Is your vanity countertop too low for comfort? If so, you can simply raise it — and yes, you can do it yourself!
The first step in raising a countertop is separating the counter from the cabinet. If you intend to re-use the existing countertop, this must be done with care to avoid damaging the counter material.
This cultured marble top will be polished and re-used, so we carefully cut the adhesive holding it to the cabinet with a putty knife. The caulk around the edges is also cut so that when we lift the front, the leverage gently breaks the seal under the back edge.
We’re raising this top by three and a half inches so a two-by-four is the ideal choice to add to the top of the cabinet.
Along the back, the sides and the center supports, we add two-by-fours that are screwed together as we go.
The front piece we’re adding is a cabinet grade one-by-four, which we’re attaching with small head cabinet screws so we can hide the fasteners with putty.
We’re tacking a piece of screen molding over the seam between the cabinet and the one-by-four to mask the joint.
Once the cabinet and the new wood are primed and painted, our addition becomes almost invisible and raises the vanity to a more comfortable height.
Watch the video above to see the process step by step.
why were the screws set under the back board. it looks like it raised it up a tiny bit in the back. is that so it matches the front board?
thanks!
Hi, Simone,
That step will not apply to everyone’s process for this project.
The vanity was slightly unlevel so we used screws as spacers to raise the back edge up a bit to ensure that the top would be level.
Thanks for your question!
I wish I had watched this video prior to remodeling my master bath. You also mentioned repolishing the cultured marble vanity tops. I tried to look for this process on UTube but was unable to find one so I had to replace mine at a huge expense. I really would like to see a video on this for the future. I am a female DYI person and love to educate myself Thanks!
Hi, Christina! Your wish is our command:
https://todayshomeowner.com/video/do-it-polish-cultured-marble-countertops/
Here’s the video on how to polish cultured marble!
Last two episodes have been pre-empted on WTAE-TV channel 4 in Pittsburgh. If you are paying for this time you should get reimbursed or a different time slot. Enjoy the show, but hard to catch you during college football season.
Hi, Harry,
We recommend setting your DVR during football season. The episode’s second run on WTAE airs late Saturday/early Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m. So when we get pre-empted, that’s the best bet.
Thanks for watching!
Could raising the kitchen counter tops and the bathroom vanity ,be done raising by placing the 2 x 4 under these cabinets .( having a higher toe kick
I have back problems and seem like always bending over for everything
my wife likes this idea !!!!
Thank you , for any information you can provide , Gregg
Hi, Gregg!
We recommend submitting questions involving unique situations like yours to the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Please use this form to contact Danny Lipford, America’s Home Expert, directly: https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/
Take care!
What is the purpose of the sheet rock screws under the 2×4 when putting the frame together?
Hi, Jeff,
This particular vanity was slightly out of level, so we used screws as spacers to raise the back edge.
This ensured that the top would be level.
Thanks for your question!
I like the idea of raising the countertops, but what about the inside – what do we do about the plumbing?
Hi, Cecilia,
If you purchase a new faucet, you may need a new rough-in valve and drain assembly.
If you keep your current faucet, the valve may already reach the plumbing.
You just need to connect the faucet and valve to the existing plumbing.
Good luck with your project!
What type of wood do you use? Like for both the MDF and 2×4? Any particular brands of sealant?
Hi, SG! That depends on the project.
Here’s a great guide on the different types of lumber: https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/types-of-lumber/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90567851db
Check it out to make sure you use the best type for the job.
We use Titebond caulks and sealants. Here’s more information these products: https://todayshomeowner.com/podcast/talking-about-titebond-with-mark-schroeder/
Good luck with your project. 🙂