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Before installing a surface mount medicine cabinet, read the entire installation instructions. Observe all local building and safety codes.
We recommend consulting a professional if you are unfamiliar with installing bathroom fixtures.
Tools and Materials
Level
Drill
Pencil
Stud Finder
Mounting Hardware
Steps for Installing a Surface Mount Medicine Cabinet
STEP 1
Center the cabinet above the sink at the appropriate height and draw a leveled outline of your cabinet on the wall.
STEP 2
Locate and mark the position of the wall studs to which you will fasten your medicine cabinet. You can find studs by listening for a solid sound as you knock on the wall or by using a stud finder. If mounting holes are not pre-drilled, transfer these marks to the inside of the cabinet.
Tip: If the studs in your bathroom do not line up to the mounting location for your cabinet, wood blocking can be installed between the studs using standard 2 x 4’s. If wood blocking needs to be installed behind the finished wall, consult a professional if you are unfamiliar with this type of installation.
STEP 3
Remove the medicine cabinet door(s), set aside. Secure the cabinet to the wall studs with the mounting hardware (provided). Make sure that your cabinet is level before attaching securely to wall.
STEP 4
When your medicine cabinet is securely in place, finish your installation by reattaching the cabinet door(s).
Yes, you can mount a surface mount medicine cabinet on drywall; however, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Utilize drywall anchors or toggle bolts to fasten your surface mount medicine cabinet to drywall. Both drywall anchors and toggle bolts help distribute the weight of your cabinet more evenly across a larger area for a safer and more secure installation.
Drywall anchors and toggle bolts come in different weight capacities. Make sure the combined weight of your surface mount medicine cabinet and its contents is less than the total capacity of your anchors or toggle bolts.
The best way to anchor a surface mount cabinet to the wall is by locating and mounting it directly to the studs. This is due to the superior stability and strength of wooden studs and the long-term security they offer. If you’re unable to mount it directly to the studs, the next best option would be to cut out a patch of drywall and attach a 2x4 wooden board in-between the studs. Then patch the drywall and mount the medicine cabinet on the newly attached 2x4s.
The average depth for most medicine cabinets is approximately 4”; however, this isn’t always the case. Sizes may differ between models and manufacturers and some medicine cabinets will offer a range of depths from 6” to 8”.
Recessing a surface mount medicine cabinet may be possible, but it’s not recommended because these cabinets are designed functionally and cosmetically to be mounted directly on the wall. Additionally, many surface mount medicine cabinets have outward opening doors that may not have enough room to fully open if recessed.
It’s more convenient and safer to purchase a medicine cabinet designed to be recessed into the wall. For easy installation check out our guide on installing recessed medicine cabinets.