How to Install a Surface-Mounted Medicine Cabinet

Although surface-mounted medicine cabinets are easier to install than traditional recessed medicine cabinets, they require special mounting due to their weight. Installation can be completed in less than an hour with the right tools.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Stud finder
• Drill
• 1/8-inch drill bit
• Screwdriver
• Carpenter's level

Instructions

1. With the help of another person, hold the medicine cabinet against the wall in the place where you want to hang it. Place a level on top of the cabinet to ensure that it is plumb.

2. Trace around the edge of the medicine cabinet with a pencil, then put the cabinet aside.

3. Locate the wall studs with a stud finder and mark the position with a pencil.

4. Measure the distance from the center of the studs to the cabinet outline on the wall, then transfer the measurements to the back of the cabinet.

5. Using a 1/8-inch bit, drill four holes into the back of the medicine cabinet at the locations that correspond with the studs. Drill two holes at the top of the cabinet and two holes near the bottom.

6. Place the medicine cabinet back onto the wall, holding it within the pencil outline.

7. Attach the cabinet to the wall by inserting 1 1/2-inch screws in the pre-drilled holes in the back of the cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

• If there are no studs where you want to hang the medicine cabinet, insert plastic anchors into the wall, then screw the cabinet into the anchors.

References

• HomeTips.com