The best materials for bathroom vanity cabinets include solid wood, plywood, rubberwood, and metal. Remember that it’s not just about looks with vanity cabinets; you must also consider durability and cost.
When starting my remodel, I spent hours researching materials for bathroom vanity cabinets. Ultimately, I picked a MDF (medium density fiberboard) cabinet because it is affordable, sturdy, and works great in my well-ventilated bathroom. High-end materials, such as solid wood, offered wonderful style and quality but were out of my budget.
1. Solid Wood
| Moisture Resistance: Medium Weight Capacity: High Durability: 20+ years Maintenance: High Cost: High |
When you think about durability and beauty, solid wood is a top material for bathroom vanity cabinets. The vanity’s doors and walls are made from a single, solid piece of wood.
Solid wood vanities can last for years if you care for them with a sealant to protect them from humidity changes. Plus, solid wood’s strong structure allows for heavier countertop materials, such as beautiful natural stone options.
Types of Solid Wood Bathroom Vanities
- Oak: Provides exceptional water resistance and distinctive grain patterns.
- Maple: Features smooth grain and high durability.
- Cherry: Develops an attractive aged finish over time.
- Teak: The premium choice for bathroom furniture, teak contains natural oils that resist water and decay.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Premium appearance with unique grain patterns | ✗ 20% to 30% more expensive than engineered alternatives |
| ✓ Lasts for decades with proper maintenance | ✗ Expands or contracts more than plywood in humidity |
| ✓ Excellent resale value | ✗ Requires proper sealing against moisture |
| ✓ Can support heavier countertops than MDF or PVC | ✗ Needs regular maintenance to maintain the appearance |
| ✓ Natural water resistance (especially teak and oak) | ✗ Limited color options versus manufactured materials |
| ✓ Easier to stain than engineered materials | ✗ Susceptible to scratches, unlike metal vanities |
Do you need help deciding the best way to top your vanity cabinet? Check out our guide: The 7 Best Materials for a Bathroom Vanity Countertop.
2. Plywood
| Moisture Resistance: Medium Weight Capacity: High Durability: 20+ years Maintenance: Medium Cost: Medium |
Plywood is another great material for bathroom vanity cabinets, especially if you’re on a tight budget. It’s made by pressing together layers of wood veneers with glue to create a sturdy sheet.
What I like about plywood is that it can keep its shape even when exposed to moisture or changes in temperature. This means it won’t easily warp or expand — a real plus in bathrooms, where heat and humidity change often.
My Tip: Don’t forget that plywood offers a range of quality levels. Rated from A to D, the grade reflects how well it’s made. “A” is top-notch with hardly any flaws, while “D” might show more knots or cracks.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Excels at resisting moisture | ✗ More expensive than PVC or MDF |
| ✓ Less expensive than solid wood or metal | ✗ Prone to edge splinters |
| ✓ Higher durability compared to MDF and particle board | ✗ Requires laminate covering for the best appearance |
| ✓ Holds screws better than MDF or PVC | |
| Veneer covering protects plywood, keeping it stable and preventing chips or peels |
Do you need help removing an old vanity? Check out our guide: How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity and Sink.
3. MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
| Moisture Resistance: Low-Medium Weight Capacity: Low Durability: 10 to 15 years Maintenance: High Cost: Low-Medium |
Many people choose MDF for their bathroom vanity cabinet material because it’s less expensive than solid wood or plywood. MDF is a type of engineered wood made from many small wood pieces and fibers.
MDF offers a smooth surface without knots or splinters found in solid wood. This makes it ideal for modern or minimalist bathroom designs where clean lines and surfaces are desired.
My Tip: A lesson that I learned from my MDF vanity is that it needs water protection. Without it, MDF absorbs moisture and breaks down. But with a strong sealant, it handles moist environments pretty well.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Significantly lower cost than solid wood or plywood | ✗ Not as strong as solid wood or plywood |
| ✓ Easier to customize and experiment with new designs | ✗ Edges can easily be damaged |
| ✓ Lightweight | ✗ Require special sealing and protection from knocks |
| ✗ Shorter lifespan than metal, plywood, or solid wood | |
| ✗ Requires constant ventilation to prevent deterioration |
Did you already purchase a new vanity? Learn how to install it with our guide: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity and Sink.
4. Rubberwood
| Moisture Resistance: Medium Weight Capacity: High Durability: 15 to 20 years Maintenance: Low Cost: Medium-High |
Rubberwood is an interesting choice for bathroom vanity cabinets. It caught my attention mainly because it’s an eco-friendly option. It comes from rubber trees that would normally be destroyed after they stop producing latex.
While rubberwood vanities look nice and cost less than traditional hardwoods, they need more protection from moisture. Factory-finished rubberwood vanities come sealed, but they’re still not as naturally water-resistant as other materials.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Holds up well against wear and tear | ✗ Not very water resistant |
| ✓ The wood’s light, uniform grain pattern takes stains exceptionally well | ✗ Spills need to be cleaned up fast |
| ✓ Costs less than solid wood but higher than MDF | ✗ Those with latex allergies should be careful |
| ✗ Small amounts of latex might still be in the wood, even after processing |
Not sure what type of vanity you want? Learn more: 6 Types of Bathroom Vanities to Consider for Your Home.
5. PVC Vanities
| Moisture Resistance: Excellent Weight Capacity: Low Durability: 10 to 15 years Maintenance: Low Cost: Low |
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC as it’s more commonly known, is a type of plastic that is used in many different products, including bathroom vanity cabinets.
When I first heard of PVC vanities, I was curious about how the material usually seen in pipes could be made into bathroom furniture. I found that PVC is not only quite versatile in style and color, waterproof, and affordable, but it also comes in some lovely designs.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Resistant to mold and mildew growth | ✗ Becomes brittle over time and can turn yellow with prolonged sun exposure |
| ✓ Fully waterproof compared to wood-based materials | ✗ Lower resale value than traditional materials |
| ✓ Available in various styles and colors | ✗ Limited repair options if damaged |
| ✓ Lightweight construction enables easy DIY installation | ✗ Environmental concerns during production and disposal |
| ✓ Easy cleaning with non-abrasive household cleaners | ✗ Weaker compared to other options |
6. Metal
| Moisture Resistance: Excellent Weight Capacity: Medium Durability: 25+ years Maintenance: Medium Cost: High |
I always thought of metal as something for kitchen appliances or tools, but it’s also a great material for bathroom vanity cabinets, especially if you want an industrial or modern design.
Metal vanities offer incredible durability. Due to their robust nature and resistance to damage, they are especially great for busy bathrooms and even commercial settings.
Metal Bathroom Vanity Available Options:
- Stainless Steel: Commercial-grade 304 stainless steel offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Copper: It has a unique look and natural antimicrobial properties, killing more than 99% of bacteria. But remember, it will change color over time unless regularly polished.
- Brass: Known for durability and longevity, lasting decades with proper care. Highly resistant to hot water damage and corrosion.
- Cast Iron: It’s extremely durable and primarily used for sinks and console vanities rather than full cabinets. However, due to its weight, it requires professional installation.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Look great in modern or industrial designs | ✗ Higher cost than all other types besides solid wood |
| ✓ Non-porous surface | ✗ Can be noisy when drawers open or close |
| ✓ Corrosion resistant | ✗ Shows fingerprints |
| ✓ Zero moisture absorption | ✗ Cold to the touch |
| ✓ Industrial strength load capacity | ✗ Limited customization options for design |
| ✓ Simple to clean with basic household products | ✗ Limited color options versus wood or PVC materials |
| ✓ Most durable option |
When choosing a material for your bathroom vanity cabinets, consider your bathroom’s air circulation, how often it is used, and how much upkeep you can handle. From my own experience, the best pick isn’t always the priciest one — rather, what suits your unique needs, situation, and, of course, budget.
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