How to Install a Medicine Cabinet?
2023-05-08

Though installing a medicine cabinet may seem like a daunting task, it is manageable with some DIY skills and planning ahead. Before embarking on this undertaking, however, several important points should be kept in mind before beginning this task.

Do You Have Load-Bearing Walls? If the wall you are mounting your cabinet against supports weight, recessing and hanging it should be straightforward. Otherwise, other methods, such as adding blocking, may need to be employed for extra support.

How to Install a Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinet?

Surface-mounted medicine cabinets offer an inexpensive and straightforward way to add storage space in your bathroom, though installation must be carried out correctly to ensure its security and safety.

For a surface-mount cabinet installation, begin by locating wall studs within the area where you’ll be placing them and using a keyhole saw to cut small holes on either side of each stud using a keyhole saw.

  • Determine the Location

Step one of installing a surface-mounted medicine cabinet involves selecting its location. Be mindful not to pick a wall with plumbing or electrical lines running behind it – that could pose problems!

Choose a location in your bathroom that will add aesthetic value. A wall that receives plenty of natural light would look ideal.

  • Mark the Wall Studs

Before installing a surface-mounted medicine cabinet, it is necessary to mark wall studs; these will serve as anchor points for your cabinet installation.

If you are comfortable using a stud finder or can tap and listen for the sound of a stud (instead of hearing just hollow noise), you should be fine; otherwise, you should contact a professional for assistance.

No matter which method you use to detect studs, always mark the wall where studs sound off – this will provide you with a better visual indication as to where your cabinets will go and allow you to use the studs as guides when framing an opening.

Once you’ve marked the studs, measure from the top down to each pre-drilled hole on your cabinet. Transfer each measurement to the wall until all holes have been transferred from your cabinet.

  • Cut the Opening

Surface-mounted medicine cabinets tend to be easier and faster to install than their recessed counterparts since they don’t require rewiring or cutting into wall studs for installation. Furthermore, surface-mounted models tend to be shallower.

If you are installing a surface-mounted cabinet, use a utility knife to score both the top and bottom layers of drywall to help make it easier to cut out just what is necessary for installation.

Before beginning cutting, check for obstructions on the wall that cannot be removed, such as electrical wires or non-load-bearing wall studs. If any are detected within your outline, cut them out using a drywall saw.

Start by cutting two 2-x 4-inch boards to match the lengths of the opening at both it’s top and bottom edges before sliding a 2-x 4-inch framing stud horizontally into it to keep it level across its top edge.

  • Install the Cabinet

Surface-mounted medicine cabinets offer an easy way to add storage to your bathroom quickly and effortlessly. They’re especially useful if your walls are hard to access – such as concrete, plaster over lath, or poured plaster – which makes cutting through walls difficult.

Be sure to disconnect any wires, supply lines, or pipes that may obstruct the path. If unsure, seek assistance from a professional in moving them safely.

How to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet

An elegant addition to any bathroom, recessed medicine cabinets require more complex installation processes than standard surface-mounted units.

Before beginning an installation project, be sure to inspect the inside of the wall for obstacles that cannot be moved, such as electrical wires and plumbing supply lines.

  • Preparing the Wall

When installing a recessed medicine cabinet, it’s crucial that the wall be prepared correctly in order for its installation. While this task can be challenging, doing it right ensures your cabinet looks great when installed.

Before beginning, check that there are no wiring, studs, or plumbing in the way of your cabinet’s recess. If there are, they must first be removed in order for you to cut into the wall.

Locate nearby studs using a stud finder. If studs exist within your outline, cut one or two 4-inch-square holes using a keyhole saw to expose them.

Once in an open area, use your stud finder to locate wall studs – typically, they should be 18″ apart.

  • Preparing the Cabinet

Installing a recessed medicine cabinet requires careful alignment with the wall; otherwise, the cabinet could become dislodged from its position or even fall and damage its surroundings.

Before beginning, measure and mark the drywall where your cabinet will go using a pencil or painter’s tape. Have your partner hold up the cabinet against the wall using a level to ensure its position.

After trimming your drywall, install blocking at both ends of the opening. Two-by-four lumber pieces equipped with ends designed to attach directly to studs can serve as blocking.

Add construction adhesive to each end, then fasten them securely to studs or cut drywall with fasteners. Once dry, it’s time to install your cabinet!

  • Hanging the Cabinet

Before installing a recessed medicine cabinet, it’s essential that it can hang freely from the wall without interference from pipes or wires. In many instances, this means widening an opening to accommodate its weight.

Use a level and pencil to sketch an approximate outline for where you wish to hang the cabinet, then use a stud finder to identify any studs within that outline.

Once you have installed your studs, use a keyhole saw to cut 4-inch-square holes on either side using their outline as a guideline. Be careful that no deeper cuts than necessary are made, as this could damage any wires or pipes present in your path.

Place two 2×4 blocks behind the drywall on either side of the opening to act as framing for your cabinet, which you will then secure to it using drywall screws.

  • Finishing the Cabinet

Installing a bathroom mirror cabinet modern recessed style requires careful execution in order to be finished properly; otherwise, the cabinet could become unbalanced, fall off of the wall and eventually break.

Start by finding the stud in the wall – typically, this means locating vertical two-by-four pieces of wood hidden behind drywall. A stud finder is helpful for this purpose and can tell you which studs exist without cutting through drywall.

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