Replacing a bathroom cabinet can make a big difference in the appearance of your bathroom. But there are some things that you need to know before you even begin the process of ripping the cabinet out of the wall and installing a new one.

What To Know Before Removing And Installing New Bathroom Cabinets.

Before installing a new bathroom cabinet, it’s important to make sure that that you shut off the water supply and have all the right tools. Integrated bathroom cabinets affix to the wall and usually have pipes that lead to the faucet and sink above. The supply to these pipes needs to be stopped further up the line (and not by the taps themselves) to prevent leaks.

Before installing a new cabinet, you’ll also need the right tools. The good news is that most DIY enthusiasts probably already have everything they need. You’ll need the following:

• Claw hammer
• Small pry bar
• Power screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Channel-type pliers
• Tape measure
• Bucket

How To Properly Choose Replacement Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing the right model for your particular bathroom setup can be a challenge.

To start with, your priority to start with, though, should be choosing a cabinet that fits. Check the dimensions available to you using a tape measure. Note the vertical and horizontal distances available to you, making sure that the door will still be able to open once the cabinet is installed fully.

Design Considerations For Custom Made Bathroom Cabinets

Design is just as important as function when you’re installing a new bathroom cabinet. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the style of my new bathroom cabinet fit the rest of the bathroom?
• Does the new cabinet have all the necessary features I want?
• Do I have space in the cabinet to store all my bathroom items?
• Does the cabinet need to pair with a sink?
• What type of wood should I choose for my custom cabinet?
• How many drawers should my custom bathroom cabinet have for storage?

Wood Choices

Wood helps to show off the beauty of your bathroom cabinetry. There are many types of wood from which to choose. Here are some popular woods:

• Oak – Colors depend on mineral deposits in the wood
• Maple – Creamy-white in color, with reddish elements
• Pecan – Dramatic grains create contrast
• Cherry – Rich, deep browns
• Alder – Beautiful boundaries between sapwood and heartwood
• Hickory – Great for light-colored cabinets

How Humidity Affects Bathroom Furniture

As a general rule of thumb, wood expands when exposed to humidity and shrinks when not. Bathrooms can become humid while in use, and the humidity returns to the normal level within about an hour or so. Some woods are more “dimensionally-stable” than others, meaning that they expand or contract less in response to changes in humidity. Optimal humidity for bathroom furniture is between 35 and 50 percent.

Cost Considerations and Potential Pitfalls

In general, softwoods are cheaper than hardwoods, and woods like MDF (medium density fibreboard) and plywood are less expensive than products made of continuous pieces of wood. As with most things, when it comes to quality, you generally get what you pay for. Also, make sure that you avoid situations of extreme humidity in the bathroom, as well as dramatic changes in temperature, as these will cause wood to expand and contract, potentially leading to damage to cabinets.