What is a floating vanity, and is it better than a regular one?

A floating vanity is a wall-mounted bathroom vanity that appears to "float" above the floor, creating open space underneath. Unlike traditional vanities that sit directly on the floor, floating vanities are secured to wall studs with heavy-duty brackets, giving your bathroom a modern, streamlined appearance.

Floating vanities offer several practical advantages over traditional floor-mounted units. The open floor space underneath makes cleaning much easier - you can sweep and mop right under the vanity without navigating around cabinet legs or toe kicks. This also creates the illusion of more space, which is particularly valuable in smaller Ottawa bathrooms. The contemporary look works well with modern design trends and can make your bathroom feel less cluttered.

From a maintenance perspective, floating vanities provide better access to plumbing connections since pipes and shut-off valves remain visible and accessible underneath. This can save money on future repairs or modifications. The elevated design also protects the vanity from potential water damage during floor cleaning or minor flooding incidents.

However, proper installation is critical for floating vanities. They require secure mounting to wall studs and may need additional blocking during construction, especially for heavier stone countertops. The wall behind must be structurally sound, and in older Ottawa homes, this sometimes means reinforcing the framing. Weight capacity is also limited compared to floor-mounted vanities - typically 100-200 pounds depending on the mounting system.

Traditional vanities still have advantages in certain situations. They offer more storage space since you can utilize the full height, they're generally less expensive to install, and they work better with pedestal-style designs. For families needing maximum storage, a floor-mounted vanity with drawers extending to the floor provides more capacity.

For most Ottawa bathroom renovations, floating vanities work excellently and are increasingly popular. The key is ensuring proper installation with adequate wall support. Want to discuss which vanity style would work best for your specific bathroom layout? We offer free consultations to help you make the right choice for your renovation project.

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