Budget Friendly Vanity Cabinets
Planning a bathroom remodel is similar to a kitchen remodel, and choosing the right vanity cabinet takes some consideration as did the kitchen cabinetry. But let’s be real, bathroom remodel costs can start adding up quickly so you want to start out right, with budget friendly vanity cabinets.
Budget friendly doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice a lot to get there. It is really about knowing what to look for and how to get there. As a DIYer you are indicating an interest in learning how to get things done. So to learn more about getting the most out of your remodel while staying within budget continue reading.
Let’s start by getting to know your cabinet options. There are 4 basic types of cabinets: custom, semi-custom, prefabricated and RTA (ready-to-assemble). For this post I want to focus on the RTA cabinet since it is the most budget friendly vanity cabinet. Plus, I have confidence you can handle assembling three or four cabinets for your bathroom remodel. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to assemble the cabinet.
Disclosure. This post may contain links to products or companies that pay a commission to DIYRemodelGuy.com, at no cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Compensation or commissions help fund our work in bringing DIY remodeling ideas and tips to you.
Determine the size you need.
Measure your existing vanity cabinets to determine what size you will need. Then you want to convert this dimension into cabinet sizes. Cabinets will come in 3″ increments with some specific requirements to make sure everything fits.
Your sink base cabinet should be at least 24″ wide so that the new undermount sink will fit; if you have room for a 27″ all the better unless it takes away from drawer space. Then determine what size drawer bank cabinet you can fit, hopefully at least as 12″ wide. A 15″ wide drawer cabinet would be better. You’ll want to allow for at least a 1″ filler piece at the wall so the drawers will open properly; they need to clear the case moulding on the door.
If you have room for a 37″ cabinet then your layout would look like this beginning at the wall if you are using individual cabinets:
- 1″ filler (they usually come 3″ wide)
- 12″ 3-drawer cabinet
- 24″ sink base cabinet
If you have 49″ of space then this could be your layout, beginning from the wall if you are using individual cabinets:
- 1″ filler (they usually come 3″ wide)
- 12″ 3-drawer cabinet
- 24″ sink base cabinet
- 12″ 3-drawer cabinet
In both the examples above I have used separate drawer bank cabinets to maximize storage. These are also needed when the vanity cabinet length is longer. But you can use their standard size combo or console cabinets; the individual drawer and door cabinets have already been conveniently combined into a single vanity cabinet unit.
Pick your door style and color
Now that you have determined the vanity cabinet layout size it is time to select your cabinet color and door style. This is generally very simple with the RTA cabinet in that the color you select comes in a specific door style. As mentioned about these budget friendly vanity cabinets generally come in the top selling door styles.
Place your order
Simple online ordering makes buying RTA cabinets simple. The website will give you a few pictures of what the cabinets will look like after installation. However, if you want to see the color and door style in person you can order a sample door.
Advantages of RTA Cabinets
- All wood cabinets, plywood boxes and wood doors/face frames
- Soft close doors and drawers
- Finished sides so no extra panels to order or added costs
- Finished interiors are standard, no additional up-charges
- Full overlay doors for an updated look
- Easy to assemble
- Low freight costs and delivered to your home
- Financing options may be available
- Online design assistance available
- Extended warranty
Disclosure. This post may contain links to products or companies that pay a commission to DIYRemodelGuy.com, at no cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase through these links. Compensation or commissions help fund our work in bringing DIY remodeling ideas and tips to you.
If you are looking for some ideas on what cabinet layouts might work best for you, check out my post Vanity Cabinets Made Simple. Or if you have some unanswered questions about bathroom remodeling take a look at questions answered for other homeowners. And, if you have questions that remain unanswered after reading my post please include them in the comments. Still eager to learn, then check out what other DIYers highly recommend 8 Tips for a Successful Bathroom Remodel.