Floating Vanities: Why Loomis Homeowners Love Them

Loomis may be a small town — just over 6,800 residents nestled between Rocklin and Auburn in Placer County — but its homeowners have big taste in bathroom design. Lately, one fixture has emerged as the clear favorite in Loomis bathroom remodels: the floating vanity.

At OakWood Remodel, floating vanities have become the most-requested bathroom feature in Loomis homes across the 95650 zip code. Whether it's a ranch home on Horseshoe Bar Road, a custom build near Del Mar Park, or a classic Loomis Estates property, homeowners are discovering that wall-mounted vanities deliver a perfect combination of modern aesthetics, practical benefits, and genuine wow factor.

This comprehensive guide explains what floating vanities are, why they're so popular, how they're installed, and which styles work best for Loomis homes.

What Is a Floating Vanity?

A floating vanity — also called a wall-mounted vanity or wall-hung vanity — is a bathroom cabinet that is mounted directly to the wall with no contact with the floor. Unlike traditional freestanding vanities that sit on the ground like furniture, floating vanities are anchored to wall studs using a concealed steel bracket or French cleat system, creating an open gap between the vanity bottom and the floor.

This gap typically ranges from 4 to 12 inches and is the defining visual feature: it makes the vanity appear to "float" on the wall, creating an illusion of lightness and openness that fundamentally changes how a bathroom feels. The plumbing is typically routed through the wall behind the vanity, keeping drain pipes and supply lines completely hidden.

7 Reasons Loomis Homeowners Choose Floating Vanities

1. The Illusion of More Space

This is the number one reason homeowners choose floating vanities. The visible floor space beneath the vanity tricks the eye into perceiving a larger room. In a typical 5'x8' Loomis bathroom, a floating vanity can make the space feel 15–20% larger — a significant impact without moving any walls.

The effect is amplified when the floor tile runs continuously under the vanity (which it should). The unbroken tile line creates visual depth that a freestanding vanity would interrupt. For Loomis homes with smaller guest or hall bathrooms, this optical illusion is transformative.

2. Effortless Cleaning

Ask any homeowner what they dislike most about their bathroom vanity, and "cleaning behind it" or "cleaning around the base" tops the list. Traditional vanities create impossible-to-reach dead zones where dust, hair, and moisture accumulate. Floating vanities eliminate this problem entirely — you can sweep, mop, and vacuum the entire floor in seconds.

This practical advantage is especially appreciated in Loomis homes with pets. Dog hair and outdoor debris tracked in from Loomis's rural trails and horse properties no longer get trapped behind the vanity.

3. Customizable Height

Standard freestanding vanities come in fixed heights: 30–32 inches for traditional models, 36 inches for "comfort height." Floating vanities can be mounted at any height — 32 inches for shorter homeowners, 38 inches for taller ones, or even staggered heights for dual-user bathrooms. This customization is impossible with floor-standing cabinetry.

4. Modern Luxury Aesthetic

Floating vanities deliver a high-end, contemporary look that immediately elevates a bathroom's design. The clean horizontal line, visible floor space, and opportunity for LED underlighting create a spa-like atmosphere. In Loomis, where many homes feature upscale finishes, floating vanities complement the community's preference for sophisticated, thoughtful design.

5. LED Underlighting Opportunity

The open space beneath a floating vanity is perfect for LED strip lighting — a feature that provides ambient night lighting, creates a dramatic visual effect, and makes nighttime bathroom visits safer without blinding overhead lights. We install warm-white (2700K–3000K) LED strips with dimmer controls that cast a gentle glow on the floor, transforming the bathroom into a luxury retreat.

6. Better for Resale Value

Floating vanities signal a modern, recently updated bathroom — exactly what buyers in the competitive Loomis real estate market want to see. According to Placer County real estate data, bathrooms with modern floating vanities and contemporary fixtures sell 12–18 days faster than those with dated cabinetry. The perceived value far exceeds the actual cost difference.

7. Accessible Design

Floating vanities naturally accommodate wheelchair access, as the open space beneath allows roll-under approach. While not every Loomis homeowner needs ADA-compliant design today, many are thinking ahead. A bathroom remodel is a 15–20 year investment, and aging-in-place considerations are increasingly common in Loomis's mature community.

Proper installation of a floating vanity requires secure mounting into wall studs using concealed steel brackets — a job for experienced professionals.

Styles and Finishes for Every Loomis Home

Floating vanities are available in virtually every style, from ultra-modern to transitional. Here are the finishes and styles we install most frequently in Loomis homes:

Dark Walnut Wood Grain

The most popular choice in Loomis. Rich, dark walnut veneer creates warmth and sophistication that pairs beautifully with white quartz countertops and brushed gold or brass fixtures. This finish bridges the gap between modern floating design and Loomis's preference for natural, organic materials.

Matte White

Clean, crisp, and timeless. Matte white floating vanities maximize the light and airy effect, making them ideal for guest bathrooms and smaller spaces. They pair well with virtually any hardware finish and allow colorful tile or accent walls to take center stage.

Natural Oak

Light oak finishes bring Scandinavian warmth to Loomis bathrooms. The natural wood grain adds texture and visual interest while maintaining a contemporary, clean-lined aesthetic. Natural oak pairs exceptionally well with white tile, concrete-look porcelain, and matte black fixtures.

Matte Gray or Charcoal

For homeowners who want a modern look without the starkness of white or the commitment of wood, matte gray offers a neutral foundation that works with any color palette. Gray floating vanities are popular in Loomis master bathroom remodels paired with marble-look porcelain tile.

Countertop and Sink Pairings

The countertop and sink combination significantly impacts the vanity's overall look. Our most popular pairings for Loomis floating vanities:

• White quartz + undermount rectangular sink — Classic, clean, works with every finish
• Concrete-look quartz + vessel bowl sink — Industrial-modern statement piece
• Marble-look porcelain + integrated trough sink — Seamless luxury aesthetic
• Butcher block + white vessel sink — Warm farmhouse-modern hybrid

How Floating Vanities Are Installed

Floating vanity installation is more complex than setting a freestanding vanity against a wall. The entire weight of the vanity, countertop, sink, and contents must be transferred to the wall — which is why professional installation is essential. Here's how our team approaches floating vanity installation in Loomis homes:

Step 1: Wall Assessment

We locate wall studs using electronic stud finders and verify the wall construction. Standard 2x4 stud walls at 16-inch centers are ideal. Plaster-and-lath walls (common in older Loomis homes) require additional blocking. We also verify that plumbing and electrical wiring won't interfere with mounting hardware placement.

Step 2: Backing Board Installation

For maximum strength, we install a horizontal backing board (typically 3/4-inch plywood) between studs behind the drywall. This creates a continuous mounting surface that distributes weight evenly. The backing board is lag-bolted to each stud it crosses, providing a rock-solid anchor for the vanity brackets.

Step 3: Plumbing Routing

If the existing plumbing exits the floor (common in older Loomis homes), we reroute the drain and supply lines through the wall. This keeps pipes completely hidden behind the vanity. The rough-in includes a wall-mounted drain body and supply valves positioned at the correct height for the vanity's internal cavity.

Step 4: Bracket Mounting

A heavy-duty steel French cleat or Z-bracket is lag-bolted through the drywall into the backing board and studs. These brackets are rated for 300–500+ pounds, far exceeding the weight they'll carry. The bracket is leveled precisely — any deviation will be visible once the vanity is hung.

Step 5: Vanity Hanging and Finishing

The vanity cabinet slides onto the wall bracket and is secured with additional fasteners. Plumbing connections are made inside the cabinet, the countertop and sink are installed, and any gaps between the vanity and wall are sealed. LED underlighting is wired and connected. The entire process typically takes one full day for a single vanity or a day and a half for a double.

Sizing Guide for Loomis Bathrooms

Choosing the right floating vanity size depends on your bathroom's dimensions, the number of users, and your storage needs. Here's our sizing guide based on common Loomis bathroom layouts:

For Loomis master bathrooms, we most frequently install 60" or 72" double floating vanities. The extra width ensures each user has adequate counter space (minimum 24" per person) and dedicated storage drawers.

A 72-inch double floating vanity in dark walnut with white quartz countertop — the most popular configuration for Loomis master bathrooms.

Cost Breakdown

Floating vanities range significantly in price based on size, material quality, and countertop selection. Here's what Loomis homeowners can expect to invest:

Most Loomis homeowners invest in the mid-range to premium tiers, reflecting the community's preference for quality finishes and lasting craftsmanship. The installation premium over a freestanding vanity is typically $400–$800 — a modest cost for the dramatic aesthetic and practical benefits floating vanities provide.

Common Concerns Addressed

"Will It Fall Off the Wall?"

This is the most common concern, and the answer is definitively no — when properly installed. A floating vanity mounted into wall studs with a steel bracket system can support 300–500+ pounds. That's far more than the combined weight of the vanity, a heavy stone countertop, a full sink of water, and someone leaning on it. Professional installation is key.

"Is There Enough Storage?"

Modern floating vanities maximize interior storage with deep drawers, pull-out organizers, and internal shelving. A 48-inch floating vanity with three drawers actually provides more accessible storage than a same-sized freestanding vanity with doors — because drawers let you see and reach everything, while cabinet doors create dark, hard-to-reach corners.

"Can I DIY This?"

We strongly recommend professional installation. Improperly mounted floating vanities can pull away from the wall over time, cause water damage from incorrectly plumbed connections, or fail catastrophically if not anchored to studs. The $400–$800 installation cost buys peace of mind and a warranty on the work. Our bathroom remodel team (License #1125321) has installed hundreds of floating vanities across the Sacramento region.

"What About the Gap Underneath?"

The open space beneath the vanity is a feature, not a bug. It creates visual spaciousness, allows complete floor cleaning, and provides space for a small wastebasket or decorative basket. If you prefer a less open look, we can install the vanity lower to the floor (4" gap) or add a decorative toe kick panel — though most Loomis homeowners embrace the full 8–10 inch floating effect.

Why Loomis Homeowners Trust OakWood Remodel

Floating vanity installation requires precision, structural knowledge, and plumbing expertise. At OakWood Remodel, every floating vanity we install includes proper wall reinforcement, concealed plumbing routing, precision leveling, and a quality guarantee. We've installed floating vanities in master bathrooms, guest baths, and powder rooms throughout Loomis — from the homes near Taylor Road to the properties along King Road.

Whether you're planning a complete shower remodel with a matching floating vanity or simply want to upgrade your existing vanity to a wall-mounted design, we'll guide you through style selection, sizing, and installation to ensure perfect results.

Frequently Asked Questions