How to Install Medicine Cabinets

Most medicine cabinets are designed to fit between the wall studs of a bathroom so that the wooden or metal cabinet protrudes only slightly into the actual space of the bathroom. Therefore, the size of a medicine cabinet is fairly standard, but you can find many attractive choices at a bathroom supply outlet. Here's how to install a medicine cabinet in your bathroom.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Medicine cabinet
• Utility knife
• Hammer and a few common nails (#8 or #10)
• Electric drill
• Drill bits
• Two-foot level
• Pencil
• Magnetic stud finder

How to Install Medicine Cabinets

1. Use a magnetic stud finder to locate the wall studs in the bathroom. In a house with standard framing, the upright framing members are 16 inches apart. Mark the wall where the studs are, and decide where you want to place the cabinet. A common location is above the sink, especially if there is a mirror on the front of the medicine cabinet.

2. Measure the distance between the studs to make sure they are 16 inches on center.

3. Choose an elevation for the bottom of the medicine cabinet on the wall. Anywhere between 48 and 55 inches is a good place to put the bottom of the cabinet. The exact location depends on your height and your preferences. Once the height is determined, draw a level line at the bottom edge using a pencil and a 2-foot level.

4. Measure the height of the back of the medicine cabinet. That many inches above the first line, draw a second line, again using the 2-foot level and a pencil.

5. Cut the area out between the two lines. You can start the cut with a keyhole or Sheetrock saw, but the utility knife is the best tool for cutting out any area of size. Use the sides of the two vertical studs as your stopping point for the sides of the opening. First cut an opening that is a little bit small, then expand it with the saw and knife until it reaches the edge of the vertical 2-by-4's.

6. Set the medicine cabinet in the opening to see if it fits. If it does, mark the location of the screws. There should be holes already drilled through the side of the cabinet by the manufacturer. (If not, you will have to make your own.) With a pencil, make a mark on the wooden upright where each screw will go. Make sure you mark each hole, and then remove the cabinet.

7. Drill a pilot hole for each screw with an electric drill. Be certain that the thickness of the drill bit is slightly smaller than the shaft of the screw. (Check the screws that come with the medicine cabinet.)

8. Put the medicine cabinet back in place and insert each screw with a hand-held screwdriver. Make sure each screw is inserted as far as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the cabinet is completely inserted in the space between the studs before you make the marks for the screws.
• Be extra careful when handling the medicine cabinet, especially if there is a mirror attached to the the door.