Some gaps might leave between the vanity and wall during home renovation, especially for the bathroom remodeling. These gaps are noticeable after finishing the project, and repeating the installation is not a good idea. Instead of this, you can fill these gaps. These gaps can occur due to different reasons, such as poor measurements, incorrect installation, or wrong selection of vanity respective to the area. For some people, it could be a hectic task.
But the good news is, this is easy if you have proper guidance and suitable materials. You can choose from a variety of approaches to fill in the gaps. It could be caulk filling, adding backer rods or installing a backsplash, trimming the hole, or installing filler strips to fill the gaps.
In this article, we will discuss all the methods according to gap location and size that will help you to fill the gap between your vanity and wall. But before we get started, you need to know what typically results in gaps between walls and vanities.
Why are there gaps between the vanity and the wall?
You can have gaps due to several reasons. The most common are:
After knowing about the causes of gaps, let’s discuss the methods for filling the gaps.
Why is it important to fill in gaps?
Filling the gaps between walls and bathroom vanity is necessary for several reasons. Firstly, the most important reason is these gaps destroy the appearance of your bathrooms. Just imagine an unwanted space beside an expensive and luxurious vanity in your bathroom. You will always want to maintain the beauty of your bathroom vanity.
Secondly, it could be the reason for growing any mold, bacteria, and other germs that will create a dirty environment in your bathrooms. To enjoy a clean and peaceful atmosphere, you need to fill these unwanted gaps.
How can the gaps between a vanity and a wall be measured?
The measuring of gaps is a necessary consideration. It will allow you to decide which technique would be best for you. The selection of various techniques depends on the size of your vanity’s gaps. The standard and minimum distance must be between the vanity and wall between 21-30 inches and 15 inches. To measure this distance, first, measure the length of the vanity and make a point at the center. Then measure the depth of the vanity and make a center point. This central point should be at least 15 inches away from the wall.
Types of gaps between vanity and the wall
When we talk about the gaps, they can vary according to their location. As the vanity generally installs to fill the entire area in the bathroom made explicitly for vanity so that you can notice two different types of gaps. You can select the method according to the cracks’ location because some ways cannot fit two kinds of gaps. You will notice gaps:
- Between the vanity and the wall adjacent to this
- Between the vanity and the wall behind this
How to fill the gaps between the vanity and the back wall?
There are several ways to fill the gaps between the vanity and the wall behind this.
1. Caulk
The most popular and most accessible way to smaller gaps is to use silicone caulk to fill these up. The half or one-inch gap can quickly fill with this material. Caulk comes with different options, but silicone caulk can be beneficial in damp areas like bathroom vanities. It is suitable for all types of vanities (glass, marble, ceramic) except wooden and painted vanities. For wooden vanity, you should go for waterproof caulk.
The application procedure for this material is too simple. You only need to clear and clean the area and apply the thin and smooth layer of caulk. Let it dry, and paint the matching color of the wall.
2. Sealant tape
The other readily available material to fill the gap is sealant tape. It is perfect for filling small to medium size gaps. However, it is only suitable for some significant gaps. This tape is waterproof and ideal for use in bathrooms to lock moisture. The application of this material is also simple. Just clean the surface before applying the sealant tape. You will have your gap filled.
3. Backer rods
Another way to fill the gap between the back wall and the bathroom vanity is to install a backer rod. It is the best method for a slightly more significant gap where a simple caulk cannot work. You can add the backer rod to give more strength. These rods are available in different sizes so that you can select according to your gap.
You need to use a caulk to fix the rod in the space area. After placing the right size rod, select it by applying the caulk to the site. Here you can use colorful caulk that can match your tile or paint color.
4. Backsplash
The best option for the more significant gaps behind the vanity is to install a thick backsplash. It will not only perform as the filler for the opening but also enhance the beauty of the area. A backsplash is also suitable to protect the wall from water or chemical stains while using the sink.
You can select one for you from different colors and stylish available backsplashes.
How to fill the gaps between the vanity and the side wall?
While remodeling your bathroom, some gaps might occur on either side of the vanity. It could be not appealing to the eyes and can decrease the value of your precious vanity. If the gaps are smaller, then you can opt for any method that we described for filling the gaps between the vanity and the back wall. In contrast, the following options would be perfect for more significant gaps. They will not only close the gaps but also serve a useful purpose.
1. Small cabinet
You can install a small cabinet to make the gap functional and beautiful between the bathroom vanity and the side wall. It could be a pullout cabinet. The primary thing to remember while selecting this option is to install a cabinet similar to vanity cabinets. So you can have a perfect theme for your bathroom.
2. Shelves
Another best way is to install the open shelves cabinet. Your vanity cabinets provide enough storage for your makeup or other products. But installing the open shelves can increase the space for placing the daily used products. In this way, you can convert the gap into a functional area.
3. Trims
If a more significant gap is left in your space, then you can install a trim in the hole. It is not an effective way to fill the void but also a valuable option to give a stylish look to the vanity area. For installing the trim in the gaps, you will have different options in the market. The most common one is a quarter-round trim or rectangular molding. However, this option is expensive but suitable for luxurious bathrooms.
4. Filler strips
Another best and proven method to fill the gaps is installing filler strips. You can buy the filler strips from the market. It works completely fine irrespective of the type of vanity. Generally, these are strips of wood. These wood fillers can attach to the vanity. However, installing the filler gaps is a tricky process. The fundamental trick for installing these filler strips is to take proper measurements and understand what size filler strip would fit in the hole. An adhesive can work perfectly for securing or attaching the right size filler.
5. Tiles
Installing the tiles is another effective way to fill the more significant gaps between the vanity and the side wall. You can add tiles to the adjacent wall from the bottom of the vanity to its top. But the most important thing to remember is it should be slightly above the edge of the vanity so the edge can meet the sidewall.
6. Trash can
The other option to make the larger space into a functional area is to install a trash bin. You can add the pullout bin in the gap, enhancing the operation of a bathroom vanity. The trash cans are a necessary part of the bathrooms. Instead of placing a separate bin, you can install a built-in bin in the larger gaps.
FAQs
Can a small gap be acceptable between a vanity and wall?
No gap is acceptable between the vanity and the toilet wall. It doesn’t matter how small it is. When installing the vanity, it should be flush against the wall without leaving any gap. However, a gap of about 4″ is acceptable for freestanding or floating vanity.
What material should we use to fill the gap between the floor tile and the vanity?
You should use silicone caulk or silicon grout to fill the gap between the tile floor and the vanity edge. It is a perfect material for a water area.
Summing up
To see a gap between the luxurious bathroom vanity and the wall after finishing up the remodeling project. It may be a hectic task. But this detailed article is the answer to all your negative thoughts. You can fill the gap and get the beauty of your bathroom by applying a method according to your needs. You can select a simple caulk or an expensive filler/molding strip according to the size of the gaps.