How do I replace bathroom-vanity-top?

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  • radhak
    Veteran Member
    • Apr 2006
    • 3061
    • Miramar, FL
    • Right Tilt 3HP Unisaw
    #1

    How do I replace bathroom-vanity-top?

    The kids' bathroom vanity has a formica top with a single bowl. The vanity cabinet is in good shape, but I need to replace just the top. Planning on 'moulded' marble/granite. (am told Cultured Marble is tougher than natural, so that would suit me).

    Funny thing is the current vanity-top measures 33" wide, but I see that the standard width available anywhere is 31" or 37". So I guess I'd need to buy the longer one and have them cut it to size. Dunno if HD would do that. Wish

    Bigger question is - how do I detach and rip out the top (with the washbasin) without damaging the vanity below it? How is it generally attached - glue? I guess I'd start by disconnecting the plumbing, but the rest escapes me. This one has a back splash and a side splash, so I'd need to pull those out too - would that put a hole in the wall?

    While on that, how is the mirror fixed to the wall? It measures 33 x 36 above the vanity, and would love to replace it with a thin cabinet-with-a-mirror.
    It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
    - Aristotle
    Tags: None
    • siliconbauhaus
      Senior Member
      • Dec 2006
      • 925
      • hagerstown, md
      #2
      Laminate counter tops are usually screw fixed to the vanity from underneath. You may find however that someone though it was a good idea to glue it as well. You'll have to have a good look around on the inside of the unit to see if it's held with screws.

      Worst case scenario is you'll have to cut it off. Grab a recip and take your time and you should be ok.

      I doubt very much that the borg would cut a marble top for you but I'm sure you could order one in the correct size.

      As for your mirror, if you can't see any clips around it or a channel that it sits into, it's probably been glued to the wall. Not a big deal as you want to replace it with a storage cabinet anyways.

      Happy DIYing mate
      パトリック
      daiku woodworking
      ^deshi^
      neoshed

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        • Russianwolf
          Veteran Member
          • Jan 2004
          • 3152
          • Martinsburg, WV, USA.
          • One of them there Toy saws
          #3
          pictures please?

          The formica laminate is sitting atop a piece of fiberboard that gets screwed down from below (inside the cabinet). They don't usually use any glue, but they might have caulked some seems.

          Can't say how the mirror is attached without seeing a pic.

          I doubt HD or Lowes can cut marble, etc. They would likely have to order it. I would call a local kitchen/bath remodeler and see what they can do. Never hurts to ask for a price.

          As long as you are careful about removing the splash guards, there shouldn't be any holes. This is assuming they didn't make any for plumbing/eletrical needs.
          Mike
          Lakota's Dad

          If at first you don't succeed, deny you were trying in the first place.

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            • frumper64
              Established Member
              • Feb 2004
              • 376
              • Garland, Tx, USA.
              #4
              Just did this

              I just replaced a cultured marble vanity top in the master bath with a granite one. Once I got the side and back splashes off, I found the old vanity top was just sitting on the vanity itself - the splashes were holding it in place. As for getting the splashes off, patience is the key. If you get mad at them and start really prying, you will indeed end up with holes in the sheetrock. If you take something really thin and tap it along the joint between the spashes and the wall you will be fine. As usual, it occurred to me a bit too late that it is good to stop for a while when anger starts outweighing judgement. The clowns who put the original spashes on mine must have used half a tube of liquid nails per side. When I put the new ones up, I passed on the liquid nails and just used clear caulk to "glue" then in place, then caulked the seams with the vanity top and walls with the same stuff. It all came out pretty well. It's not really hard - just a bit time consuming.
              Jim
              64sedan_at_gmail.com

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                • cabinetman
                  Gone but not Forgotten RIP
                  • Jun 2006
                  • 15216
                  • So. Florida
                  • Delta
                  #5
                  Pictures would be a big help. If the top is a postformed top, that is, rounded front edge and formed one piece backsplash, it could be screwed from the inside of the cabinet and/or caulked in place.

                  I've run into tearouts that the existing vanity was a re-formica, and the top was screwed down to the cabinet and then laminated over (for real). Some back splashes are installed by driving in finish nails into the top, cutting off the heads on an angle, and then tapping the backsplash down with a block and hammer, with caulk under and behind. Using a utility knife to cut along the back edge of the splash will help in a clean release.

                  The usual installation technique is to screw up from the inside of the cabinet. The screws may not be easy to find. You've got to get on your back and with a flashlight scope out the underside. If it was also caulked down, it will feel like it's still screwed down even if you think you've got all the screws out. DAMHIKT



                  A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER - John Keats

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