Essential Tips For Choosing Bathroom Cabinets That Last & Impress

Struggling to find the perfect cabinet for your bathroom? Don’t worry, we can help. In this article, we’ll share tips and tricks to help you choose your bathroom cabinet wisely and make the most of this crucial area in your home. Whether you’re upgrading your bathroom or simply enhancing its appeal, this brief guide will be useful, especially if you’re considering DIY bathroom cabinets. Keep reading for helpful advice! Modern double-sink vanity with white Bathroom Cabinets and black countertop in a stylish, well-lit bathroom.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Bathroom Cabinets

Size

The first thing you need to check is the size. This might be a bit tricky because you can find countless options online, making it harder to determine the right one if you don’t know the exact dimensions of your bathroom. That’s why we always recommend measuring your bathroom’s dimensions first, and then checking a good size for your cabinets (but don’t worry, we’ll explain how to measure and prepare your bathroom for the cabinets later).  The average cabinet height ranges from 33 to 35 inches, and the average depth from 17 to 24 inches. However, many variations exist, so be prepared to explore a few options before making your choice.

Budget

You don’t want to waste money in vain with a cheap and useless cabinet, so be sure to sit down, assess your finances, and create a bathroom budget before starting this project. Compare your ideal design and layout plans to the bottom-line budget and adjust both accordingly to obtain the best results. New bathroom cabinets can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars—especially with DIY bathroom cabinets—well into the thousands, and while you get what you pay for, there are a few hacks to help offset the outflow.  One effective strategy is to work with a certified cabinet contractor. Their industry expertise and connections can help you access premium options at better prices and often save you more than if you tried to handle everything on your own. At DIY Cabinets RTA, we offer expert advice from experienced cabinet contractors. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help!

Materials

The material you choose is also of utmost importance because it determines how long the cabinet will last and how it’ll look from any angle. Bathroom cabinets are usually placed in wet, humid, and busy areas, so you must be mindful of the material selection.  Your chosen cabinet and its accessories should be able to last for years on end in this harsh backdrop, so don’t spend a few dollars on cheap materials if you know you’ll have to change the cabinet after a few months. The most popular materials include wood, MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), metal, and Thermofoil. If your bathroom environment is mild, sealed and lacquered wood can work well. However, in harsher conditions, materials like high-density fiberboard (HDF) and plywood are better choices for moisture resistance. Always look for cabinets with a solid warranty—ideally 2, 5, or even 10 years—to ensure lasting quality.

Layout

Last but not least, let’s talk about layouts as it is another crucial part of the project. Whether starting a bathroom design from scratch or remodeling within pre-set parameters, determining the right layout should be one of the first steps in the process.  If you’re refreshing your bathroom and you have a tight budget, work with the existing plumbing, water, and electrical features in your space to minimize the expenses of your project. But if you’re working with a generous budget, then you can benefit from reconfiguring the existing features to suit your lifestyle and create a nice aesthetic. 

How To Choose The Best Location For Your Bathroom Cabinet

Here’s a list of a few factors you should also consider before preparing your bathroom cabinet: 
  • The toilet: Do you want your cabinet in front of, behind, or beside the toilet? It’s a good idea to avoid a layout that makes you bump into the cabinet when trying to use the toilet.
  • Door swing: If your bathroom door swings inwards (most doors do) and hits the cabinet, this can be annoying. Not to mention it’s a useless storage solution.
  • The shower unit: Does your shower have a door, not a curtain? Consider the shower door swing before placing your bathroom cabinet. 
  • The flow of traffic: Make sure your cabinet makes navigating all the areas of your bathroom —especially the bath and the shower enclosure— easy. You’ll be frustrated if you’re always worried about bumping into your cabinet trying to avoid something else.

Types Of Bathroom Cabinets

You already know the key factors to consider when buying your cabinet, but now let’s see the different types you can find in the market: 

Ready-to-Assemble Bathroom Cabinets

For budget-friendly bathroom renovations, ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets are often the best choice. However, while their initial cost is lower, the quality of materials and construction—including whether they use frame or frameless cabinetry—depends mostly on the provider, so be sure to choose a trusted RTA provider to avoid future replacement or unnecessary expenses. 

Stock Bathroom Cabinets

Stock bathroom cabinets are another affordable option that offers improved quality compared to the most basic choices. However, their limited selection includes only a few styles and materials, and they are typically available only in standard sizes.

Semi-Custom Bathroom Cabinets

Semi-custom bathroom cabinets offer superior quality and a wider selection of styles for doors and drawers compared to lower-grade options. There are numerous drawer and door styles to choose from, but like its predecessors, semi-custom cabinets are measured in 3-inch increments, which may prevent a truly custom fit.

Custom Bathroom Cabinets

Custom bathroom cabinets offer ultimate luxury and a correspondingly high cost. Since they’re made-to-order, they can perfectly fit your bathroom and fulfill any design vision within your budget. If you can dream it, you can have it as long as your budget allows. Prices aside, the other drawback for custom bathroom cabinets is they require a longer production time compared to RTA, stock, or semi-custom options.

5 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Bathroom Cabinet

  • Carefully measure the dimensions of your bathroom, leaving no margin for error. Once you have these figures, determine the desired location for your cabinet.
  • Based on the size of your bathroom and your current needs, set a reasonable budget.
  • Ensure that the cabinet material you choose withstands variable humidity, water, and temperature conditions.
  • Buy a cabinet that comes with a 2-year, 5-year, or even a 10-year guarantee.
  • Select at least three bathroom cabinets that align with or offer a contrast to your bathroom’s color scheme and overall design. Evaluate these options based on durability, storage efficiency, and price. The best choice will excel in all these critical aspects.

Find Your Bathroom Cabinet With DIY Cabinets RTA

If you need help with bathroom cabinets, feel free to check our catalog! At DIY Cabinets RTA, we’re ready to help you find the best cabinet for your bathroom so you can make it that relaxing area you’ve always dreamt of! For personalized assistance, please contact us. Find more information on our website!