Installing a recessed medicine cabinet

If your bathroom lacks storage space, installing a medicine cabinet will certainly remedy the situation. There are two types to choose from: recessed medicine cabinets or a surface mount.
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1. Find the studs
2. Cut out the opening
3. Insert header and sill
4. Frame the opening
5. Repair the wall
6. Anchor the cabinet

1. Find the studs

Before getting started, cut the power to the bathroom to avoid any risk of cutting a cable by mistake. Remove the cabinet door and shelves to avoid damaging them.

Use a stud finder to find the studs in the wall and draw vertical lines indicating the centre of each stud. Use a measuring tape to measure the medicine cabinet and trace its outline on the wall. If possible, centre the cabinet with the vanity or pedestal sink. Trace a cutting line 3.8 cm (1 1/2 in.) outside the outline previously marked on the wall. This is the space required for the header and sill at Step 3.

2. Cut out the opening

Before cutting out the opening in the wall, we recommend cutting out a hole large enough to slip in your hand to check for any electrical wires or plumbing pipes. If any do obstruct the space intended for the medicine cabinet, you will have to use a surface mounted medicine cabinet.

Use a keyhole saw to carefully cut out the opening in the wall, following the cutting line. Remove the gypsum panel. Use a crosscut saw to cut the stud or studs inside the opening. Make sure that the cut is perfectly aligned with the opening for the cabinet.

3. Insert header and sill

Insert a first 2 x 4 in. sill, cut to the appropriate length into the bottom of the frame. Screw sill into the studs on which it rests and on the vertical studs at both ends. Since the medicine cabinet will rest directly on this sill, it must be perfectly level. Use a level and shim as required. Repeat the same operation for the header.

4. Frame the opening

Cut a 2 x 4 in. stud the length between the header and sill and insert at the distance required for the width of the medicine cabinet. Check the position by inserting the cabinet into the opening. When you have determined the exact distance, screw the new vertical cripple stud to the header and sill.

5. Repair the wall

With the frame completed, close the unused section of the wall by screwing a gypsum board panel into the studs. Repeat for the top and bottom of the frame. Tape and fill joints as required.

6. Anchor the cabinet

Insert the medicine cabinet into the opening, insert screws into the pre-drilled holes in the sides of the cabinet and tighten. Do not overtighten the screws to prevent distorting the cabinet structure. Install cabinet doors and shelves.
Although installing a recessed medicine cabinet involves more work than simply anchoring one to a wall, it is well worth it. This relatively easy project allows you to greatly increase the storage space in your bathroom without altering the floor plan. If you have any questions or problems regarding installation, please contact an expert from our home renovation centre.
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