How to Build a Medicine Cabinet

Create a custom look in your bathroom by building your own medicine cabinet. You can determine the size and the finish and add just the right details to bring a designer look to your powder room or bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Stud finder
• 2-by-4s
• Plywood
• Paint or stain
• Screws
• Drill
• Wood glue
• Shelving brackets
• Glass shelves
• Piano hinge
• Construction adhesive
• Mirror

Instructions

1. Find the studs in the bathroom where you want to hang your medicine cabinet. For security, you need to secure a medicine cabinet to at least 2 studs, so size cabinet accordingly.

2. Paint or stain the individual pieces of the medicine cabinet before you assemble it, as this makes it easier to achieve a quality finish.

3. Build the outside frame of your medicine cabinet using 2-by-4s, wood glue and screws. Add a plywood back by tacking it to the back edge of the frame.

4. Install hardware inside the framework so you can adjust the shelving inside according to your needs. Cut wooden shelves or purchase glass shelves cut to fit your medicine cabinet. Ask that the glass shelves be beveled so they don't pose a danger.

5. Construct a door for your medicine cabinet. Make a thin frame that's the same size as the cabinet and attach it to a mirror with construction adhesive.

6. Use a piano hinge to attach the door to the side of your cabinet.

7. Drill directly through the back of your medicine cabinet and into the studs to secure it to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see that the wall and cabinet are plumb and level before you secure the medicine cabinet to the wall, so your door will open and close properly.