A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Mobile Home Vanities: Everything You Need to Know

Buying a new vanity for your mobile home can seem like a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know when shopping for a mobile home vanity.

From carefully measuring your existing space, to exploring different styles and materials, to final installation, we’ll cover all the key considerations. You’ll learn handy tips for selecting the right size vanity, storage options, sinks and faucets to suit your needs and style.

We’ll also provide a step-by-step installation guide, including connecting plumbing fixtures, anchoring to walls/floors, and maintaining your new vanity so it lasts for years to come. Whether you want to replace an old outdated vanity or are putting a new one in, use this guide to make the process smooth sailing.

Planning Your Mobile Home Vanity Purchase

Measuring Your Space

The first step when shopping for a new mobile home vanity is carefully measuring the area where you plan to install it. You’ll want to measure the width, depth and height of the existing space.

This will determine what size vanity can fit in the allotted area. Be sure to account for existing plumbing locations and electrical outlets as well. Pay attention to potential obstacles like heating vents or windows that may impact placement.

If you’re removing an old vanity, measure that as well for size comparison. Record all your measurements and have them handy when shopping. This will ensure your new vanity will fit properly within the space.

Budgeting for Your Purchase

Setting a budget is key before selecting a new mobile home vanity. Prices can range dramatically based on size, materials, features and quality.

Smaller vanities around 24 inches with laminate construction can cost a few hundred dollars. Larger sizes or solid wood vanities with stone tops can run over $1000.

Factor in other parts of your bathroom remodel too like new sink/faucet, flooring, lighting etc. Create a budget breakdown so you can allocate accordingly. This will narrow options and help select the best vanity within your price range.

Exploring Different Styles and Materials

Traditional vs. Contemporary Styles

Mobile home vanities are available in a range of styles from traditional to modern. Traditional styles feature ornate decorative details like raised panels, crown molding and carved accents.

Contemporary options have clean, straight lines and a more minimalist look. Shaker style vanities offer an elegant in-between blending simplicity and subtle details.

Consider what design aesthetics appeal most to your taste. Also factor in what style might best match other finishes like hardware, lighting fixtures or tile already in your bathroom.

Material Options: Wood, Laminate, or Other

Vanities come in a variety of different materials like wood, laminates, metal and combinations. Solid wood options like oak and maple are attractive but generally more expensive.

Laminate vanities have melamine or vinyl finishes that emulate wood looks at a lower cost but aren’t as durable. There are also metal vanities, glass, and ones with mixed media for unique styling.

Factor in your budget, the existing style of your mobile home, and what level of durability you need. This will help narrow material options for your vanity purchase.

Finding the Right Mobile Home Vanity

Sizing and Placement Considerations

Using your room measurements, you can now start evaluating specific vanity sizes and configurations. Consider traffic flow and doors/windows when mapping out placement.

Small bathrooms may require narrow 24-inch vanities. Larger layouts can accommodate double vanities allowing two sinks. Make sure to allow for door or drawer clearance on either side.

Vessel and pedestal sinks require less linear footage which is ideal if space is tight. Wall-mount or floating vanities also have a minimal footprint. Make scale and layout drawings if needed to test different sizes.

Selecting the Right Features

Sinks and Faucets

Vanities don’t include sinks or faucets so you’ll need to select these. Vessel, undermount or drop-in sinks can all work with different vanity styles. Coordinate metals and finishes.

For faucets, consider centerset or widespread configuration based on existing holes. Select flow rate and features like sprayers. Lever handles are easiest to operate. Coordinate finishes with other hardware and fixtures.

Storage Options

Consider how much storage your vanity requires – drawers, cabinets or open shelving. Drawers allow storing items out of sight and are easy to access. Cabinets provide ample storage.

Shelving keeps things visible but is prone to clutter. Add tip out trays or pull out cabinets for small items. See if towel bars, mirrors or other built-ins can be incorporated.

Countertop Material and Style

Common countertop materials include laminate, solid surface, quartz, granite, marble or wood. Budget, durability and aesthetics factor into best options.

Also consider edge profiles like beveled, eased or bullnose. Coordinate overhang size if mounting vessel sinks. Incorporate backsplashes to protect walls from water damage.

Installing Your Mobile Home Vanity

Preparing the Space

Once you’ve selected your mobile home vanity, carefully prepare the installation area. Remove existing vanity/sink fixtures if replacing. Reroute supply lines as needed to align with new vanity.

Protect floors with drop cloths. Have all necessary tools assembled like tape measure, level, screwdriver etc. Turn off water supply valves before starting. Follow all safety procedures.

Tools and Materials Needed

Essential tools include:

• Tape measure.
• Pencil/marker.
• Level.
• Screwdrivers.
• Wrenches.
• Drill.
• Hole saw.
• Silicone caulk.

 

Have shims/spacers, screws, 2x4s, adhesive, and protective equipment before starting the install.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Connecting Plumbing Fixtures

After securing vanity base to wall studs or floor, install sink according to type – undermount, vessel or drop-in. Carefully connect supply lines to faucet making sure gaskets seal and fittings are tight.

Connect drain assembly linking sink, trap and wall drain. Check for leaks. Caulk along backsplash and edge of sink. Install any additional fixtures

like soap dispensers, ensuring even coverage of caulk so water does not get behind.

Anchoring to Wall or Floor

Use a level to ensure the top of the vanity base is evenly horizontal. Shim if needed to fill any gaps behind. Screw into wall studs behind drywall if possible for best support.

For floor mounting, set vanity in place and mark locations for anchor holes through back corner braces or feet. Drill holes for anchors then secure screws tightly.

Do not over tighten screws or it may warp the cabinet over time. Finally, remove any protective film and clean the vanity before using. Enjoy your beautiful new mobile home vanity!

Maintaining and Caring for Your Mobile Home Vanity

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning is key for keeping your mobile home vanity looking its best. Use a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap and water to wipe down all surfaces.

For solid surface or quartz countertops, rub a lime wedge over any hard water spots or stains. Granite can be polished with a stone cleaner. Disinfect sink basins periodically with a non-abrasive cleaner.

Use glass cleaner on mirrors and hardware. For plumbing fixtures, wipe away any water residue after use to prevent mineral buildup. Open drawers/cabinets regularly to circulate air inside.

Addressing Wear and Tear

Inspect hinges, slides and moving parts on drawers/doors periodically. Tighten any loose screws. Lubricate sticky slides and hinges with a silicone spray.

Touch up any chips on cabinets with matching wood putty and re-stain. Re-caulk along the backsplash, sink, and counter edges if cracked or separated.

Replace any leaky or worn plumbing fixtures like faucet washers or supply lines when needed. This will prevent water damage long-term.

Replacing or Upgrading Your Vanity

Over time you may wish to replace your mobile home vanity to redecorate, get more storage or update the style. Use the existing guide to pick a new vanity.

Measure carefully, shop for options, then follow the detailed steps for removal and installation. Selling or repurposing your old vanity can offset costs as well.

Upgrading countertops, hardware or lighting are other easy ways to breathe new life into an existing vanity you wish to keep. Change the look without replacing the entire fixture.

Final Thoughts on Mobile Home Vanities

Installing a new mobile home vanity is a big project but very doable with proper planning and preparation. Carefully measuring your existing bathroom, setting a realistic budget and selecting the right size, style and features are key first steps.

Follow detailed installation guides to ensure your new vanity fits properly within the space and is securely mounted. Maintain your investment with regular cleaning and inspecting for any wear and tear issues.

Over time if you wish to replace or upgrade, use this guide to streamline the entire process. Investing in a quality mobile home vanity can really enhance the look and function of smaller bathrooms.