skip to main content

Remodeling Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Bathroom vanity tops and MDF bathroom vanities.

6 years ago

My 88, soon to be 89, year old mother has been living with me for the past 2 years. I'm in the process of remodeling the bathroom that she uses.

This actually wasn't a planned remodel. I was just supposed to be replacing the leaking and always running toilet and then it just kinda snowballed from there. You know one of those if I'm replacing this, I might as well go ahead and do this and if I'm doing item #2, I might as well go ahead and do item #3, etc. Yes, I know this is not how one should do a remodel but like I said, it wasn't my intentions to do a full remodel.

Anywho, the bathroom vanity that I will be installing is made of MDF. My question is with regard to vanity tops. I know in the kitchen, it's not recommended to put granite over MDF. Does that also apply in the bathroom? My concern is can the cabinet carry the weight of actual stone. I'm not necessarily interested in granite but just exploring all options for vanity tops.

This is the vanity that I will be using

I almost forgot to add that it's a RTA vanity if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

Comments (5)

millworkman
6 years ago
"I know in the kitchen, it's not recommended to put granite over MDF. "

Why not? It's done all the time, everyday in fact.............
Mavis Jones thanked millworkman
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
Really almost always.But that vanity seems to come with a top at least in the picture
Mavis Jones thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
Related Discussions
Need help with bathroom vanity - x-post with Bathrooms
Q
Comments (13)
I had the exact same problem. I picked out the vanity I wanted but did not think about the fact that it wasn't made to sit flush against the wall. I spent a month looking for something else, but in the end we decided to go with something shorter and have it not be against the wall. But we were going from 72" to 60" which is probably not workable in your mom's situation. I did find a lot of vanities that did have flat sides and could work in a corner, if you are willing to have the countertop fabricated. They just need to not have any trim detail on the top or bottom like the one you picked out does. I would just look at the ones without the pre-made tops. Because the pre-made top will still leave you with a slight gap because of the countertop overhang. This is an example: Avanity Modero which is sold everywhere, not just at Lowe's. The cabinet we ended up buying is an Avanity Madison which won't work for you, but I assume it is of similar quality. We are pretty happy with it. The drawers and doors have soft close but I do feel like the glides in my Ikea kitchen drawers are better quality. It is very pretty and I wanted a stained wood so I am really happy with our choice. If I had been willing to go with a painted finish, I think we might have stuck with the 72" Modero.
...See More
Bathroom vanity update & bathroom cabinet painting
Q
Comments (1)
I would replace both counters and sinks. The sinks do not match so even if you do (sort of) match the brown counter they will not look like they go together.
...See More
Bathroom Vanity Refacing and Vanity Top Update in Bay Area
Q
Comments (0)
We have two vanities (a 36" single-sink and an 80" double-sink) in our home that are kind of old and worn. I was initially thinking of replacing them both altogether, but then I realized it would be too much work with plumbing update, tile floor moldings, etc. What do you guys think about refacing the vanities? Is it common? I am thinking of refacing the vanities and changing the vanity tops.
...See More
Bathroom vanity too low. Replace top+vessel sink or entire vanity?
Q
Comments (11)
Seems to me that with new counter & vessel sink the only thing significantly raised is the bottom of the sink. You’ll also have to do some plumbing modifications to add under sink piping & of course now there’s a problem with either where backsplash was with the old counter or with the mirror which starts at backsplash height. Of course you’ll also need new faucets. It’ll be like pulling a thread. Do you like vessel sinks? They‘re decorative & generally a lot more costly than a bathroom sink which you can get for less than $100. If you already know it’s hard to find a 40” counter (I don’t know that), then how about get a new counter, you can get a quartz or granite remnant from a stone fabricator, get an undermount sink to maximize counter space, and have the vanity built up from the bottom. I know that can be done - a frame built to raise the vanity. Check out having vanity professionally refinished to clean up the oak - or professionally painted if you want to change color. Can’t say how much this will cost but how long will you be in this house & how much inconvenience is the too low vanity for the people using it every day? That will tell you if it’s worth it. It’s also a value add improvement to house.
...See More
MaryMargaret Sambas
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It's more recommended to not put heavy things on top of cheap imported RTA that offgasses formaldehyde. If you are going to do this, do it right. Don't spend your money on junk.
Mavis Jones thanked MaryMargaret Sambas
Mavis Jones
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Millworkman, I think I must have read somewhere that you shouldn't use granite on MDF cabinets

Patricia Colwell Consulting, the vanity does not come with a top. It was just shown with a top. The Hayneedle website description said it was just the cabinet and it is just the cabinet (arrived this past Friday).

Siamesey, I hear ya but since I spent a ton of money converting the tub to shower, I have to save where I can. Unfortunately, when you combine the needs of my mother (the main user of this bathroom), the style that I would like, along with the need to work around the plumbing location, I actually don't have a lot of choices. It's been really hard to combine the first two of those and find a vanity with drawers on the left hand side (the plumbing dictate). I looked at custom made and even semi custom made and no, I can't do that. Even though the vanity is made of MDF and is RTA, to me it has better quality than some of low end all wood vanities that I've seen. Also, most of the cabinets I've looked at still seem to have MDF in them somewhere, especially white cabinets which is what I wanted for this bathroom.
Mavis Jones
Original Author
6 years ago
I'm on vanity overload. LOL When I was breaking down the box, I was reading the description on the side of the box, and it actually says all wood construction.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Premier Bathroom Vanities

Shop top-quality picks from Avanity, Kitchen Bath Collection and Art Bathe

0

TRENDING NOW 21 Stunning Vanities From Popular New Bathrooms

By Mitchell Parker

Rustic wood tones, rich colors and floating units show up in the top bathroom photos. Which looks do you like best?

SHOP HOUZZ Bestselling Bathroom Vanities

Spruce up your bath with these top-selling vanities

0

BATHROOM DESIGN Which Bathroom Vanity Will Work for You?

By Lara Sargent

Vanities can be smart centerpieces and offer tons of storage. See which design would best suit your bathroom

MOST POPULAR You Can Turn That Into a Bathroom Vanity?

By Rebecca Gross

Find inspiration in 13 unconventional bathroom vanities that are as functional as the real deal

BATHROOM VANITIES How to Pick Out a Bathroom Vanity

By Vanessa Brunner

Choose the right materials, style and size for a vanity that fits your bathroom and works for your needs

BATHROOM WORKBOOK A Step-by-Step Guide to Designing Your Bathroom Vanity

Here are six decisions to make with your pro to get the best vanity layout, look and features for your needs

BATHROOM VANITIES Designers Remake Vintage Cabinets Into Bathroom Vanities

By Bryan Anthony

A Louis Philippe commode, a midcentury dresser and a Chinese chest star in these one-of-a-kind bathrooms

BATHROOM VANITIES 13 Storage and Organizing Ideas for Your Bathroom Vanity

By Toronto Interior Design Group

See smart solutions for drawers, pullouts and more

BATHROOM DESIGN 18 Sumptuous Vanities for Singular Bathrooms

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Uncommonly beautiful or dazzlingly detailed, these dream vanities bring a rarefied air to bathrooms

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

"Timeless" bathroom for Spanish Mediterranean style home

34

MSI Calacatta Castana

19

Door or gate leading to backyard? DUTCH DOOR?

25

Crazy BR Vanity Prices!

6

Crown Molding and baseboards

2