How to Install a Wall Hung Vanity

Upgrading your bathroom with a wall hung vanity is one of the most effective ways to achieve a sleek, modern look while saving precious floor space. By lifting the vanity off the ground, you’re not only creating a cleaner, more spacious feel but also making it easier to keep the bathroom tidy—no more crouching to clean under bulky cabinets. This is particularly beneficial for smaller bathrooms, where every bit of floor space optimisation matters.

If you’ve been putting off a bathroom renovation, this could be the perfect project to tackle. While installing a wall hung vanity might seem like a big task at first, breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. You’ll be securely mounting your new vanity to create a stunning, functional feature. Keep in mind that rerouting pipes or adjusting the plumbing will likely require a licenced plumber, as this part demands expert know-how and adherence to strict standards.

For those ready to roll up their sleeves, this guide will take you through how to install a wall hung vanity step by step. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, take a moment to assess your DIY skills. Some tasks, like drilling or measuring, are easy enough, while others may call for professional help. By following this guide, you’ll not only transform your bathroom’s functionality and design but also ensure a smooth, stress-free installation experience.

If you’re replacing an old vanity with a new wall-hung vanity, be sure to read part one of this article, How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity.

To install a freestanding vanity, read our guide, How to Install a Bathroom Vanity.

Step 1: Check for Wall Studs and Install Additional Support if Needed

Before mounting your new wall hung vanity, it’s essential to ensure the wall can properly support it. This step guarantees the vanity stays securely in place for years to come.

Locate Wall Studs

Start by using a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall, focusing on the marked fixing points for your vanity. Move the stud finder slowly across the wall until it indicates the presence of a stud. Once found, mark the edges of the stud with a pencil. This ensures precise placement of your fixings.

Assess Support Adequacy

Check if the studs align with the fixing points required for your vanity. If they do, you can plan to attach the vanity directly to the studs. However, if no studs are present behind the fixing points or if the studs are inadequate, you will need to install extra support in the form of nogs (noggins).

Installing Nogs (Support Beams)

Nogs add strength to your wall and ensure a secure mount for the vanity. Here’s how to install them:

1. Cut an Opening in the Wall: Use a utility knife or oscillating multi-tool to cut out a section of plasterboard or cement sheeting where the extra support is needed. Cut carefully, staying to the depth of the plasterboard. Make sure the opening will be completely covered by the vanity once installed.
2. Install Timber Nogs: Measure the distance between the studs at the desired support height and cut timber nogs to fit perfectly into this space. Position the nogs horizontally and secure them with screws or nails into the neighbouring studs. This creates a sturdy structural support for the vanity.
3. Prepare for Wallboard Replacement: Along the edges of the cut opening, attach strips of timber for reinforcement. These strips will support the reattachment of the plasterboard, ensuring a seamless finish.

Safety Tips

When cutting into walls, always check for potential hazards. Use your stud finder to double-check for hidden electrical wires and plumbing before making any cuts. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging anything concealed behind the wall.

Investing the time to strengthen your wall now will save potential headaches down the road and provide a robust foundation for your bathroom renovation.

Step 2: Reroute Plumbing (Engage a Licensed Plumber)

If you are upgrading from a floorstanding vanity, you’ll need to have the plumbing adjusted for your new wall hung vanity. Floating vanity plumbing installation requires the expertise of a licenced plumber, so it’s important to leave this step to the professionals.

Schedule Plumbing Work

Contact a licenced plumber to handle the critical task of rerouting the waste pipe. For a modern wall hung vanity, the waste pipe must move from the floor into the wall. The plumber may also need to adjust the water supply lines to match the new vanity layout. Proper plumbing for wall hung vanity installation demands precision to avoid future issues with leaks or improper alignment.

Compliance and Inspections

Make sure your plumber works in accordance with local building codes and plumbing compliance requirements. Depending on your location, inspections or approvals may be mandatory after any plumbing modifications. These measures ensure the work is both safe and legal.

By taking this step seriously, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is up to standard, reliable, and built to last.

Step 3: Replace Plasterboard and Prepare the Surface

Once the plumbing has been adjusted and the additional wall support is installed, the next step is to replace the wall coverings and prepare the surface for the new vanity. This ensures a flat and finished look, ready for installation.

Prepare Plasterboard Replacement

Start by cutting a new piece of waterproof plasterboard or fibre cement wall lining to fit the opening created earlier. Make sure to consider any plumbing penetrations when measuring the board. Using a hole saw, carefully cut precise openings to allow water supply lines and the waste pipe to fit through.

Attach Plasterboard to Supports

Apply a generous amount of plasterboard adhesive to the nogs and surrounding studs to secure the new plasterboard in place. Position the plasterboard over the opening, ensuring that all edges are aligned with the supports. Use plasterboard screws, placing them every 150mm, to firmly fix the board to the studs and nogs.

Finish the Surface

Once the board is in position, it’s time to focus on the finish:

1. Apply Joint Compound: Spread joint compound evenly over the seams where the new plasterboard meets the existing wall. Cover the screw heads as well. This step creates a seamless look and ensures the wall remains watertight.
2. Sand Smooth: Once the joint compound has dried completely, sand the treated areas until they are smooth and flush with the wall. Take your time here to avoid creating uneven spots.
3. Prime and Paint (Optional): If you plan to paint the repaired section, apply a primer first. This protects the plasterboard and allows for a consistent paint job. Follow with a coat of paint to match the existing wall.

Creating a smooth, flat surface is crucial for the proper installation of your wall hung vanity. The vanity needs to sit flush against the wall for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Beyond appearance, proper surface finishing protects the wall from moisture and ensures durability in a high-use area like the bathroom.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanity for Installation

With the wall prepped and the plumbing ready, it’s time to prepare your vanity for installation. Taking care during this step helps ensure a perfect fit and prevents avoidable mistakes.

Transfer Plumbing Measurements

Start by measuring the exact locations of the plumbing pipes coming through the wall. Use a tape measure for accuracy; double-check each measurement—precise plumbing alignment is key. Next, mark the corresponding positions on the back of the vanity. These marks will guide you when drilling the necessary holes.

Drill Plumbing Holes in the Vanity

To make space for the pipes:

1. Select the Right Hole Saw: Choose a hole saw size that’s slightly larger than the pipe diameters. This gives some room for adjustments during installation without making the holes too large.
2. Drill Carefully: Begin from the back of the vanity, drilling halfway through the material. This prevents wood splintering. Then, finish drilling the holes from the inside of the vanity for a clean and professional result.
3. Protect the Vanity: Place masking tape over the drilling areas to minimise chipping around the edges. Wear safety equipment like protective glasses to shield your eyes from dust and debris.

Take the time to get this step right, and you’ll set the stage for a smooth, frustration-free wall hung vanity installation. Knowing how to do plumbing for a wall hung vanity gives you confidence in completing this part of your bathroom renovation like a pro.

Step 5: Mount the Vanity to the Wall

Now that your vanity is prepped, it’s time for the exciting part—mounting it to the wall. A secure, level installation is critical for both the function and appearance of your wall hung vanity.

Position the Vanity

Begin by aligning the vanity with the marked positions on your wall. Double-check these positions to ensure they match the plumbing and fixing points. To help hold the vanity at the correct height during installation, use a temporary support, such as a cradle or ledger board. This step makes it much easier to work hands-free while ensuring the vanity stays in place.

Secure the Vanity to the Wall

1. Attach Using Fixing Brackets: Insert screws through the vanity’s fixing brackets into either the wall studs or the nogs you installed earlier. Secure the brackets firmly without tightening completely yet.
2. Use a Level Tool: Before you fully tighten the screws, check the vanity’s positioning with a level tool. Adjust as needed until it is perfectly horizontal. This step ensures the vanity won’t shift or look uneven.
3. Final Tightening: Once the vanity is level and aligned correctly, tighten the screws securely. Take a moment to check the alignment from multiple angles to confirm everything is spot on.
4. Remove Temporary Support: After the vanity is properly mounted and stable, carefully remove any supports. Check again to make sure the vanity remains in position.

Step 6: Reattach Vanity Components and Install the Vanity Top

Now that your vanity is mounted securely to the wall, it’s time to bring everything together. Reattaching the components and installing the vanity top completes the setup and gets your bathroom one step closer to being fully functional.

Reattach Drawers and Doors

Start by reinstalling any drawers, shelves, or cabinet doors that were removed during the earlier steps. Most modern vanities feature adjustable hinges, which allow you to align the doors perfectly. Make sure everything opens and closes smoothly—this not only improves usability but also ensures a polished and professional look.

Install the Vanity Top

If your vanity top is separate from the cabinet, you’ll need to place it properly:

1. Apply Silicone Adhesive: Run a bead of silicone adhesive along the top edges of the vanity cabinet. This creates a firm bond and prevents movement over time.
2. Position the Vanity Top: Carefully lower the vanity top onto the cabinet, taking your time to ensure perfect alignment. If your vanity top includes a basin, double-check that the plumbing openings line up correctly.
3. Check Adjustments: Confirm the top is sitting flush and level with the cabinet before securing it completely.

Secure the Vanity Top

Once the vanity top is aligned, apply gentle but firm pressure to the top to bond it securely to the cabinet. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess silicone adhesive before it dries, leaving a clean, finished look.

This step finalises your wall hung vanity installation, leaving you with a sturdy, sleek addition to your bathroom. With everything properly reassembled, you’re well on your way to enjoying the benefits of your upgraded space.

Step 7: Reconnect the Plumbing Fixtures (Plumber’s Task)

Once the vanity and its components are securely in place, it’s time to reconnect the plumbing. This crucial step ensures your vanity is fully functional and ready for everyday use. For this task, you’ll need a professional plumber to guarantee everything is done correctly and safely.

Tap and Drain Installation

Your plumber will begin by installing the tap and connecting it to the hot and cold water lines. If you’d like to install the tap yourself, check out our guide on How to Install a Basin Mixer Tap. Once the tap is installed, your plumber will install the sink drain and connect it securely to the waste pipe.

Test for Leaks

After reconnecting the plumbing fixtures, it’s vital to check for leaks:

1. Turn the Water Back On: Have your plumber turn the main water supply on again.
2. Run Water Through the Faucet: Allow water to run for a few moments, checking for any drips or leaks at the connections.
3. Inspect Under the Vanity: Carefully examine the area beneath the vanity, including the sink drain and supply lines. If any leaks or drips are present, your plumber will address them immediately.

Final Adjustments

Once the system has passed the leak testing stage, tighten all fittings as needed to ensure a snug, water-tight seal. Confirm that water flows smoothly through the faucet and drains properly without pooling.

This step culminates in the transformation of your beautifully mounted vanity into a fully functional feature of your bathroom. Once the plumber finishes his work, you can confidently enjoy your sleek, modern vanity, knowing it is built to last.

Conclusion

Installing a wall hung vanity is a satisfying project that can completely transform your bathroom into a sleek, modern space. From removing the old vanity to securing the new one and adding those finishing touches, each step of the process builds towards a stylish and functional upgrade.

To recap, you began by carefully dismantling your old vanity and preparing the space. Then, with exact measurements, you prepped and mounted the new vanity, reconnected the plumbing, and applied finishing touches for a professional edge. By following these steps, you now have a solid understanding of how to install a wall hung vanity from start to finish.

Whether you’re renovating your entire bathroom or simply updating the vanity, the results are undeniable. By choosing and installing a wall hung vanity, you’ve created a timeless addition that combines practicality with style. Enjoy your refreshed space—it’s a testament to the effort and care you’ve invested in your home.