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A recessed medicine cabinet needs to be anchored inside the wall to rectangular framing. This framing must be clear of all obstructions. If there are any wires or plumbing lines that cannot be relocated you will need to install a surface-mount cabinet, rather than a recessed cabinet.
We recommend consulting a professional if you are unfamiliar with this type of installation.
Tools and Materials
Pencil
Level
Utility Knife
Keyhole or Reciprocating Saw
Drill
Wood Screws
Wood Shims
Tape Measure
Step 1
To cut the hole for your recessed cabinet, center the cabinet above the sink at the appropriate height and draw a leveled outline of your cabinet on the wall.
Step 2
Score the outline with a utility knife and level. After the area is scored, cut out the area with a keyhole or reciprocating saw and remove the drywall.
Step 3
When the space has been cleared of all obstructions, firmly attach horizontal 2 x 4 blocking to the vertical wall studs with wood screws to create the framing for your cabinet. Make sure the drywall is secured to the edge of the wall studs, inserting screws as necessary.
Step 4
Remove the medicine cabinet door(s), set aside and slide the medicine cabinet into place. Verify that the cabinet is level; use shims to adjust as necessary.
Step 5
When the cabinet is in the proper position, secure to the wall with the provided mounting hardware (drill pilot holes for the screws if needed).
Step 6
When your medicine cabinet is securely in place, finish your installation by reattaching the cabinet door(s).
Can I install a recessed medicine cabinet without studs?
While it’s not impossible to install a recessed medicine cabinet without studs, it’s not recommended due to the potential risks involved. Recessed medicine cabinets are surprisingly heavy and depend on the sturdy support provided by studs.
You could potentially use toggle bolts to install a recessed medicine cabinet without studs, but you’d need to carefully install it and monitor the amount of weight in the cabinet to ensure it doesn’t exceed the limits of the bolts.
How deep can a recessed cabinet be?
The depth of a recessed cabinet depends on the size of the cabinet and the depth of the wall. Ideally, the medicine cabinet opening should align so it is flush with the rest of the wall. If your wall is too shallow, the recessed cabinet may not be installed correctly. Always measure the cabinet and the wall depth to ensure your cabinet will fit without protruding too far.
Can I wall mount a recessed medicine cabinet?
It’s not recommended to wall-mount a recessed medicine cabinet due to the difference in size, weight, and hardware. We recommend browsing through our selection of wall-mount medicine cabinets to find one suitable for this exact purpose.
What is the rough opening for a recessed medicine cabinet?
The rough opening is the size of the opening you’d need to cut into the wall to fit your recessed medicine cabinet. The medicine cabinet rough opening is usually matched to the dimensions of the desired cabinet.