Best Bathroom Cabinets and Vanities

A new bathroom vanity or cabinet set updates an outdated bathroom, adds storage, and frees up counter space. This guide covers costs, moisture-resistant materials, standard sizes, popular styles, and when to hire a pro. We cover sinks and countertops in separate guides.

Key Takeaways

• Cost: Most homeowners pay $736–$2,177 for a basic vanity, including old unit removal, materials, and labor.
• Best material: Plywood offers the best balance of moisture resistance and price. Skip particleboard.
• Standard size: Most vanities are 24–72 inches wide, 20–21 inches deep, and 30–36 inches tall.
• Double sinks: Plan on a vanity at least 60 inches wide.
• When to hire a pro: Call one if you are moving plumbing, adding a second sink, or dealing with water damage.

Bathroom Vanities vs. Bathroom Cabinets

People use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. A bathroom vanity is the base unit that holds your sink and countertop. Bathroom cabinets is a broader term for any storage unit in the room, including wall cabinets, medicine cabinets, linen towers, and built-in cabinetry.

	Bathroom vanity	Bathroom cabinets
What it is	Base cabinet that holds the sink and countertop	Storage units for towels, toiletries, and cleaning products
Storage style	Drawers and doors below the sink	Shelves and doors above, beside, or apart from the sink
Installation	Freestanding or wall-mounted; needs plumbing hookups	Mounted to the wall or built in; usually no plumbing
Best for	Every bathroom with a sink	Bathrooms that need extra storage

Types of Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets

Freestanding vanities

These sit on the floor and look like furniture. They are the easiest to swap in because most come in standard sizes and the plumbing usually stays put.

Wall-mounted (floating) vanities

A floating vanity attaches to the wall and leaves the floor visible below. That makes a small bathroom feel more open and makes the floor easier to clean. The wall needs solid reinforcement behind it, so plan for that before you buy.

Built-in cabinets

Built-in cabinets are custom-fit to your space and often built on-site. They work well in larger bathrooms where you want a lot of storage.

Linen and wall cabinets

Tall linen cabinets hold bulky items like towels and sheets. Wall-mounted and medicine cabinets add storage above the toilet or beside the mirror without using floor space.

Repurposed furniture

Some homeowners turn a dresser or console into a vanity. It’s a good way to save money, and we cover the details in our guide to repurposing furniture as a bathroom vanity.

How to Choose New Bathroom Cabinets and Vanities

A few decisions shape everything else. Settle these before you start comparing styles. If you want more detail, see our guide to replacing your bathroom cabinets.

Size

Size is the most important factor. Pick a vanity that gives you the storage and counter space you need without crowding the room. Measure the width, depth, and height of your space first, and note where your plumbing, outlets, door swing, and mirror sit. We cover standard sizes later in this guide.

Number of sinks

Vanities have one or two sinks, depending on their length. For two sinks, choose a vanity at least 60 inches long.

Who uses the bathroom

A seldom-used guest bathroom needs less storage than a family bathroom or a primary bath you want to feel like a retreat. Think about:

• How much storage each person needs
• How many people use the room at the same time
• Who will use it in 5 to 10 years (kids grow, and so do their routines)

Storage needs

Take stock of what lives in your bathroom now. Drawers keep makeup and hair tools organized. Doors fit tall bottles and cleaning supplies. If you want a lot of storage, look at a vanity with built-in drawers, or add a linen cabinet.

Moisture and ventilation

Your bathroom’s humidity matters as much as your style. A steamy bathroom with a weak exhaust fan will punish wood, MDF, and laminate. We cover this in the materials section below.

Budget and resale

Check what other homes in your area have before you spend big on custom cabinetry. A high-end vanity can pay off in some neighborhoods and add little value in others.

Average Cost to Install Bathroom Cabinets and Vanities

On average, homeowners can expect to pay $736–$2,177 for a basic vanity. That includes demolition of the old vanity, materials, and labor. Across the industry, total vanity projects run about $300–$4,000, with an average near $1,500 to $1,600. Your price depends on size, materials, and whether your plumbing moves.

Cost by project type

Project	Average cost
Basic vanity (installed)	$736–$2,177
Freestanding two-door vanity	$638
Set of four-door base cabinets	$1,276
Custom built-in cabinets	$3,000–$8,000
Switching from a single to a double vanity	$800–$3,000

Large bathrooms and high-end materials can push custom cabinetry past $12,000.

What affects the price

• Vanity size and number of sinks
• Cabinet material, grade, and style
• How hard the old vanity is to remove
• Changes to plumbing or electrical
• Labor rates in your area

Labor and extra costs

Labor usually runs $200–$1,000, including removal and cleanup. Pros often charge $50–$200 per hour. Custom cabinets take more time, so they cost more to install. Watch for these add-ons:

• Plumbing changes: Average about $800, and more if you are adding a second sink.
• Flooring, tile, or fixture removal: Can add $1,000–$2,300.
• Mold or water damage behind the old vanity: Often $200–$500 or more to repair.
• Drain that doesn’t line up: Often $150–$400 or more to fix.

Ask your contractor about these before you sign. Hidden damage is the most common reason a vanity budget grows. Modernize’s bathroom remodel cost calculator can help you set a starting number.

How to save on bathroom cabinets

• Keep your plumbing where it is.
• Choose a vanity that covers the footprint of the old one, so you skip wall and floor repairs.
• Pick stock or semi-custom cabinets over custom.
• Refinish or reface sturdy cabinets instead of replacing them.
• Use open shelves for storage instead of adding more cabinets.
• Get at least three quotes.

Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom Cabinets

Cabinets come in four quality grades. Cost goes up with each step, and so does your choice of styles and sizes.

Grade	What you get	Typical cost (cabinet only)	Keep in mind
Ready-to-assemble (RTA) and stock	Standard sizes, limited styles; RTA ships flat for you to assemble	$40–$500	Quality varies, and cheaper units may need replacing sooner
Semi-custom	More door and drawer styles; made in 3-inch size increments	$500–$800 per unit	Fit isn’t exact, and units taller than 36 inches cost more
Custom	Built to your measurements, often on-site	$700–$1,000 per unit, or $3,000–$8,000 for a typical project	Highest cost and the longest lead time

For most remodels, semi-custom is the best fit. You get better construction and more styles than stock without the price of custom work. Choose custom if your bathroom has odd dimensions or you want a built-in look.

Big-box RTA and stock vanities are fine for a budget refresh or a guest bath. In a bathroom you use every day, they may wear out within a few years.

Refinish, Reface, or Replace Bathroom Cabinets

If your cabinet boxes are in good shape, you may not need new ones. Refinishing means sanding and repainting or restaining your existing cabinets and doors. Refacing means replacing the doors and drawer fronts and keeping the cabinet boxes.

Option	Average cost for a full set of cabinets
Refinishing	$2,000–$4,500
Refacing	$4,500–$10,500
Replacing	$2,000–$10,000

These ranges cover a full set of cabinets. Swapping a single vanity costs less. Refacing can cost as much as replacing, so get a quote for both.

Replace your cabinets if the boxes are swollen, soft, or moldy. Paint and new doors won’t fix water damage.

Best Materials for Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets deal with steam, splashes, and humidity every day. Material matters more here than in a bedroom or living room. Here is how the most popular options compare.

Material	Average installed cost	Material cost per linear foot	Moisture resistance	Best for
Solid wood	$1,000–$1,600	$250–$400	Good if sealed and well ventilated	Primary baths with a strong exhaust fan
Plywood	Between MDF and solid wood	$180–$275	Good if edges are sealed	Most bathrooms, including family baths
MDF	$400–$800	$70–$250	Fair; swells if the paint chips	Painted doors and guest baths
Laminate	$450–$1,200	Varies	Fair; edges can peel	Budget remodels and modern looks
Stainless steel	$1,500–$3,000	Varies	Excellent	Humid bathrooms and modern designs

Solid wood cabinetry

Why choose solid wood bathroom cabinets?

Solid wood is one of the most durable materials you can buy. It also holds up under heavy countertops. You can choose from hardwood or softwood.

Hardwoods:

• Cherry
• Oak
• Maple
• Hickory

Softwoods:

• Pine
• Cedar

You can stain, lacquer, and refinish wood to refresh the look. The downside is that wood is porous. In a humid bathroom with poor ventilation, it can swell, warp, or crack. Run your exhaust fan and seal the wood well, and solid wood can last for decades.

What do solid wood bathroom cabinets cost?

Hardwood is usually the most expensive option. Expect to pay $1,000–$1,600 for a designer-grade solid wood vanity. Costs go higher for larger units with custom doors, upgraded hardware, or double sinks.larger unit with custom door styles, upgraded hardware and double sinks.

Plywood cabinets

Why choose plywood bathroom cabinets?

Plywood is made of thin wood layers glued together with the grain running in alternating directions. That layering keeps it from swelling and shrinking as much as solid wood when humidity changes. It also holds up better than MDF or particleboard under heavy stone countertops.

Water can still get in through raw edges. Look for cabinets with sealed or banded edges and a moisture-resistant finish. If you are not sure which material to pick, plywood is a safe choice for most bathrooms.

What do plywood bathroom cabinets cost?

Plywood costs more than MDF and less than solid wood. Expect to pay about $180–$275 per linear foot for materials, before installation.

Laminate cabinets

Why choose laminate bathroom cabinets?

Laminate costs much less than real wood and can mimic it. The surface is a thin decorative layer over an engineered core, usually MDF or particleboard. High-pressure laminate costs more than low-pressure laminate, but it is also more durable. Thermofoil is a similar vinyl coating that is heat-formed over the core.

Laminate fits modern and contemporary designs well. The weak spot is the edges. Once water gets past a chipped or peeling edge, the core can swell. Ventilate your bathroom well, and look closely at the edge quality before you buy. Laminate also can’t be refinished like wood.

What do laminate bathroom cabinets cost?

Expect to pay $450–$1,200 for a laminate vanity or cabinets. Higher-quality laminate and custom finishes cost more.

Fiberboard (MDF) cabinets

Why choose fiberboard (MDF) bathroom cabinets?

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is made from wood fibers and resin pressed together under heat. It costs less than hardwood and doesn’t expand and contract as much as real wood, so painted finishes are less likely to crack.

MDF has limits. It soaks up water if the paint or sealant chips, and it is hard to repair once it cracks. It also can’t be stained, and it can sag under heavy weight. Many manufacturers use MDF for painted doors and drawer fronts and build the cabinet box from plywood or solid wood. That is a smart combination for a bathroom.

What do fiberboard (MDF) bathroom cabinets cost?

An MDF vanity should cost $400–$800. Larger units with double sinks cost more.

Stainless steel cabinets

Why choose stainless steel bathroom cabinets?

Stainless steel is gaining ground in modern bathrooms because it can’t swell, warp, or rot. It resists heat, bacteria, and rust, and it wipes clean.

Grade matters. Type 304 stainless contains more nickel and resists corrosion better than type 201, which costs less but can rust or stain over time. Ask which grade you are getting.

There are trade-offs. Stainless cabinets come in fewer styles and finishes than wood, they can dent, and they show smudges. Many are pedestal-style units with limited storage, so they work best in guest baths.

What do stainless steel bathroom cabinets cost?

Stainless steel costs more than most other options. Premium-grade cabinets run $1,500–$3,000, depending on size.

PVC and other waterproof options

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vanities are non-porous, so they won’t swell, mold, or rot. They are popular in family bathrooms and rentals. Quality varies by brand, and low-grade PVC can warp or discolor near heat. Check the product specifications and get quotes, since prices vary widely.

Materials to avoid

• Particleboard: Absorbs water, sags under heavy tops, and breaks down over time.
• Wood veneer: Starts peeling in humid bathrooms, often within a few years.

Particleboard also hides inside many laminate and thermofoil cabinets. Ask what the core is made of, and avoid it in any bathroom that sees daily humidity. Budget vanities with particleboard cabinets and laminate tops typically show wear in 5 to 10 years. Well-built plywood or solid wood vanities can last 20 years or more.

Match the material to your climate

• Poor ventilation: Avoid solid wood unless you add or upgrade an exhaust fan.
• Humid or coastal areas: Stainless steel or PVC handles constant moisture best.
• Drier areas: Well-sealed plywood or solid wood works well.

Bathroom Vanity and Cabinet Styles

Choosing a style is the fun part. Use this guide to match a look to your bathroom and your budget.

Shaker style

Shaker doors have a simple frame with a flat, recessed center panel.

Shaker doors are easy to find in stock, semi-custom, and custom lines, so you can match the look to your budget. They come in wood, MDF, and plywood. White and wood-tone finishes are the most common.

Flat style

Flat cabinetry has no frames or panels, so it provides a minimalist look that lends itself well to modern architectural styles.

The face of the cabinet has no features other than hardware pulls. That sleek look is easy to wipe down, which makes it a good fit for busy family bathrooms.

Distressed

Distressed cabinetry has a worn, weathered look that goes well with antique furniture and vintage decor.

Makers create the look by scraping, gouging, rasping, oversanding, and denting the wood, then adding a glaze that highlights those marks. Your new cabinets will look like you salvaged them from a century-old home.

Louvered

Louvered doors mimic plantation shutters. Instead of a solid panel, the door has a series of angled slats.

The slats let air move through the cabinet, which helps towels and supplies dry out. The trade-off is cleaning. Louvers collect dust and take more effort to wipe down than a flat door.

Beadboard

Beadboard is a traditional panel style made of evenly spaced vertical planks. It suits country, rustic, farmhouse, and cottage decor.

You can install the planks vertically or horizontally for a shiplap look. Beadboard cabinets are usually custom-made from solid wood or MDF.

Inset, overlay, and partial overlay doors

Inset, full overlay, and partial overlay describe how the doors sit on the cabinet. You can combine any of them with the door styles above.

• Inset: Doors sit flush with the cabinet frame when closed. They take more construction detail, so expect a roughly 15%–30% price premium.
• Full overlay: Doors cover nearly the entire cabinet frame, so you see mostly door and drawer fronts.
• Partial overlay: Doors cover part of the frame, leaving a visible gap between them. It is the most common style in homes.

All three come in solid wood, plywood, MDF, and laminate.

Standard Bathroom Vanity Sizes

Style and material give you plenty of choices. Size is simpler because most vanities come in standard dimensions.

Measurement	Standard range	Notes
Height (traditional)	30–32 inches	Good for kids and shorter adults
Height (comfort)	34–36 inches	Matches kitchen counters; easier on the back for most adults
Width (single sink)	24–48 inches	Common sizes: 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches
Width (double sink)	60–72 inches	Plan on at least 60 inches
Depth (standard)	20–21 inches	21 inches is the most common
Depth (shallow)	16–18 inches	Good for powder rooms and narrow bathrooms

Vanity height usually means the distance from the floor to the top of the countertop. Confirm whether a listing includes the top.

Vanity size by bathroom type

Bathroom type	Typical vanity width
Powder room or half bath	24–30 inches
Guest or kids’ bathroom	30–36 inches
Small full bathroom	36–48 inches
Larger bathroom or primary bath (one sink)	48–60 inches
Primary bath (two sinks)	60–72 inches

If you are replacing an old vanity, 48-inch and 60-inch units are common because they fit many existing layouts. A new vanity that covers the old footprint also saves you from patching the wall or floor.

Clearance rules

Leave room to use the vanity. The International Residential Code asks for at least 21 inches of open space in front of a sink. It also asks for at least 15 inches from the center of the sink to the nearest side wall, and at least 30 inches between the centers of two sinks. Local codes vary, so check yours or ask your contractor.

Accessible vanity height

For wheelchair users, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets a maximum countertop height of 34 inches and calls for open space below the sink. If you are remodeling for aging in place, ask about a wall-mounted vanity that gives you that clearance.

How sinks change vanity height

A vessel sink sits on top of the counter and can add up to 6 inches. If you want one, choose a lower vanity. Double-sink vanities are usually 60 or 72 inches long, and makers can build them shorter if needed.

Small bathroom vanity

Your bathroom’s size dictates your vanity size. A single-sink vanity is usually the best fit for a small or half bath, though you will have less storage. A bathroom storage cabinet with a sink gives you more room for organizing but takes up floor space.

To decide, follow these steps:

1. Lay out everything that has to be stored in the bathroom.
2. Set aside anything that can live somewhere else (like cleaning products) or sit on a floating shelf (like jars of cotton swabs).
3. Look at what is left. If you need one cabinet and a few drawers, choose a vanity. The open look makes the room feel larger. If you need more, choose a storage cabinet with a sink. You will lose floor space, but you will gain deeper cabinets and more drawers.
4. If you mostly need to store bulky items like towels and sheets, consider a linen cabinet. You can also install one in a hallway, a laundry room, or another nook.

Adding Sinks and Countertops to Bathroom Vanities

A vanity without a sink and countertop is just a cabinet. Many vanities come as a set with a top, and others are sold as a cabinet only. If you choose a cabinet only, you will need a countertop and sink cut to fit it.

Adding a second sink costs more because you will need extra plumbing and a second drain line. Switching from two sinks to one is cheaper and gives you more counter space.

Your cabinet has to carry the weight of the top. Stone tops are heavy, so pair them with a plywood or solid wood cabinet instead of particleboard or thin MDF. For help choosing, see our guides to bathroom sinks and bathroom countertops.

Should You Install Bathroom Cabinets Yourself?

You can install a stock vanity yourself if you are comfortable with basic plumbing and carpentry. Most stock kits include the hardware you need. For anything more complicated, hire a pro.

Pros of installing it yourself

• Lower cost: You pay only for the vanity and supplies.
• Flexible schedule: A simple swap can take a weekend.

Cons of installing it yourself

• Plumbing risk: Leaky drains can damage floors and walls.
• Heavy lifting: Stone tops and wood cabinets are hard to move.
• Costly mistakes: Errors with the top or sink add up.

When to hire a pro

Call a pro if you are moving plumbing, adding a second sink, installing custom cabinets, or mounting a floating vanity. Also call one if the old vanity has water damage behind it. Removing an old vanity means disconnecting plumbing, and sometimes electrical, so it is a job for pros unless you have solid renovation skills. Get at least three quotes before you hire.

How to Protect Bathroom Cabinets From Moisture

Good habits can add years to any cabinet material.

• Run your exhaust fan: Turn it on during every shower and leave it running for several minutes afterward.
• Check for leaks: Look under the sink every few months. A slow leak can ruin a cabinet.
• Wipe up spills: Dry standing water and wipe the surface dry after you clean.
• Use a durable finish: Semi-gloss paint, a sealed stain, or lacquer all help block moisture.
• Seal exposed edges: Raw plywood and MDF edges soak up water fastest.

Finding a Bathroom Contractor

Once you have set a budget, the next step is to find a licensed bathroom remodel contractor in your area. A pro can help you narrow down your choices, order the right cabinets, and handle plumbing so the job gets done without damage or delays.

Ask each contractor:

• Does your quote include removing and disposing of the old vanity?
• Who orders the cabinets, and how long is the wait?
• Will any plumbing or electrical need to move?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Can I see photos of similar projects?

Depending on your budget, your contractor will either buy a standard vanity from a home improvement retailer or order one from a local cabinet shop. Compare at least three quotes side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a bathroom vanity?

Most homeowners pay $736–$2,177 for a basic vanity, including removal of the old one, materials, and labor. Industry-wide, total vanity projects run about $300–$4,000. Moving plumbing, adding a second sink, or choosing custom cabinets pushes the price higher.

What is the best material for bathroom cabinets?

Plywood is the best all-around choice for most bathrooms. It is stable, strong, and holds up to humidity better than MDF or particleboard. Solid wood is durable but needs good ventilation. Stainless steel and PVC resist water best. Avoid particleboard.

What size is a standard bathroom vanity?

Most vanities are 20–21 inches deep and 30–36 inches tall. Single-sink models are 24–48 inches wide, and double-sink models are 60–72 inches wide. Comfort-height vanities (34–36 inches) are the most popular choice for adults.

How wide should a double vanity be?

Plan on at least 60 inches. That leaves enough room for two sinks and some counter space between them. Building codes usually require at least 30 inches between the centers of two sinks.

How long do bathroom cabinets last?

Well-built plywood or solid wood cabinets can last 20 years or more with good ventilation and care. Budget cabinets with particleboard cores often show wear in 5 to 10 years, especially in steamy bathrooms.

What are common finishing options for bathroom cabinets?

Semi-gloss paint is best for painted bathroom cabinets because it holds up in high-moisture rooms. Oil-based stains properly seal wood cabinets, and lacquer provides a protective coating.