If you find that your bathroom could use a little help with organization, medicine cabinets are a great way to store items in your bathroom while reducing clutter. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes and allow you to take advantage of wall space to help better organize toiletries and other personal items kept in the bathroom.
In addition to helping with storage space, they can also act as a simple investment to upgrade your home. In fact, compared to other costly improvements, the simple installation of a medicine cabinet can yield a higher return, making it a great way to add value to your home.
Thanks to the deeper shelves, a recessed medicine cabinet offers a sleek, modern look and boasts even more storage capacity than surface mount medicine cabinets. Find out how to install a recessed medicine cabinet in your bathroom with this helpful DIY guide. Learn about the factors you need to consider, the tools you will need, how to do it and more!
What to Consider Before Installing a Medicine Cabinet
When you are preparing to install a medicine cabinet in your bathroom, there are some important things you need to keep in mind to make sure the finished project is a success. Before you start the installation process, take some time to evaluate these important details to allow things to go more smoothly.
The Type of Medicine Cabinet That Will Fit
As you are making the final decision regarding which medicine cabinet you should choose, be careful to select one that will fit the area. There are two kinds of medicine cabinets to pick from — surface-mounted and recessed. A surface-mounted cabinet attaches directly to the outside of the wall, allowing you to avoid any potential plumbing or electrical work in the space. Recessed medicine cabinets require a little bit more work as they are installed directly into the existing wall.
Lines Within the Wall
It is important to know what is going on behind the scenes of the wall in which you wish to place your medicine cabinet. If possible, do your best to choose a wall that does not have any sort of electrical or plumbing lines in the back. For instance, an outlet on the wall is a pretty good indication that you will likely have lines that need to be moved prior to installing a recessed cabinet. Here are some things that could be inside the wall that require extra caution:
- Electrical lines
- Plumbing pipes
- Vents or vent pipes
- Drain pipes
The Size of the Space You’re Working With
One of the greatest things about medicine cabinets is that they come in a variety of sizes. They can generally be found in sizes as large as 60 inches wide and can be found in a wide range of heights. The array of sizes available allows you to carefully select the ideal size that will fit perfectly within the amount of space you have to work with.
Find a cabinet that is most proportionate to go alongside your sink, vanity, and open-door space. A medicine cabinet will only serve its purpose if it is given enough space to be functional. If it is going above the sink, it is recommended that the bottom of the cabinet sits around three inches above the faucet, though you can adjust it to your liking.
You may also want to consider which side would be best for the door to open. Some manufacturers, such as WG Wood Products, design recessed medicine cabinets with doors opening on either side so you can select the best choice for your space.
The Cost of Materials
Installing a new medicine cabinet is one of the easiest ways to help upgrade the functionality and look of your bathroom. However, you may still be wondering about the cost to install a recessed medicine cabinet.
On average, bathroom medicine cabinets range between $165.00 and $395.00, depending on the size, quality and design. Cabinets that have adjustable glass, metal shelving, and locking mechanisms will likely cost more than something that is more basic. WG Wood Products creates a wide range of medicine cabinets in various sizes and styles to suit your home.
DIY Solutions Can Be Less Expensive
If you decide to bring in a professional, the additional cost of labor and materials can increase the average total to between $199.00 and $496.00 depending on what the project requires. If you have the correct tools and feel comfortable enough with the installation process, placing a medicine cabinet yourself can be a less expensive option.
However, keep in mind that recessed medicine cabinets may require additional work if there is plumbing and electrical work within the wall. You should seek professional assistance if you are unsure of how to safely work around them.
Tools You’ll Need to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Installing a recessed medicine cabinet will require multiple tools to do it correctly. These tools can easily be found at hardware stores. Find out more about the tools you will need to complete the installation process:
Stud Finder
A recessed medicine cabinet is typically installed in the center of a stud within the wall. Studs are vertical two-by-four pieces of wood that are placed behind the wall. A good stud finder will help you to locate these studs in the wall prior to making any cuts in the drywall or plaster walls. This is done through a device that senses any changes in the density of the wall allowing you to find hollow areas between the studs.
Utility Knife
A utility knife, also known as a box cutter, is a sharp blade that will come in handy to help fix tight spots in the opening of the wall. You will be able to carefully cut and remove small portions of the wall to help get a perfect fit for the medicine cabinet.
Saws
You will need a variety of saws to help you along with the project:
- Keyhole saw: A keyhole saw will be used to help you cut drywall for the initial opening.
- Hacksaw: A hacksaw blade with a handle or wrapped in heavy tape will be useful to help you remove a portion of the stud by cutting through any drywall screws that hold that section in place.
- Handsaw: A handsaw will be needed to cut out a section of the stud to create the opening for the cabinet.
Flashlight
It can be dark inside the walls. You will need ample amounts of light to help you see inside while you work. This will help to ensure that you do not come across any plumbing or electrical work that could be damaged when trying to install the recessed medicine cabinet.
Rasp
A rasp is a file used to help shape materials and remove excess debris. It provides a more finished look to the surface and will be used to help smooth the edges of the wall that will surround the medicine cabinet. This will help when it comes to making small adjustments to help the cabinet fit into the space just right.
Drill
A drill, or driver, will be needed to easily insert screws into place. You will use this throughout the installation process from installing the blocking to securing the cabinet in place once it has been fitted.
How to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Now that you have your medicine cabinet and tools ready, it is time to learn how to do the installation. Learn the best way to install a recessed medicine cabinet proudly designed by WG Wood Products.
1. Plan and Outline Where the Cabinet Will Go
To begin, it is best to map out your plan by outlining the space before you begin cutting into the wall. As mentioned before, a recessed medicine cabinet is generally placed in the center of a stud.
The top of the recessed cabinet should sit approximately 72 inches off the floor, although you can adjust the height to fits your needs. You will want to be sure that you have it placed where it will function properly.
Most manuals will provide the dimensions of the cabinet for you to use for measurements. However, if there are no dimensions, you can always ask someone to help you hold the cabinet in place against the wall while you trace around it. Lightly mark the dimensions of the cabinet on the wall where you would like to place it.
Please note that if you are wondering how to install a recessed medicine cabinet in a load-bearing wall, it is best to reach out to professionals for help. Their advice and instruction can help with any further, but crucial, preparations for a safe installation.
2. Find the Studs
Once you have everything planned out and ready to go, use the stud finder to locate the studs within the area where you will be placing the medicine cabinet. Mark these studs with gentle, light pencil lines so you do not lose track of where they are. Studs are generally spaced 16 inches apart, center to center, in the majority of homes. However, it is possible for them to be placed 24 inches apart in some circumstances.
3. Check What’s Inside the Wall
Using the keyhole saw, cut 4-inch square holes on either side of the studs that fall within the inside of the cabinet outline. Be sure to keep the angle shallow so that you do not cut any deeper than the existing wall. Cutting too deep can lead to cutting through electrical wires or pipes.
Remove the pieces of wall that you just cut and use the flashlight to help you see inside the openings. Be mindful of any obstructions such as electrical wires or pipes and contact a professional if you need assistance moving forward. They may need to be moved in order to safely continue with the installation of the medicine cabinet.
4. Cut Through the Drywall and Screws
Still using the keyhole saw, carefully cut out the section of drywall that has been outlined for the medicine cabinet. Take your time so that you do not damage the wall surrounding the opening. Remove the sections you have cut and clear the opening further of any excess debris or insulation.
Insert the hacksaw blade behind the stud that you have exposed. Carefully cut through the drywall screws that hold the wallboard to the backing. Use the handsaw to then cut off the section of the stud where the cabinet will be inserted. The cut should be made flush with the opening at both the top and bottom of the outline. Be careful that you only cut through the stud and not through the other side of the wall.
To get the proper fit, carefully slide the cabinet into the space to see how well it works. Removing the cabinet door can sometimes make this a lot easier. If it is a bit too snug, use the utility knife and rasp to help make small adjustments at a time.
5. Install the Blocking
Hold a horizontal two-by-four piece of wood in the opening with one end flush against the next, untouched wall stud. Mark the location in which it meets the cut stud and cut it to suit. Each section should be the same. Do this four times for the top and bottom of the space.
Place construction adhesive at both ends of the two-by-four pieces and place each between the studs. Make sure that they sit flush with the opening of the wall. Hold each block in place and use the drill/driver to screw into the drywall and through the blocking. All four pieces should be secured into the surrounding studs. This will create the support frame for the recessed medicine cabinet to be housed. If done correctly, the space should look like a window.
Be sure to allow the construction adhesive to dry per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a proper hold before moving forward with the installation.
6. Mount the Cabinet
Carefully insert the medicine cabinet into the recessed space within the wall. Gently but firmly press along all edges of the frame until it is flush with the wall. Using the drill, screw into the holes in all sides of the cabinet and into the blocking. There should be one mounting hole in each corner of the medicine cabinet. You may need to use some caulk around the edges of the cabinet if it is not a perfect fit, fill in any gaps. Caulking may not be necessary if the cabinet is a perfect fit, however, you can still use it to hide any minor flaws there may be.
Now is also a good time to patch or spackle any surrounding irregularities or holes that were made in the while during the project. Repaint the areas that needed to be fixed.
7. Finish the Installation
Now that the cabinet has been inserted into the wall and any minor cosmetic damages have been fixed, you can finish with the rest of the installation. Reattach the cabinet door, using caution to not bend the hinges. Attach any extra hardware that there may be and install any shelves per the instructions of WG Wood Products. Once that has been completed, feel free to put your newly installed medicine cabinet to good use.
The Benefits of WG Wood Products Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Whether you are looking to do a complete renovation or want a simple upgrade to your space, a recessed medicine cabinet can make a huge difference. WG Wood Products creates recessed medicine cabinets, unlike any others that are available on the market. Find out why our medicine cabinets stand out from all the rest and how they can make a great addition to your home.
High-Quality Materials
All of our cabinets are made in the USA with only superior materials. Created with only the best solid wood construction, the boxes are made with solid pine while the doors are made with solid maple. You can rest assured that a cabinet from WG Wood Products will last for years to come. Additionally, the materials can be painted or stained with ease allowing them to fit in with any decor style you desire.
Customizable Sizes
WG Wood Products realizes that not all homes are designed the same. That is why we go beyond the standard sizes found in stores. Our recessed medicine cabinets can be customized for any size you need, big or small. Whether you need something for just a couple of items or require a large, pantry-style cabinet, we can help you create the ideal product for any space.
Functional Storage
All of our recessed medicine cabinets are designed with functionality in mind. The glass shelves in every unit are completely adjustable to provide you with a multipurpose storage solution. No matter the size of your belongings, you can adjust the shelving accordingly. The shelves can even be removed and easily cleaned. In fact, they are dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
Space-Saving
It can be frustrating to organize things when you are met with limited space. You do not have to be restricted to bulky fixtures that will only cut down on the space you do have. Recessed medicine cabinets created by WG Wood Products provide the ideal space-saving storage solution. These cabinets fit snuggly inside the wall with the cabinet door being the only visible part, saving you space for other things.
Something for Every Style
We understand that not all customers want the standard medicine cabinet with a mirror. That is why we provide a wide range of options without. At WG Wood Products, we provide over 30 different door styles for our recessed medicine cabinets, with or without mirrors. We are confident that you will find a design that will perfectly fit in with the rest of your home.
Free Shipping in the United States
Not only do we love to help you save space, but we also enjoy helping you to save money. Every one of our recessed medicine cabinets qualifies for free shipping within the U.S.
Contact WG Wood Products to Find Your Perfect Storage Solutions
At WG Wood Products, we have been creating handcrafted cabinetry in the U.S. for over 17 years. We use only the highest quality of wood that must meet our strict quality control standards. We offer a wide range of storage solutions for whatever you require. In addition to our best-selling recessed medicine cabinets, we also offer a wide range of other products including:
- Wall-mounted cabinets
- Bathroom magazine racks
- Toilet paper holders
- Wall niches including recessed and floating
- Spice racks
- Pet food holders
We work with a variety of industries to provide them with the quality storage solutions they need. Some industries we serve include:
- Builders
- Contractors
- Architects
- Apartment living
- Assisted living
WG Wood Products provides superior products with unmatched customer service. When you shop with us, you receive multiple benefits such as:
- Full-customizable products
- Cabinetry made from solid wood, handcrafted in the U.S.
- Free shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. on all orders over $50
- Incredible storage and space-saving solutions from an industry leader
- Many items are in stock and ready to ship
- Customer service from our exceptional representatives to assist you with questions or concerns
If you are looking for an ideal way to upgrade your home while gaining more storage space, allow the professionals at WG Wood Products to help. Contact us today to get started, or go online to request a quote.
