How to Install Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets come in several different models. They can be “base” cabinets, meaning they sit on the floor, or they can hang on the bathroom wall. Base cabinets usually have doors, which allow for storage space under the top. The top itself can either hold a sink or have a flat surface that can be used as a vanity or other similar purpose. Wall cabinets, as their name suggests, hang on the wall, thus freeing up precious sink, vanity, and drawer space. Because “pre-fab” or complete cabinets can be purchased, it is possible to install bathroom cabinets yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Paper
• Cabinets
• Stud Finder
• Screws
• Nails
• Hammer or Drill
• Level

1. Decide whether or not you will be installing base or wall cabinets. If you choose base cabinets, you will need to measure the available floor space in purchase the correct size cabinets.

2. Determine the location of wall studs by using a stud finder or tapping walls lightly with a hammer. (The space between studs will sound hollow). Bathroom cabinets must be fastened to studs in order to be secure. Make a faint pencil mark at stud locations.

3. Measure the area to see which size bathroom cabinet will fit. Record your measurements on a piece of paper.

4. Purchase the bathroom cabinets and hardware. Make sure all parts match and are included.

5. Stain and paint bathroom cabinets, and allow them to dry thoroughly before they are installed.

6. Use a level and measuring tape to ensure that the supports will be straight. Lightly mark where the top, center and bottom of the supports will be.

7. Attach the supports securely, using the marks to make they are properly positioned. A hammer and nails will be needed to attach them securely to the wall.

8. Install the bathroom cabinets on the supports. Make sure the cabinets are securely fastened to the supports; otherwise, they can pull away and fall once items are placed into them.

9. Install the cabinet doors. Install the parts of the hinges that fit onto the cabinet itself in the spot where they will go; fasten securely. Attach the other hinge parts to the door; attach the hinge pin.

10. Check the doors to make sure they work properly; make any needed adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to buy base cabinets that are pre-assembled; all that is needed is to take them from the box and place them in the desired location. Base cabinets that need assembling usually come with detailed instructions and all hardware needed.
• If you wish to install metal cabinets bathroom cabinets, the above steps will still apply.
• Use caution when installing bathroom cabinets. Wear appropriate protective gear.
• If using a hammer to put in nails or other mounting hardware, take care to hit the target, not your thumb or other fingers.
• Do not stand on bathroom counters, sinks, toilets, or edges of bathtubs. Use proper equipment such as a stool or stepladder. Serious damage to bathroom fixtures and injury to you may occur otherwise.