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Ready to Remodel Your Bathroom?
Installing RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) bathroom cabinets can be a fun DIY project that transforms your space without costing too much money.
Whether you’re adding a bathroom vanity cabinet or
putting up wall cabinets for extra storage, we've got your back.
In this guide, we’ll share 10 tips to make your cabinet installation easy and stress-free.
Table of Contents
- Measure Twice, Install Once
- Choosing the Right Cabinet Size
- Tools You Need Before Starting
- Assembling Your Cabinets Efficiently
- Prepping Your Bathroom for Installation
- Securing Bathroom Vanity Cabinets
- Installing Bathroom Wall Cabinets
- How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets for a Fresh Look
- Leveling and Aligning Your Cabinets
- Finishing Touches and Maintenance Tips
1. Measure Twice, Install Once
Before you start putting your bathroom cabinets together,
make sure you have accurate measurements of your space.
Measure the width, height, and depth of the area where you want to install your cabinets.
Double-check these measurements to avoid surprises,
like cabinets that don’t fit or doors that hit each other.
Tip: Notes are Important
Keep a notepad to write down your measurements, and use painter’s tape to mark where your cabinets will go. This will help you see how everything will fit before you start drilling.
2. Choosing the Right Cabinet Size
Picking the right size for your bathroom cabinets is important
to make sure they fit and look good.
Standard bathroom vanity cabinets are usually 32 inches tall,
but a more modern look is around 34 to 36 inches.
The depth is usually 18 to 21 inches, which provides enough storage without taking up too much space.
Tip: Planning for Your Space
Think about the size of your bathroom and how much storage you need.
For smaller bathrooms,
choose narrower cabinets to keep the space open.
Don't forget to measure for door and drawer clearance
there's nothing worse than cabinet doors that can’t open all the way!
3. Tools You Need Before Starting
Having the right tools will make installing your RTA bathroom cabinets much easier. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:
- Power drill
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Screwdrivers
- Rubber mallet
- Stud finder
- Wood glue
- Clamps (to keep everything secure while assembling)
Tip: Friends are Helpful
Lay out all your tools before you start
so you’re not searching in the middle of the project.
It’s also a good idea to have a friend help extra hands make lifting and positioning cabinets easier!
4. Assembling Your Cabinets Efficiently
Once you have all your tools,
it’s time to start putting your RTA cabinets together.
Lay out all the pieces and hardware, and make sure you have everything you need before you start.
Follow the instructions carefully
RTA cabinets come with step-by-step guides, and missing a step can make things harder later.
Tip: Wood Glue + Screws
Use wood glue along with the screws provided to make your cabinets sturdier.
Assemble your cabinets on a soft surface, like a blanket or carpet,
to avoid scratching the pieces.
Take your time and double-check your work as you go
it’s easier to fix mistakes early on!
5. Prepping Your Bathroom for Installation
Before installing your cabinets, make sure your bathroom is ready.
Remove any old cabinets,
patch holes,
and make sure the walls are clean and dry.
It’s also a good idea to locate the wall studs, since this is where you’ll secure your cabinets for the best support.
Tip: Marking Stubs and Level Flooring
Mark the location of the studs with painter’s tape so you can find them easily during installation.
Make sure your floor is level
if it’s not,
you may need to use shims to keep your cabinets even.
6. Securing Bathroom Vanity Cabinets
Securing your bathroom vanity cabinets properly
is important for a stable installation.
Start by positioning the vanity cabinet against the wall
where you want it.
Make sure it’s level
use a level to check side-to-side and front-to-back.
If the floor is uneven,
use shims under the cabinet base to make it level.
Once your vanity is level,
find the wall studs you marked earlier.
Use a drill to drive screws through the back of the vanity and into the studs.
This will keep your vanity secure.
You can also use corner braces inside the cabinet for extra stability.
Tip: Plumbing into Your Vanity
If your bathroom has plumbing running through the back of the vanity,
you may need to cut holes in the back panel for the pipes.
Measure carefully and use a hole saw to make clean cuts.
Take your time to make sure everything lines up properly to avoid problems later.
7. Installing Bathroom Wall Cabinets
Installing bathroom wall cabinets takes precision
to make sure they are secure and aligned.
First,
decide the height where you want to install the wall cabinets.
A common height is about 54 inches from the floor, but you can adjust based on your preferences.
Mark the location of the wall studs,
as these will provide the support for your wall cabinets.
Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark them with painter’s tape.
Draw a horizontal line with a level where the bottom of the cabinet will be this will help you during installation.
It’s helpful to use a temporary ledger board screwed into the wall along the line you drew.
This board will support the cabinet while you work.
Lift the wall cabinet into place,
resting it on the ledger board,
and make sure it’s flush against the wall and level.
Once it’s in the right position, use screws to secure the cabinet through
the back panel into the wall studs.
If you’re installing multiple wall cabinets next to each other,
attach them together for more stability.
Line up the cabinets
and use clamps to hold them tightly together.
Drill pilot holes through the cabinet frames and secure them with screws.
This will help keep the cabinets aligned and prevent gaps.
Finally,
remove the temporary ledger board and patch any holes left behind.
If your wall cabinets have doors,
adjust the hinges to make sure the doors open smoothly and align properly.
Small adjustments can make a
big difference in how your cabinets look and function.
Tip: Friends are Helpful Again
Have a friend help lift and hold the cabinets while you secure them to the wall
wall cabinets can be heavy, and extra hands make it safer and easier.
8. How to Paint Bathroom Cabinets for a Fresh Look
Painting your bathroom cabinets is a great way to refresh your space without a full remodel.
Start by removing all doors,
drawers, and hardware.
Lightly sand all surfaces so the paint sticks well, and clean off any dust.
Tip: Primer before Paint
Use a primer before painting to make sure the finish is smooth.
Choose a paint that is moisture-resistant,
since bathrooms are humid.
9. Leveling and Aligning Your Cabinets
Leveling is very important for both how your cabinets look and how they work.
Use a level to make sure your cabinets are straight
both horizontally and vertically.
If your floor or walls are uneven,
use shims to adjust the cabinets until they’re perfectly level.
Tip: Patience is Key
Take your time during this step
leveling properly will make sure doors and drawers open and close smoothly.
10. Finishing Touches and Maintenance Tips
Once your cabinets are installed, it’s time for the finishing touches.
Reattach all doors and hardware,
and adjust the hinges so everything lines up.
Apply a bead of caulk along the edges where the cabinets meet the wall to create a clean look.
Tip: Check Often
Regularly check for loose screws or hardware,
and tighten them as needed to keep your cabinets sturdy over time.
By following these 10 tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful bathroom cabinet installation. Enjoy your new and improved space!
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