How Do I Measure For A Replacement Recessed Medicine Cabinet With Mirror

How to Measure for a Replacement Recessed Medicine Cabinet with Mirror

When it comes to replacing a recessed medicine cabinet with mirror, taking accurate measurements is crucial to ensure a seamless installation. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you measure your old cabinet and determine the appropriate dimensions for your new one.

Measuring the Existing Cabinet

Width: Open the cabinet doors wide and measure the distance between the outermost edges of the frame.
Height: Measure from the top edge of the frame to the bottom of the frame, including any moldings or trim.
Depth: Open the cabinet doors fully and measure from the back of the cabinet to the front of the frame, excluding the mirror.

Determining the Rough Opening

Once you have the measurements of your existing cabinet, you need to determine the size of the rough opening in the wall. The rough opening is the cutout in the drywall where the cabinet will be installed.

Width: The rough opening should be at least 1/2 inch wider than the cabinet width on both sides.
Height: The rough opening should be at least 1/4 inch taller than the cabinet height.
Depth: The rough opening should be the same depth as the cabinet depth.

Choosing a Replacement Cabinet

With the dimensions of the rough opening established, you can start selecting a replacement cabinet. Make sure to consider the following specifications:

Width: The cabinet should be within the width range of the rough opening, allowing for 1/2 inch of clearance on each side for installation.
Height: The cabinet should be within the height range of the rough opening, allowing for 1/4 inch of clearance at the top for adjustment.
Depth: The cabinet should fit snugly into the rough opening, without any gaps or protrusions.

Additional Considerations

In addition to the dimensions, here are a few other factors to keep in mind when measuring for a replacement recessed medicine cabinet with mirror:

Electrical Wiring: Check if there is any electrical wiring behind the existing cabinet that needs to be accommodated.
Plumbing: If there is plumbing near the cabinet, such as a sink or water supply line, ensure there is enough clearance for the new cabinet.
Tile or Wallpaper: If the wall where the cabinet will be installed is tiled or wallpapered, measure the height, width, and depth accordingly to avoid any damage.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately measure for a replacement recessed medicine cabinet with mirror, ensuring a successful and hassle-free installation.