Most Durable Vanities for Bathrooms

Cabinets

• Solid wood and laminated plywood coated with polyurethane are the most durable materials for bathroom vanity cabinets, because they resist moisture absorption. Particleboard, medium density fiberboard and other processed woods tend to absorb moisture, which causes warping. Laminated particleboard and fiberboard cabinets are usually unfinished on the back and bottom edges, and those areas are most vulnerable to damage from moisture absorption.

Drawers

• Pull out drawers as you shop for a vanity and look underneath them to find out what type of guides they have. Drawers with metal slides mounted on each side are the most durable because they can bear more weight. Some dual-drawer guides have self-cleaning ball bearings that resist the buildup of dirt and corrosion, keeping them operating smoothly. Vanity drawers that only have center-mounted guides may not offer enough support for the drawers to stand up to heavy use.

Counters

• Laminate countertops are popular in kitchens, because they're water-resistant and durable. Laminate counters are a durable option for bathroom vanities too, but dark-colored laminates show scratches more readily than light-colored versions. Ceramic tile is another durable option for vanity counters, but the grout between the tiles can be difficult to keep clean and free of mildew. Granite is a suitable option if you want to install a stone counter, as it's less porous than other types of stone, meaning it's less likely to absorb liquids that could permanently stain it. Tile and granite may crack or chip from forceful impact, however.

Installation

• Some bathroom vanities have an open back, and they’re attached to the wall by a single rail. Vanities with fully enclosed backs are more durable, because they're attached to the wall more securely and are more likely to retain their shape and remain level with the wall and floor. Vanity cabinet drawers and doors usually won't close properly if the cabinet isn't level with the wall and floor.