A solid wood vanity works well in a bathroom when three things are in place: a sealed finish, a room that is ventilated, and the habit of wiping water away rather than leaving it. Size it so the sink centre sits at least 15 inches (38 cm) from a side wall, and preferably 20 (51 cm), with about 30 inches (76 cm) of clear floor in front. Choose a height of 30 to 36 inches (76–91 cm) to the countertop, and lower the cabinet if you use a vessel basin. The rest follows from your room and your plumbing.
Width and clearances
Common single vanities are 24, 30, 36 and 48 inches (61, 76, 91 and 122 cm) wide. Common double vanities are 60 and 72 inches (152 and 183 cm). Plumbing codes in the US typically set minimums, and comfortable layouts go beyond them.
- Sink centre to side wall: at least 15 inches (38 cm) by code; about 20 inches (51 cm) is more comfortable.
- Clear floor in front: at least 21 inches (53 cm) by code; about 30 inches (76 cm) is the usual recommendation.
- Two sinks: at least 30 inches (76 cm) between basin centres; 36 inches (91 cm) gives each person room. In practice a double vanity starts at 60 inches wide, and 72 inches is easier to share.
Local codes vary, so confirm with your plumber or contractor before you finalise a layout.
Height
Vanity heights are measured to the top of the counter.
- 30 inches (76 cm): the older standard, also used in children's bathrooms.
- 32 inches (81 cm): the most common height.
- 34 to 36 inches (86–91 cm): often called comfort height, closer to kitchen counter height and easier on the back for most adults. For accessible bathrooms, 34 inches is the usual maximum.
Vessel basins
A vessel basin sits on top of the counter, so it adds its own height, often 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm). To bring the rim to a comfortable height of around 34 to 36 inches, the vanity itself should be lower: about 30 inches for a 6-inch basin, 32 inches for a 4-inch basin. Check the basin's height and the faucet's reach before you choose.
Set-in and undermount basins
With a basin set into or beneath the counter, the counter height is close to the rim height, so choose the vanity at the height you want to wash at.
Depth and storage
Most vanities are 18 to 22 inches (46–56 cm) deep. A shallower vanity suits a narrow room and leaves more floor; a deeper one gives more counter. Measure the basin's depth and the faucet's position so neither crowds the backsplash.
- Cabinet doors hide pipes and cleaning products.
- Drawers keep small things organised, but must be shaped around the drain trap. Ask how this is handled on the piece you choose.
- Open shelves show folded towels and keep the vanity looking light, but the pipes may be visible.
Plumbing
Before ordering, note where your drain and water supply come out of the wall or floor: height from the floor, and distance from the centre of the space. A freestanding vanity on legs needs the plumbing to reach the basin cleanly. A wall-hung vanity needs solid backing in the wall to carry the weight of solid wood, a full basin and someone leaning on it.
Check each listing for what is included. If the basin, faucet or top is not listed, plan to source it separately and confirm its dimensions with the vanity's cut-out.
Keeping wood sound in a bathroom
The finish
Every surface of a vanity, including the inside of the basin cut-out and the underside of the top, should be sealed. Our vanities are sealed with polyurethane. A Smooth surface, with its gloss topcoat, sheds splashes most easily and is the practical choice for a family bathroom. Natural rough, wire-brushed under a single matte coat, suits a quieter guest bathroom where water is wiped promptly.
The wood
Some timbers handle moisture better than others. White oak, whose pores are largely sealed by natural growths called tyloses, has long been used where water is present. If the species matters to you, ask us what a particular vanity is built from.
The room
- Run an exhaust fan during every shower or bath, and leave it on for a while afterwards.
- Aim for relative humidity around 40 to 50 percent outside of bathing times.
- Wipe water from the counter, the base of the faucet and the backsplash after use. Water left standing at a joint is what eventually finds its way in.
- Use mild soap and water to clean. Avoid bleach, ammonia and abrasive bathroom cleaners on the wood.
- Put a tray under soap dispensers and toothbrush holders, so drips stay off the surface.
- Keep bath mats from pressing wet against the vanity's base.
Wooden basins
A solid wood basin pairs naturally with a wood vanity. It asks for a little more care than ceramic or stone: rinse and dry it after use, do not leave water or soap standing in it, and clean it gently. It suits a powder room or guest bathroom especially well, where it is used lightly and seen often.
A quick checklist
- Width, with sink centres at least 15 inches, and preferably 20, from side walls.
- About 30 inches of clear floor in front.
- Counter height to suit you, lowered for a vessel basin.
- Drain and supply positions measured and photographed.
- Basin, faucet and top confirmed, and what the listing includes.
- A working exhaust fan.
Our bathroom vanities list their width, depth and height, and our wooden sinks can be paired with them. If your plumbing or wall calls for a different size, we can build to your measurements; custom orders begin with a free consultation and a full quote before any wood is cut.