How To Bridge The Gap Between The Vanity And The Wall: 6 Easy Solutions | HomeCareHow.com (2023)

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One of the biggest challenges when renovating a bathroom is finding the perfect vanity, especially if you want it to sit flush against the wall. Not only do you need to find the vanity that is the right size, but the wall needs to be perfectly straight, otherwise there will be gaps. Now what?

and youvanityit's almost on par with itMagic wand, canfill the spacewith silicone seal. Adding a backsplash or grab bar can close a gap between the vanity and the back wall. Alternatively, you can disguise a side wall or use a vanity panel.

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How to fill the space between the dresser and the wall

The gaps between the vanity and the wall fall into one of two categories: a gap between the vanity and the back panel or a gap between the vanity and the side panel. The latter is more common than the former, but the former is more annoying since the back of the vanity must be flush with the wall. With that in mind, let's take a look at how we deal with those annoying gaps.

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Filling the space between the vanity and the back wall

When it comes to putting together a dresser, there should be no gaps between it and the back wall. However, gaps may appear if your wall is not perfectly flat. These gaps are not only unsightly, but water splashes can collect between the vanity and the wall, damaging the wood and creating the perfect environment for mold and bacteria.

The gaps between the vanity and the back wall are usually not large and can be easily fixed. Here are three quick fixes.

Seal small gaps

If you only need to fill one or two small spaces, you can use silicone caulk to do so. Silicone caulk comes in clear and white variants, making it a great choice for all bathroom colors.

To fill the gaps you will need a tube of putty and acartridge pistol. Hold gun at a 45 degree angle and apply a small amount of product.

Put on a pair of latex gloves and spread the caulk along the line between the wall and the vanity. Repeat the process if necessary and allow a few minutes for the caulk to dry before using the sink.

Use a thick backsplash

Another easy way to fill a smaller space is with a thicker backsplash. You can choose from a variety of models made of different materials, from wood to glass. Plastic and glass backsplashes are the best choice when you want excellent water resistance.

Whichever type of backsplash you install, remember to seal the edge between it and the vanity with silicone caulk to prevent water from seeping in between.

Use a grab bar

Sometimes there is a gap between the vanity and the back wall because the sink needs a larger space for proper installation. These medium-sized spaces are easily covered with a support bar.

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Like a wall panel, the Grab Bar sits above your vanity and sits flush with the wall, giving your bathroom a streamlined look.

Using the same color caulk (or a clear, dry type if you can find the right shade of silicone caulk), affix the rod to the vanity and seal the edge between the rod and the wall with another thin coat of waterproof caulk.

Fill the gap between the vanity and the side panel

While most gaps between a vanity and a back wall are created because the wall is not flat, gaps between a vanity and a side wall can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, the wall may not be flush and you cannot install the vanity flush with the side wall. You may have trouble finding a big enough vanity. Or you can simply place the sink in the center of the bathroom, at some distance from the side wall. Depending on the circumstances, there are several ways to solve the problem.

tile side wall

If you have a small bathroom with a vanity in the corner of the room, it may not be flush with the side wall. This happens because the wall is not level.

You can fix this type of mishap by laying the tile on the wall; It works the same way as a backsplash, but the solution is better suited to the side wall. The trick is to only tile the top of the wall just above the edge of the vanity. This allows the edge of the tile to fill the small gap between the wall and the vanity.

Add a dresser strip

vanitypadding stripThey are an excellent choice for gaps from around a half inch to several inches. These moldings are made of plastic, wood, MDF or vinyl, simply attach to the sides of the cabinet with nails.

Upholstery strips act as a bridge between the vanity and the wall, providing an ideal solution to the awkward gaps that a mismatched vanity can leave.

Add bookshelves or a side cabinet

If you have several inches of space you want to fill, add shelves or a side cabinet. You can go for either one based on the actual space you have.

(Video) HOW TO: Fill big gaps around your sinks.

As a general rule, a custom built shelf is cheaper than a custom built side cabinet. However, if the distance allows you to fit a cabinet, it would give your bathroom a more streamlined look. Don't worry if you end up with a smaller gap, you can fill it with a strip of caulk, tile, or joint compound.

How much space should there be between the sink and the wall?

Per plumbing codes, you must have at least 15 inches of clearance from the center of the sink to any adjoining walls. These measurements represent the bare minimum, although most experts recommend a minimum of 20 to 30 inches. However, that doesn't mean you can't install the vanity flush against the wall if you want to.

Is it okay to have a 2 inch gap between the vanity and the wall?

Having a 2-inch gap between the dresser and the wall is not good. When installing a vanity, you should install it flush against the wall (so items won't fall into the gap) or leave at least a four-inch gap between the wall and the edge of the vanity if you choose a freestanding installation.

How to measure the distance between the bathroom vanity and the wall

Measuring the distance between the bathroom cabinet and the wall is not complicated. All you need is a tape measure and a sheet of paper.

1. Measure the distance from the center of the vanity to the wall

Measure the length of your vanity and mark the center, then measure the depth of your vanity and mark the center. The intersection is the center of your vanity. This point should be placed at least 15 inches from any wall.

Measure the distance from the center of the vanity to the back wall and mark any necessary adjustments; This step is only important if you want to install a sink that sits on top of the vanity, as it will allow you to code the sink in a Plumbing International compatible manner. Most vanities with a built-in sink already have the sink attached to code.

2. Measure the distance between the dresser and the wall

Using the measurements above, position your vanity so the center of the sink is at least 15 inches from any wall.

Measure the distance between the wall and the dresser with your tape measure. Record the distance on a piece of paper. If the gap is ¼ inch or less, you can use caulk to close it. Alternatively, you can try the above methods to fill a larger space.

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Related questions

There are several ways to close the gap between the vanity and the wall, but you may still have questions. Discover the answers below.

How big gaps can you seal?

They can seal holes up to ¼ inch in size. If you want to caulk a larger gap, but not larger than a half inch, insert a bead of caulk deeper into the gap and wait for it to set before caulking the vanity top, ledge to the wall. Smooth the putty with your finger (covered with a latex glove) for a flawless finish.

Need to wall mount a freestanding vanity?

You don't necessarily have to mount a freestanding vanity to the wall, but if you want to leave a gap, then the space on the sides should be at least four inches.

What is the bathroom cleaning code?

Restroom building codes state that you need at least 21 inches of space in front of the toilet and at least 15 inches of space to the sides. However, you can opt for a width of at least 30 inches at the front of the toilet and about 20 inches for comfortable use of the toilet.

Diploma

Depending on the size of the gap between the vanity and the wall, you can fill it with caulk, a backsplash or tile, a support bar, or filler strips. If you have enough space, you can even put a side cabinet, shelf or laundry basket in the room. We hope this guide can help you choose the best solution for you.

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(Video) Caulking gaps between countertop and wall

FAQs

How do you fill gaps between wall and vanity? ›

One of the best ways to do that is to use silicone caulk. Another way is to use a backsplash or backer rod to ensure the vanity is flush against the wall. Sometimes, the design of the vanity creates a gap, and you cannot close it unless you use other means apart from moving it close to the wall.

How do you fix a gap between a wall and a cabinet? ›

Looking for any easy fix? Bathroom sealant tape is another great way to get rid of a small gap between a cabinet and back wall. Moreover, bathroom sealant tape is waterproof so it should last a while. Before applying the tape, be sure to clean surfaces to remove any moisture, otherwise it won't stick.

Should vanity be flush with wall? ›

In nearly all cases, the big answer is yes — you should attach your vanity to the wall. What's more, the vanity should be flush against the wall, with no space between the back and the wall itself. The reason for this is to hide and protect your plumbing.

How do I fill a large gap in the wall? ›

How to fill deep holes in wall
  1. Clean the hole making sure you remove all loose materials. ...
  2. Use a flat edged filling tool to push the filler into the crack. ...
  3. Smooth it with a wet knife.
  4. Check the instructions to see how long it takes to dry – this should typically be around one or two hours.

How do you install cabinet gap fillers? ›

Spread the wood glue or silicone along the side of the filler strip. Then attach the strip diagonally. First place the glued side of the strip along near the cabinet, then push the other side until it aligns flush with your cabinet or a few inches within the gap, depending on your preference.

What can I do with cabinet gaps? ›

For gaps less than 1/8-inch, it's acceptable to use colored caulk or other products that come in a tube. If you plan on refinishing the cabinets, you can also use wood putty that dries hard to fill gaps or cracks. If the cabinets do not need finishing, apply color-matched caulking to the gaps.

How many inches should a vanity be from the wall? ›

NKBA designers recommend a 30″ clearance between the front edge of a fixture, such as a vanity or toilet, and any other fixture or wall. The building code allows for a minimum of 21″.

How much space should be between vanity and side wall? ›

Minimum Requirements

A clear floor space of 15 inches, measured from the center of the sink or vanity to any side wall, is also required. While these clearance measurements represent the minimum required, home-building experts suggest a clear floor space in front of a sink or vanity of 30 inches instead.

Should a vanity have a side splash? ›

There are many dangers of having a bathroom vanity without a backsplash. Some include: Wall and paint damage: Water can seep and sit behind your bathroom sink. And, even if you used waterproof paint, you'll still have issues and damage can occur with constant water contact.

What to use to fill gaps in granite? ›

The most common method for repairing cracks and chips in granite countertops is to fill them in with epoxy, acrylic, or other kind of colorless resin or adhesive.

How do you fill a gap between laminate countertops and walls? ›

How to Fill a Gap in a Laminate Countertop
  1. Clean the Countertop With Solvent. ...
  2. Rinse and Dry Countertop. ...
  3. Prepare the Countertop Seam Filler. ...
  4. Apply the Countertop Seam Filler. ...
  5. Remove Excess Countertop Seam Filler. ...
  6. Make Second Application of Filler. ...
  7. Add More Filler if Needed. ...
  8. Smooth the Countertop Seam Filler.

How do you fill a gap in granite countertops? ›

A: If you want to fix this yourself, you should pry out all the loose filler, then refill with two-part epoxy tinted to match the stone as closely as possible. Tape along both sides of the seam first so the epoxy doesn't smear over the stone surface.

What is the best caulk for large gaps? ›

Latex caulk works well to quickly fill in narrow gaps around doors and windows and even base boards and crown moulding. Expandable foam caulk is a better choice for sealing larger gaps and holes.

How big a gap can expanding foam fill? ›

Low-expansion foam expands up to 30 times its liquid size, while high-expansion foam can expand as much as 300 times its liquid size, quickly putting pressure on a window frame to the point where it's difficult to open and close the window.

What can I use for a large gap in drywall? ›

Here's how to do so seamlessly to conceal the gap and create a flush look throughout.
  1. Step 1: Mesh drywall tape. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply joint compound. ...
  3. Step 3: Paper tape. ...
  4. Step 4: More mud. ...
  5. Step 5: Let the mud dry. ...
  6. Step 6: Sand. ...
  7. Step 7: Paint.
Sep 25, 2019

How do you fill a large gap with caulk tub? ›

If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk. Make sure the gap is clean and dry, then squeeze a thin, even bead of caulk into the space. To get the best coverage, cut the tip of the caulk tube so the bead that emerges completely fills the gap.

What can I use to fill large gaps? ›

Caulk is a flexible filler/ sealant used to fill gaps and seal joints. Generally used in building work, PVC installation and decorating. All caulks and sealants come in tubes that are used in conjunction with a Caulking Gun, which dispenses the caulk.

What is a cabinet filler overlay? ›

A filler is a piece of finished wood used to "fill" openings or gaps between cabinets, or a cabinet and any obstruction, that would inhibit the doors or drawers from fully functioning.

Do you need a filler between wall and cabinet? ›

You will need a filler piece whenever there is a gap that needs to be filled and whenever you have a space between the wall and a cabinet that needs to be covered. Those spaces are required for the door to open properly and not hit the wall with the handle.

What is the filler between cabinet and wall? ›

What Are Cabinet Filler Strips? Cabinet filler strips are pretty self-explanatory–they are simply strips of wood that fill gaps in between cabinets and other objects. Most of the time, filler strips go in between the cabinets and the wall. While a wall may look straight, it's probably not perfect.

What is a vanity toe kick? ›

A toe kick is the area between the base cabinet and the floor. It is also referred to as the toe space. A toe kick is the recessed area at the bottom of a base cabinet. Toe kicks are built into bathroom vanities and kitchen cabinets to allow homeowners to be more comfortable as they are working on the counter-top.

Why is the toilet always next to the shower? ›

After you flush your toilet, your waste travels through your pipes into the main sewer line. If water from the toilet begins backing up into your shower or tub, it's because something is blocking the main sewer line. The waste has no choice but to find the closest drain to escape, in this case, your shower.

What is the minimum width for a vanity? ›

To accommodate a single-sink vanity, you'll need at least 18" of width available. For a double-sink vanity, you'll need at least 48" of width available. Remember that the vanity top will typically add ½ to 1" on either side of the vanity width.

How many inches is a standard vanity? ›

The standard depth of a vanity, from front to back, is typically between 20 to 21 inches. However, there are narrow depth options available which are usually 18 inches. ‌While there isn't necessarily a standard for vanity height, you will typically find them in the range of 32 to 36 inches tall.

How do you hide shims under a vanity? ›

Use either a small paintbrush or a cheesecloth to brush the wood sealer onto the shim. Once dry, sand the shim with 150-grit sandpaper and then stain the wood with a small paintbrush or cheesecloth so that it blends well with your bathroom vanity. Use a color similar to or the same as the wood stain used on the vanity.

Do you glue down vanity top? ›

Apply silicone caulk to the top of the cabinet. Set the vanity top into position and firmly press down. Check to make sure the vanity top is level and flush to the wall. If your vanity does not come with adjustable legs, use shims under the base until vanity is level on each side.

How far should a bathroom sink be from edge of counter? ›

Any size can work on your countertop so long as the lip of the sink is one inch away from the edge of the countertop.

Is 4 backsplash outdated? ›

One of the biggest cons of a 4-inch backsplash over a full-tile backsplash is that the design is a little outdated. Though still a popular design, many kitchen designers tout the more modern and trendier full-tile design.

Are bathroom backsplashes outdated? ›

In bathrooms, a backsplash is still recommended, though it is possible to do without a backsplash in some situations. If you have a sink counter that does not butt up against the wall (a pedestal sink, for example), your need for a backsplash is only aesthetic.

How important is a vanity backsplash? ›

Between splashing water and various toiletries, the wall behind your vanity can take a lot of abuse. A backsplash not only prevents any damage to the drywall, but it also provides an easy-to-clean surface when trying to scrub away spots of toothpaste or other substances that end up splattered on the wall.

How do you fill a large gap between wood cabinets and walls? ›

Fill gaps using scribe moldings

Scribe moldings are the best for filling gaps with a half-inch width. Such gaps cannot fill with caulk. These delicate and thin wooden pieces are beneficial for filling the more significant gaps. These flexible strips are best for fixing curves and the back of the cabinets.

Do you caulk between cabinet and wall? ›

It's not necessary to caulk the seam between your kitchen cabinets and wall. If you do, it's for esthetics purposes only — the caulking isn't keeping your cabinets on the wall; the screws and bolts are.

Do you need filler between cabinet and wall? ›

Anytime you have a run of cabinets that dies off into a wall, you would use a filler to effectively space the cabinet away from the wall by at least 2" (2" is the most common filler width). The walls of your home will be off a little in terms of being plumb and level.

How big of a gap can wood filler fill? ›

How Big Of A Gap Can Wood Filler Fill? You can safely go up to 3/8th of an inch with wood filler. More than that is a hassle and may require further repairs.

How do you fill a large gap in drywall? ›

Here's how to do so seamlessly to conceal the gap and create a flush look throughout.
  1. Step 1: Mesh drywall tape. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply joint compound. ...
  3. Step 3: Paper tape. ...
  4. Step 4: More mud. ...
  5. Step 5: Let the mud dry. ...
  6. Step 6: Sand. ...
  7. Step 7: Paint.
Sep 25, 2019

What are cabinet filler strips? ›

Kitchen Cabinets Filler Strips:

As the name suggests, these cabinet fillers are essential hardware which comes into use for filling in gaps or spaces between cabinets and walls or between two cabinets, in order to open your kitchen drawers and cabinet doors without any obstruction.

What are cabinet spacers called? ›

It is called “filler” it you are using it to fill in the perpendicular gap between a wall and a cabinet.

Do you need cabinet filler strips? ›

When Do You Need Cabinet Fillers? Cabinet fillers are necessary when you have tight spaces, corners, and uneven surfaces in your kitchen. In these scenarios, cabinet fillers help you achieve a finished, even look.

Do you caulk between vanity and backsplash? ›

Apply a bead of silicone caulk onto the vanity top where the backsplash will sit. Squeeze the tube of caulk carefully and slowly to ensure a thin, even line of caulk with no breaks.

Do you need to caulk around bathroom sink? ›

Bathroom sinks: If it's an undermount sink, yes, it must be caulked. This prevents any water from penetrating into the countertop material and cabinetry below. Otherwise, you could get mould. (Always make sure to use waterproof, mildew-resistant silicon caulking in kitchens and bathrooms.)

What is wall filler? ›

Fillers and putty are DIY products which are used to remove unevenness from surfaces. The fillers are generally used to fill gaps and holes in walls and wood (often decayed wood). Putty is used to smooth relatively small uneven surfaces caused by screw holes, scratches or coarse materials.

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