DIY Network

Install Vanity Cabinetry This massive vanity is packed with sophisticated storage. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-509

Matt and Michelle's old bathroom would probably fit inside the cabinetry for their new-and-expanded bath suite. Amy Matthews shows them how to do a professional-quality cabinetry installation that will give them and their four kids plenty of storage.

advertisement

Materials

cabinetry cabinet screws screw gun clamps drill with countersink bit screws bar of soap

shims level tape measure pencil hole saw 6-foot level 2-foot level

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Install Vanity Cabinetry

• Determine which cabinets will make up the base of the vanity and move them into the project space. Remove the doors and drawers, both to protect them from damage and to keep them out of the way.

• Line up the finished top edges of the cabinets and clamp them together (figure A).

• Drill two pilot holes through the vertical stiles at the front of the cabinets with a countersink bit (figure B).
  
  Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and use caution when working with a power drill or similar power tools.

• Screw the two cabinets together. Since the cabinets used in this project were made of very hard wood, Amy and the homeowners lubricated the screws by rubbing them in a bar of soap before driving then. The soap helps the screw move more smoothly.

• If assembling more than two bottom cabinets, attach them to each other in the same way.

• There is a gap between the cabinets along the back edge. Slip shims between the cabinets at the top back edge (figure C), then use a level to square up the cabinets. Clamp the cabinets together around the shims, drill pilot holes through the cabinets and shims, and attach with screws (figure D).

• With the cabinets attached, line up the cabinets in front of the wall. Find and mark the center point of the assembled bank of cabinets. Also mark the center point of the roughed-in plumbing fixtures. Use these as reference points when measuring for drains and other holes.

• Measure the location of both drain pipes for the roughed-in plumbing for the double sink (figure E). Transfer these measurements to the back of the cabinets.

• Drill a pilot hole in the back of the cabinet corresponding to the center of one drain hole (figure F). Use a drill with a hole saw attachment to cut an appropriate hole for the drain pipe; cut from the inside of the cabinet.

• Repeat to cut additional drain holes as needed.

• Measure and drill holes in the bottom of the cabinet for the water supply lines Also measure and drill any needed holes to run electrical lines to the upper cabinets.

• Move the bank of cabinets into place, lifting the assembly to thread the water supply lines through the appropriate holes. Line up the drain holes with the appropriate pipes.

• Use shims to level the cabinet from front to back and from side to side (figure G). Amy used a 6-foot-long level to get an accurate reading for the long cabinet.
  
  
• Locate the studs in the wall behind the cabinet and use a level to draw a plumb line from the studs onto the inside back of the cabinet.

• Drill pilot holes through the nailer, then attach the cabinet to the studs with screws (figure H).

• Remove the shims from under the cabinets. These spaces will be covered by a faceplate that will be installed with the final trim work.

• Re-attach the cabinet doors and slip the drawers into place.

With the bottom cabinetry for the vanity in place, the homeowners are ready to have professionals install their massive, marble countertop.

RESOURCES :
Cabinets, Pocket Doors
Wood Harbor
Website: www.woodharbor.com