What is the easiest way to raise your bathroom countertop, but keep the cabinet beneith it.

Madelyn M
by Madelyn M
I can't find my camera, or I would send a picture of the present vanity. Thank you, Minehart guest bath. minehartm@yahoo.com
  14 answers
  • Take out the vanity and the countertop, build up a base under, and re-install them. If enough space, you can build a drawer box in under that can also function as a step up for kids as well as stporage
  • Imagery Imagery on Aug 31, 2011
    I'd have to say Nichter is right on with this...Building up from the base is pretty common if you are using a standard vanity, or re-using an existing one. Be sure to check for plumbing clearances to before you under go the removal process. Some vanities have low drains, and even low angle stops too. A base can also be as simple as a 2x4 frame, wrapped with a nice tall base as well as a fancy drawer pull out like mentioned by Nichter. Good luck, post before and afters too!
  • Madelyn M Madelyn M on Sep 01, 2011
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. I don't want to remove the vanity at all since I have porcelain tyle that only goes up to the vanity and not under it. Could I remove the top, and build up?
  • You could do that, however the add on would be more obvious and harder to disguise as part of the vanity. If you add on to the base and keep the same dimensions you won't have to worry about the tile.
  • Chuck S Chuck S on Sep 01, 2011
    Perhaps you can add a few photos so we can see what we have to work with and perhaps offer some other solutions.
  • Photos would certainly help with details and good advice so we aren't shooting in the dark
  • Imagery Imagery on Sep 02, 2011
    Like Dan's says...Since the tile goes up to the vanity, why not make the frame the same size as the existing vanity footprint? Remove the existing vanity, build the frame to fit in the recess in the floor, and place the cabinet back where it was, just higher. Add some base molding, and you are all set. It will yield you the best overall results, IMHO...
  • M You could do it at just the top but it would be harder that way IMO due to matching finish, and would look clunky
  • Joe Washington Joe Washington on Sep 03, 2011
    I would recommend removing the top and building up from there but would like to know what kind of materials you're dealing with. I had a similar situation in my kitchen years ago with wood cabinets and a natural finish. The contractor placed a trim piece over the built up area and matched the stain just fine. I think it's a workable and legit shortcut it you can make the fix unobtrusive.
  • As already mentioned, we are working in the dark here a bit. It is tough to offer advice without knowing why you want to raise it..but another idea is to remove the top and frame in supports for a new cultured marble top. Have them cut new "splash" piece(s) to install under the main top to give it a farm sink look. Would look best in an alcove arrangment, but maybe okay with an open end as well.... Basically Joe's idea but using the cultured marble as opposed to a trim/veneer piece. Sometimes it is easier to find something that complements as opposed to matches....Tim
  • I have had this same scenario many times in my career. One solution is to put a new counter top (granite is good) & put a vessel sink on top with a new faucet.
  • DONNA DONNA on Sep 15, 2011
    Since you don't want to remove the vanity, what about taking the countertop and building it up like a "buffet" top with a vessel sink. Another choice, would be to build it up with possibly 2" material and then "face" it with a flat decorative trim to "hide" the differential. Then you could simply put on a laminated countertop, marble countertop, or a thicker stone top. I wish you the best...
  • Madelyn M Madelyn M on Sep 15, 2011
    It seems that the women all had the same idea as I origionally thought of, that is: relmove the present counter, and put in a thicker one, with a pedistal sink on it. Thanks Ladies, Madelyn M
  • So what did you end up doing? How much height are you trying to gain? Depends how much you are looking for....Nichter had the right idea...you can build a box under the existing vanity and raise it to the desired level. Then just repaint the entire thing. What kind of look were you looking for?