RTA bathroom vanity buying guide [2024]
This post has been updated for 2024
Bathroom vanities (perhaps, RTA bathroom vanities) are one of the most important pieces of furniture in any bathroom. They not only provide a place to store all of your bathroom essentials, but they also add style and character to the space. When it comes to choosing a bathroom vanity, there are many different options available on the market today. But nothing offers you as much style, affordability, and flexibility as an (ready-to-assemble) RTA bathroom vanity.
RTA bathroom vanities are a great option for anyone who wants to save money on their bathroom renovation, and still wants a custom, high-end look. RTA vanities are often much more affordable than their fully assembled counterparts, and since you design them, they are guaranteed to be exactly what you want.
When shopping for an RTA bathroom vanity, it’s important to keep in mind the size of your bathroom and the overall style that you’re trying to achieve. There are many different styles of RTA bathroom vanities available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs perfectly. Once you’ve found the perfect vanity, all that’s left to do is install it and enjoy your new bathroom!
Analyze the bathroom layout
When you’re ready to start your bathroom renovation, one of the first things you’ll need to do is analyze the layout of your space. This will help you determine what type and size of vanity will work best in your room.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when analyzing your bathroom layout:
- The location of plumbing fixtures: You’ll need to know where your sink, toilet, and bathtub are (and will be) located before you can choose a vanity. Make sure there’s enough space around each fixture for comfortable use.
- The size of the room: Measuring the square footage of your bathroom will give you a good idea of how much space you have to work with. Keep in mind that vanities come in a variety of sizes, so even a small bathroom can accommodate a larger vanity if desired.
- Door swing: Be sure to measure the door swing of both the entrance to the bathroom and any doors leading into adjacent rooms. This will ensure that there’s enough clearance for the door to open fully without hitting the vanity.
- Window placement: If your bathroom has windows, take note of their placement in relation to the proposed location of the vanity. You’ll want to make sure that natural light won’t be blocked by the vanity or mirror when it’s installed.
Take measurements
When shopping for an RTA bathroom vanity, it is important to take accurate measurements of your space. You’ll need to know the width, depth, and height of your room, as well as the size of your sink. Once you have these measurements, you can start browsing RTA cabinet options.
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking measurements for your RTA bathroom vanity. First, measure the width and depth of your bathroom. You’ll want to make sure that you leave enough room for doorways and walkways. Second, measure the height of your room. This will help you determine which size vanity will best fit your space. Finally, measure the size of your sink. This will ensure that you choose a vanity with enough countertop space for your needs.
Once you have all of your measurements, you’re ready to start designing and purchasing your RTA bathroom vanity.
A tip to measure for your RTA bathroom vanity
You’ll need to take into account the height of your countertop. This is important because you want to make sure that your vanity is the right height for your needs. The standard height for a vanity is 36″ in North America, but if you’re building something custom, you can choose the size you want. Remember, when choosing RTA cabinets for a vanity, you will need to add a countertop. Vanity cabinets are generally 34.5″ to account for this countertop. But be careful: if it’s too tall or too short, it may be difficult to use.
Finally, you’ll need to think about how many sinks you want in your vanity. This will help you determine how much counter space you need and how many drawers or cabinets you’ll need for storage. Keep these tips in mind when measuring for and designing your new RTA bathroom vanity and you’ll be sure to come up with the perfect one for your space.
Select style and type
When delving into the realm of RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) bathroom vanities, you’ll find yourself in a world brimming with choices, each offering its unique blend of style, material, and functionality. This wide array of options ensures that there’s something to suit every preference and requirement, but it also means that making a decision requires careful consideration of several important factors.
The first aspect to ponder over is the style of the vanity. This is crucial as the vanity often acts as a focal point in a bathroom, setting the tone for the entire space. Are you inclined towards a classic, traditional look that exudes timeless elegance, or do you gravitate towards a sleek, modern design that speaks of contemporary sophistication? The range of styles in RTA cabinets is vast and varied, encompassing everything from ornate, detailed designs to clean, minimalist lines. Dedicate ample time to explore the different styles available. Look through catalogs, browse online galleries, and perhaps even visit showrooms to physically view the options. Your aim is to find a vanity that not only appeals to your aesthetic preferences but also complements the overall design theme of your bathroom.
The second major consideration is the material of the vanity. The material not only influences the appearance and durability of your vanity but also plays a significant role in terms of maintenance and cost. RTA bathroom vanities come in a diverse range of materials, each with its own set of advantages and characteristics. Wood, for instance, is a popular choice for its natural beauty and warmth, but it requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Metal vanities can offer a more modern feel and are generally durable, though they might not fit into every bathroom design. Glass vanities, on the other hand, can create a sense of openness and space, but they may need frequent cleaning to maintain their sparkling appearance. When selecting the material, consider not just the look you want to achieve, but also how much time and resources you are willing to invest in maintenance, as well as how the material aligns with your budget constraints.
By carefully considering these factors – style and material – you’ll be well-equipped to select an RTA bathroom vanity that not only meets your functional needs but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom.
RTA bathroom vanity cabinet height
When it comes to choosing the perfect bathroom vanity, one of the key considerations is height. For a standard bathroom vanity in North America, the height is 36 inches: 34.5″ for the cabinet and the rest for the countertop.
However, if you want a vanity that is easier to use for someone who is shorter in stature, you can choose a cabinet that is only 24 inches tall. Conversely, if you want a taller vanity for a more luxurious look or to accommodate larger items such as towels, you can opt for a slightly taller cabinet. This is one of the benefits of using RTA cabinets for your vanity: you don’t have to get exactly what is in the showroom.
When deciding on the right height for your vanity cabinet, be sure to take into account the overall design of your bathroom and the other fixtures and furniture that will be sharing the space. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can be sure to find the perfect bathroom vanity for your home.
Sink types
There are many different types of sinks that can be used in a bathroom vanity. The most common type is the drop-in sink, which is simply dropped into a hole cut into the countertop, with the sink dropped in. These sinks are usually made of porcelain or ceramic, and they come in a variety of colors and styles.
Another popular type of sink is the undermount sink, which is glued in underneath the countertop. These sinks are often made of stainless steel, ceramics, or stone, and they provide a sleek and modern look to any bathroom vanity.
The last type of sink that we will discuss is the vessel sink, which sits on top of the countertop like a bowl. Vessel sinks are available in a variety of materials, including glass, stone, and even metal.
The design process
After you’ve selected a sink and general layout of your RTA bathroom vanity, you can proceed to design it. The great thing is that all of the best RTA cabinet brands, will do this for you. Simply send them your measurements and some ideas, and they will come back with a full 3d design. Some even let you simulate the design using 3d rendering software.
If you want to design your own RTA bathroom vanity, you can do that too. All of the major RTA cabinet companies list all of their cabinet and accessory options, so you can mix and match as you please. If you do go this route, it’s best to send the design over to the company before purchasing so that they can make sure you’ve done everything correctly.
Purchasing the cabinets for an RTA bathroom vanity
Once you’ve gotten a design that you like, it’s time to purchase. There are lots of RTA cabinet brands to choose from, but I suggest you go with one of the best RTA cabinet brands, as I have found them to have a better selection, quality or service.
If there’s a particular style you want that’s not available from one of the best RTA cabinet brands, that’s okay. I have found every RTA cabinet brand I purchased from (and that’s a lot) to offer pretty good service and quality products.
Adding a countertop
The one thing that makes purchasing an RTA bathroom vanity a bit more complicated than just buying a pre-assembled vanity at Home Depot is that the RTA bathroom vanity won’t come with a countertop or sink built in.
In order to actually have a usable vanity, you will need to add those. This isn’t difficult: any stone or countertop fabricator will do it for you. However, you will need to contact them once you have your RTA cabinets in place. They will come to your house and measure your design. After measuring, they will fabricate the countertop and (if necessary) mount the sink or sinks. Finally, they’ll return to your house and install the countertop on your vanity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the right RTA bathroom vanity for your home is a matter of personal preference. However, we hope that our buying guide has given you some helpful tips and information to consider when making your decision. With so many different styles and designs to choose from, we are confident that you will find the perfect vanity for your needs. Thank you for reading and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect RTA bathroom vanity for your home.