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lauren_domenick

Vanity Dilemma!

8 years ago
Planning on installing a double vanity in our outdated 70s hall bathroom. Problem is, we got a good deal on one with the top installed and now it’s too heavy to get up the stairs! Considering a couple options and want some opinions. 1) spend almost $300 to hire a moving company to bring it upstairs and get it in place, or 2) try and remove the top (with the sinks still installed) to make it easier to maneuver and not have to hire movers.

If we go with trying to remove the top, how can we brace the top to minimize the risk of cracking it in the center between the sinks? Lay whole thing on its side when top is loosened and proceed to lay top flat on plywood? If we can take the top off, we will probably be able to get it in the bathroom without removing the door frame, so that’s a positive as well.

Thoughts? Advice? What do we need to be thinking about here.

Comments (24)

  • 8 years ago
    Our old vanity for reference
  • 8 years ago

    I would hire movers. To remove top will negate any warranty and is risky.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    First, any vanity that large should be done in multiple pieces as a built in. Not a single piece freestanding. You’re going to have issues installing that even if you do get it upstairs. A freestanding piece is not suited to your installation needs. Not to mention the plumbing issues that are going to require ripping out the whole wall and redoing it.

    Sell it on Craigslist. Buy something modular. Have a stone template template and install a counter.

  • 8 years ago
    Without hiring a designer/remodeler, how do normal people renovate bathrooms like ours? It has to be possible. It’s a 60 inch vanity, the same width as the countertop we have there now.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I answered before I saw your second post. You are presently only plumbed for one sink. Are you using a plumber to retro fit for two sinks?

  • 8 years ago
    We plan on tying into the single existing drain because the new vanity is taller than the other and we have plenty of fall. We have remodeled bathrooms and kitchens before, so we are fairly comfortable with the correct supply lines/etc.

    We have the flooring here and ready, and have laid this type of flooring before in a remodel in our last property. We have replaced toilets before, and plan on doing that here as well. We will be removing the old built in soap/toothbrush holders, repairing/replacing any drywall, and installing new mirrors. We plan on installing a new box for a second light fixture, and have plenty of experience with this as well.

    My husband is a strong guy, but he and I just aren’t capable of moving the vanity up, though we sometimes feel like we’re too old to impose on asking friends for help. We’re willing to spend money for someone to safely move it, but would do it ourselves if we were able.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    No, you can’t do the plumbing on the outside of the wall. It has to be done inside the wall. With a permit.

    A freestanding vanity cannot abut a wall. There will be uncleanable gaps. And you can’t scoot it over or you impinge in the required spacing for other elements.

  • 8 years ago
  • 8 years ago
    Accidentally posted last link before finishing. The link is what we were planning on doing. I will look into our city codes about abutting a wall and the plumbing issues you mentioned. Thanks!
  • 8 years ago

    I just lost all respect for Rich Trethewy. Totally NOT the way to do that.

    And that will work with drawers in the way, how?

  • 8 years ago

    The drawer bank looks like it will not allow for your plumbing plan unless you made them a faux feature.

  • 8 years ago

    And if the drawers aren't usable, what's the point?

    I can certainly understand your desire to update the bathroom, but I'm afraid Sophie is right - the piece you found isn't really suitable for your space. The fact that it was "a good deal" suggests you don't have a small fortune to spend on this project.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Ok I am going to think buying a double vanity you know the plumbing needs to be addressed?

    Splitting or adding the lines for the other side is no big deal. You will have to redo the sheetrock behind the vanity. The problem is the vent stack will most likely be sized for one vs 2 sinks. This is done every day without swapping but most likely won't be to code.

    As for the vanity simply take a new sharp putty knife and work your way around the top. There is most likely only sealant holding it together. When transferring the top hold it vertical front to back so the top does not bow. The sinks are mounted to the top and are not to be removed. When separated it will be workable.

    Double vanities are installed every day. If it fits the space dimensions, you have it already, why not?


    You have to hire a plumber anyway find one that will install and do the actual plumbing and it will be a $1000 well spent.

  • 8 years ago
    The drawers don’t go all the way to the back. We made sure to find one that left room to plumb behind. We’ll just have to core through the side walls to run the pvc through. We’ve lived here a year and do not plan on selling our house anytime soon. We don’t care about using a freestanding vanity in the space (since it sits off the floor and we can clean underneath), and hope to get many good years of use! Just need to get it up the stairs :) I’m convinced we’ll break the top between the sinks, and my husband thinks we can do it. Waiting for my dad, an experienced handyman, to lend us his opinion the next time he visits. Thanks for all the advice!
  • 8 years ago
    Removing all the drawers and doors would make it a bit lighter, and give you space for a better grip while moving.
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    measure twice, cut once

  • 8 years ago

    Once you get it up the stairs, how do you plan to get it in the bathroom? It doesn't look like there is enough room to turn it to angle it through the door.

  • 8 years ago

    Call a plumber. You really need one.

  • 5 years ago

    I know this is old, but I’m renovating a bathroom and facing the same issue (it may even be the same vanity). Did you remove the top? Was it still super heavy?

  • 5 years ago

    @Lauren Domenick how did it work out? im hapoy to hear you got a good deal on it. not sure why soo many people aboided answering your simple question. instead, they could have lent advice and motovation. i do hope to hear back from you. we want to also get a double sink

    vanity with marble. 2nd floor...

  • 4 years ago

    We have the Forearm Forklift. We have been able to move things that we thought were hopeless.


  • 4 years ago

    @Nancy in Mich were you carrying a larhe vanity? how much did it weigh? was it over stairs to second floor?

  • 4 years ago

    No stairs, but I am disabled and am weak now. It all depends on strength, ability to move and maneuver. There is also a harness so you can use your core strength and lift with legs. Being tall would help. We moved a 6 ft tall x 4 ft wide and 2 ft deep cupboard.across a small carpeted room.