4 Things to Keep in Mind When Installing a Stone Vanity

Unlike full natural stone kitchen countertop installation, adding natural stone vanities in a home can, in some cases, is something that a homeowner can take upon themselves. This is mostly due to the individual piece of a bathroom vanity being significantly smaller and weighing less than the huge pieces that make up the average kitchen. However, there are several cases of bathroom vanity installations that can potentially be subject to the sort of obstacles that need to be addressed by a professional installer. Here are a few things amateur installers should keep in mind about natural stone vanities.What’s the Material Like?Vanities that are ¾” thick and relatively small might seem a breeze to get into a bathroom, but it’s important for the installer to know how fragile the material is. Certain variations of marble, for instance, especially thin pieces of marble, can be split right in half if introduced to even a small amount of pressure.How is the Sink Hole Configured?All vanities come with their own specific sink hole configurations. In all cases, if the placement and size of the sink hole leaves only a small width of stone in front and in back of the hole, then the surrounding section is incredibly fragile and will need to be supported the entire time that it’s being carried into a home. It should be noted that, if the sink hole leaves 2” or less of stone on either side of it, it’s best to hire a natural stone installer to avoid the risk of the piece breaking during delivery.Protect the Material During InstallationOnce the piece is finally laid onto the vanity, it’s important to shelter it from the glue and tools that will be used during installation. Nearly all stone materials are unforgiving of metal scrapes over the surface, so it’s advised that installers refrain from laying their tools directly over the surface of the countertop.Glue the Counter Installers should be careful when angling the counter upward to be glued, as the material is still susceptible to snapping at this stage. Once the piece is angled, a few spots of silicone glue on the cabinet will hold it in place. If there are any gaps between the countertop and the surrounding walls or cabinets, caulking can be used to fill them in.