Vanities are small pieces of cabinetry, but they sit at the centre of the wettest, most heavily tiled rooms in the home. Getting the specification right avoids clashes with plumbing, tiling and mirrors, and gives buyers a bathroom that works well for years. Here’s what builders should define for bathroom and ensuite vanities.
Wall-hung or floor-standing
Wall-hung vanities
Wall-hung vanities give a modern look and make floor cleaning easier. They need adequate wall support, so noggins or fixing provisions must be in place before plastering or sheeting. Confirm the mounting height in the specification.
Floor-standing vanities
Floor-standing vanities offer more storage and can be simpler to install. Specify kickboard detail and how the vanity meets the tiled floor.
Heights and sizes
Set standard vanity heights and widths for bathrooms, ensuites and powder rooms in your range. Consistent sizes simplify plumbing set-outs and benchtop ordering. Offer wider or double-basin ensuite vanities as upgrades.
Basins and taps
Basin type drives the benchtop and cabinet design:
- Above-counter basins need a set bench height that suits the basin’s own height.
- Undermount basins need a suitable benchtop material and accurate cut-outs.
- Integrated basins, often in acrylic, give a seamless look.
Confirm whether taps are wall- or bench-mounted, because this affects rough-in and benchtop cut-outs.
Plumbing coordination
Waste and water positions must align with the vanity design so pipes don’t clash with drawers or carcass sides. Drawer-based vanities in particular need services positioned carefully. Lock the vanity layout before rough-in.
Moisture considerations
Bathrooms are humid and splashes are inevitable. Choose materials, edge treatments and sealing details suited to wet areas, and make sure benchtops are sealed to walls and around basins. Advise buyers in their handover pack to wipe up standing water.
Storage
Drawers are generally more practical than doors in vanities, but must work around plumbing. Consider the number of drawers for standard versus upgrade vanities, and whether shaving cabinets or mirrored storage above are part of the package.
Benchtops for vanities
Laminate suits many standard vanities, with stone or acrylic as upgrades. Our custom benchtops include stone, laminate, timber and acrylic options with a range of edge profiles.
Mirrors and lighting
Coordinate vanity width and height with mirror size and lighting positions, especially where lighting is integrated or wall-mounted above the mirror.
Tiling sequence
Agree whether vanities are installed before or after wall tiling and how the junction is finished. Wall-hung vanities on tiled walls need fixings that won’t crack tiles.
Powder rooms
Powder rooms are a small space where buyers often accept a feature finish. A compact vanity with a premium top can lift the room without a big cost.
Consistent quality across the home
Using the same partner for kitchen, vanity and laundry cabinetry keeps finishes consistent. We design, manufacture and install custom cabinetry for bathrooms and ensuites in WA new homes. See examples in our bathrooms gallery.
Frequently asked questions
Are wall-hung vanities harder to install?
They need proper wall support in place before plastering or sheeting, but with planning they install efficiently.
Should vanities have drawers or doors?
Drawers are generally more practical, but they must be designed around waste and water pipes.
When should the vanity layout be fixed?
Before plumbing rough-in, so wastes and water points align with the cabinet design.
Which benchtops suit vanities?
Laminate suits many standard vanities, with stone and acrylic popular as upgrades.
How should vanity sealing be handled?
Benchtops should be sealed to walls and around basins, and wet-area edges detailed to suit moisture. Check sealing at the final inspection, and include advice in the handover pack about wiping up standing water.
Can vanities be offered in packages?
Yes. A standard vanity, an upgraded vanity with more drawers and a premium top, and a double-basin ensuite option give buyers simple choices that are easy to price.
Key takeaways for builders
- Decide wall-hung or floor-standing and set standard heights.
- Fix basin and tap types before rough-in.
- Design drawers around plumbing.
- Detail and seal for moisture.
- Package vanity upgrades for simple selling.
Talk to Character Cabinets
If you are planning upcoming builds and want a cabinetry partner that designs, manufactures and installs in-house, talk to our team. Call 08 9234 3000 or contact us to discuss your next project or request a quote.