Being an adult sucks - do not buy furniture from Home Depot

[amalthia]

It looks like the new vanities we purchased from Home Depot may not last longer than 3 years. When my husband and I purchased the vanities we didn't know they were particle board, so that's on us for not double checking. I now have questions as to how is it legal for a store to sell furniture that's going into a bathroom that can't withstand any water exposure?

In any case, the base of the vanity is already starting to warp in some spots and I figured I have about a year to find a replacement vanity.

The question is where do people buy vanities that aren't crap?

I considered maybe just buying a more expensive vanity from Home Depot, one made out of plywood, however based off the reviews that's also a bad idea. Or do people just replace bathroom vanities every few years now, like replacing a couch?

I think what's most frustrating is even knowing we had to be careful with this vanity water still somehow made it to the base, and there is water damage in a spot that makes no sense, but it's there.

In my future dream house, there is going to be TONS of space between sink/vanity, toilet, and shower, and all the walls will have tile going to the ceiling!

Comments

[lilacsigil]

Plumbing supply stores! Particle board and plywood will both absorb water but you can get PVC versions that are not expensive (and ceramic or stone that is more expensive).

[amalthia]

I'll see if my city has plumbing supply stores! Or maybe I just need to protect the base of the existing cabinet with a plastic/vinyl siding? That may help prevent future damage...

[garryowen]

My house was built in 1960 and had vanities from that time. They were particleboard. Totally disgusting and moldy. I pulled them out and now have pedestal sinks and no counters. It seemed like the best way. It's not for everyone, but mold is HUGE for me.

[amalthia]

I'm allergic to mold, so I may end up going with your suggestion and get the pedestal sink. But where do you store your brush, toothbrush, and other things for preparing for the day???

[garryowen]

I have a medicine cabinet. Or you could do a wall mount toothbrush holder? Or a little wall shelf? I admit it's not the most convenient way.

But, yeah, I live in a very moist area of the world, and I have kind of designed my life around avoiding mold.

[amalthia]

I've seen some nice shelves for bathrooms, that's a good option. :)

[rivkat]

I got a cabinet that goes over my toilet, which turns out to work really well for me. This is an example: https://www.amazon.com/Baztin-Bathroom-Organizer-Adjustable-Espresso/dp/B0CFP9MCCY?th=1

[amalthia]

That cabinet over the toilet looks nice! Definitely an option to keep in mind in future home. :)

[ride_4ever]

Currently living in a house that we bought about 30 years ago. One of the first things we did was switch out those cabinets for pedestal sinks because of the mold concern.

[amalthia]

After thinking about bathrooms and mold it's actually kind of odd how many wood/wood derivative cabinets are in bathrooms. Mold grows on wood easily in moist environments!

[ride_4ever]

Wood and wet, not a good combination. We had to hire a HAZMAT crew to tear out all the wood paneling and cabinetry in our basement after a flood.

[amalthia]

Yikes, but good on the workers for wearing Hazmat suits, I was reading an article in LA times about cleanup crews not always wearing the right protective gear and cleaning up after a flood counts.

[signedwapo]

Coming out from under my lurkin' rock with an idea from my friend's bathroom. They have an undersink cabinet that's up on feet, so the wood isn't on the floor. The doors are frosted glass, so spills aren't an issue either, and the floor space underneath is right handy for bath slippers (and stray cat toys).

[amalthia]

I think I'll need a cabinet that's off the floor the next time we install a vanity. :) Or on feet with enough clearance under the sink to find the cat toys!