Cheap vanity units can fulfill a specific need for the homeowner. This is an affordable alternative for those who do not plan to keep the home. These vanity units are not a good investment for those who are keeping their home because they will not last. Bathroom vanity units can be made from solid wood, laminate wood, Medium Density Fiberboard or MDF, metal, or a combination of these materials and plastic. Solid oak vanity units are more expensive then a laminate, oak veneer vanity.
A laminate will be more expensive that an MDF vanity. When discussing quality you really do get what you pay for. Solid wood versus a laminate wood product will reveal little quality difference. However, it is when you get to the MDF products that a real degradation in quality is noticed.
A bathroom vanity unit is exposed to a higher level of humidity than, say for example, your sofa. MDF is vulnerable to moisture. Not only do the MDF units tend to sag over time, they also will not fare well as a vanity unit for bathroom. MDF is made with a glue-like binding agent that gasses off over a set period of years. This is harmful to people and especially for babies.
Do not buy MDF cribs and baby furniture. MDF products are very heavy. This makes in difficult to move the units for cleaning or rearranging. A sink vanity unit made from tile or natural stone is a great choice. A sink can be flush mount or under mount design. The under mount offers a clean finished look that is easily cleaned as there is no lip to catch dirt.
It is always a good idea to seal the vanity top material. Water splashes are common around any basin vanity unit. A quality tile sealer can keep the grout free from staining and help to maintain its bonding integrity.
A basin can be a vessel type that sits up on a vanity top like a bowl or dish. This design creates a center of interest out of the basin. A corner vanity unit can be appropriate for a small bathroom. This design can offset the area of use by positioning the user at an angle.
This can keep the user from sticking out into the walk zone. This may seem unimportant; however, it is critical while sharing a narrow bathroom and trying to get past the other person.