Tools? Power tools?! Those were words associated with professionals, not someone like me, comfortable with a paint brush but not so much a wrench. But then, the state of my bathroom vanity unit became undeniable – chipped paint, overflowing drawers, and a general air of "seen better days. But bathroom remodels can be expensive, installation costs may sometimes exceed the unit price. 

DIY was the only way to save some money. So, with a deep breath ( and maybe a silent prayer to the DIY gods) I embarked on the mission to install a brand-new vanity unit all by myself.  

Here is the story of my journey, complete with triumph, meltdown, and everything in between.

It goes without saying that finding the right bathroom furniture combination unit is crucial. I spent hours online browsing through various websites, getting lost in a sea of styles and materials. Here’s what matters most when choosing a combination vanity unit for your bathroom.

Size Matters: Your vanity unit will not fit properly if it is too large or small for the space. So, meticulous measurement is key. Knowing this I crawled around the bathroom with a tape measure taking every dimension of the designated space into account. It included distance from the wall, the width of the doorway, and the placement of the existing plumbing fixtures. 

*Take into account your current and future storage requirements too when choosing the size

Style Inspiration: Combination freestanding bathroom vanity units come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials. Choose from minimalist design for a modern look or classic for traditional aesthetics. My bathroom is small and my taste leans towards modern styles, so I opted for a 1000mm Gloss White Combination vanity unit from Royal Bathrooms. It has 2 drawer cabinets, a minimalist basin fitted, and Elena back to wall toilet combined in a single fixture.  It was the perfect option for me as I needed drawers for organizing toiletries. Additionally, it has a sleek countertop surface and a minimalist design perfect for small and medium size bathrooms. 

*Don't forget the material. Mine was made with MDF which is engineered wood, a popular and probably the most economical . Do some research on the material as each one has its pros and cons.

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s a basic checklist that I created after searching on the internet. 

• Stud finder
• Level
• Tape measure
• Drill/driver
• Screwdriver set
• Utility knife
• Caulk gun
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Basin wrench

With the tools at hand, it was time to clear the space for the installation. My existing bathroom vanity unit. This wasn't exactly graceful. There were some awkward moments disconnecting the plumbing and maneuvering the old unit out of the space. I turned off the water supply under the sink, cleared the area of any toiletries or towels that might get damaged, and laid down some drop cloths to protect the floor from falling debris.

Begin with using the stud finder to locate the studs in the wall where the vanity units would be mounted. These studs are creating the foundation for securing the units. Once located, mark the location with pencil.

The great thing about my combination vanity unit from Royal Bathrooms was the unit came pre-assembled. However, not all units come assembled, you may sometimes need to gather the cabinet base, drawers, and shelves. If that’s the case you will be provided with the manufacturer’s instructions for assembling the unit. Ask your retailer if you don't get one.

As no assembling was required, I carefully lifted the unit and positioned it against the wall ( where it needed to be fitted). I made sure it was aligned with the pre-marked stud locations. I placed a countertop surface and meticulously adjusted the unit until it was perfectly leveled on both sides.

Once positioned at the right spot, It then needed to secure the vanity unit to the wall. I used the drill and screws to the unit to mark stud locations. You can do the same. 

Before getting any further let me explain something important that I learned the hard way. When trying to locate studs, I noticed my bathroom walls, while seemingly solid, didn’t have them in all the ideal locations. That’s why I had to use wall anchors to secure the unit in the right positions. These handy little devices provide a secure attachment point in drywall. However, if you are facing the same issue, ensure using the appropriate size and type of anchors for the screws you are going to use. I drilled pilot holes and carefully inserted the anchors into the wall. Then I screwed directly into the anchors to secure the vanity units to the wall in the stud location created.

Your vanity units may come with a built-in backsplash. If that’s the case you can attach that directly to the wall. If it comes separately or you like me decided to add it later, it will require a layer of caulk for a waterproof seal. I suggest using a bead of silicone caulk where the backsplash meets the wall. It will ensure a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Now the difficult part -the plumbing connections. Here is how I tackled this potentially intimidating step. 

• Your plumbing connection starts with fitting a tap in the vanity unit sink. They do not usually come with a sink tap. You will have to order them separately. I ordered a core round mono basin mixer tap from Royal Bathrooms for my combination vanity unit sink. Don't forget to check the pre-drilled holes for the faucet. You can fit the tap by attaching its base to the countertop and tightening all the connection security with a wrench.

• Thankfully, my vanity unit came with a pre-installed sink. However, if you're installing a separate sink ( worktop basin) then ensure it fits snugly into the countertop cutout. To prevent leaks, I applied a thin layer of plumber's putty or silicone caulk around the rim of the sink before carefully placing it in position.

It's time to use the wrench and pliers. Connect the sink taps hot and cold water lines to the supply line ( near shut-off valves under the sink). Use the Teflon tape to create an extra layer of leak prevention. Tighten everything with a wrench carefully.

Similarly, position the toilet on its waste and tighten it up. Leak-proof it with a bead of caulk around the edges. Now connect the WC toilet unit with a toilet bowl by a water inlet ( its small pipe that connects the concealed cistern with a WC unit). At the end ensure that the WC unit has its supply line connected.

Now comes the moment of truth. With all the plumbing connections complete, I turned on the water supply with a pounding heart. Slowly a wave of relief washed over me as water flowed from the sink tap with no leaks from plumbing connections both from taps and back to the wall toilet WC unit.

Sometimes, even the most experienced DIYers may encounter some challenges. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common issues. 

• Uneven Vanity Unit:  Leveling the vanity unit is important. If you notice your combination vanity units sit unevenly after securing to the wall then use shims thin wedges of wood or plastic. Strategically, place shims on the back of the unit at the point where it needs adjustments. Add or remove shims until the level shows perfect balance on both sides. 
• Leaking Faucet: Minor leaks are not usually a big problem and can easily be fixed by tightening the faucet connections with a wrench. If the leak persists after tightening, you might need to replace a faulty washer. 
• Loose Worktop: If you notice a loose sink or worktop after installation, it may need caulk sealing. Carefully check the seal around the rim of the sink and reapply the caulk if necessary. Don’t forget to tighten the sink drain connections below the sink to ensure a secure fit.

DIY combination vanity unit installation was a rewarding experience for me – something I can be incredibly proud of. If you too like me feel inspired to take on this challenge, go for it! It will take some planning, effort, and maybe a few moments of frustration. But the end result will be satisfying and gratifying.