How To Build A Medicine Cabinet In The Wall

A recessed medicine cabinet provides valuable storage space in a bathroom while maintaining a clean aesthetic. This guide outlines the process of building a medicine cabinet directly into the wall, offering a permanent and customizable solution.

Planning and Preparation: Accurate planning is crucial for a successful installation. Begin by selecting a location between wall studs. Use a stud finder to locate and mark the stud positions. The cabinet’s dimensions must fit comfortably within this space. Consider the cabinet's depth; it shouldn't protrude significantly into the wall cavity and should leave enough room for plumbing and electrical lines. Measure and record these dimensions precisely.

Materials and Tools: Gather the necessary materials and tools before starting. These typically include: 2x4 lumber, plywood (for the cabinet box and shelves), door hinges, a cabinet door (or materials to build one), mirror, drywall, drywall screws, wood screws, wood glue, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a drill, a stud finder, a level, a tape measure, safety glasses, and a dust mask.

Framing the Rough Opening: Cut two vertical 2x4s to the height of your planned cabinet opening. Cut two horizontal 2x4s to the width of the opening, minus the width of the two vertical studs. These four pieces will form the frame of the rough opening. Carefully remove the drywall within the marked stud cavity. Ensure no plumbing or electrical wiring is present. Secure the frame to the existing studs using wood screws, ensuring it is level and plumb.

Building the Cabinet Box: Cut plywood pieces to form the sides, top, bottom, and back of the cabinet box. The dimensions should match the interior dimensions of the framed opening. Assemble the box using wood glue and wood screws, ensuring square corners. Attach the back panel to the assembled box. If desired, add a face frame to the front of the box for a more finished look. This involves attaching strips of wood to the front edges of the box, creating a lip for the door to close against.

Installing Shelves: Determine the desired placement and number of shelves. Cut plywood shelves to the appropriate dimensions. Supports for the shelves can be created by attaching small strips of wood to the inside walls of the cabinet box or by using shelf pins and drilled holes. Install the shelves securely using wood glue and screws or by resting them on the shelf supports.

Installing the Cabinet Box: Carefully insert the assembled cabinet box into the framed rough opening. Secure the box to the framing members with wood screws. Ensure the cabinet face is flush with the existing wall surface. Use shims if necessary to achieve perfect alignment.

Installing the Door: If using a pre-made door, attach the hinges to the door and then to the cabinet face frame. Ensure the door swings freely and closes properly. If building a custom door, cut a plywood piece to the appropriate size. A mirror can be applied directly to the plywood, or a separate frame can be built to hold both the mirror and the plywood backing. Attach the assembled door using hinges.

Finishing the Drywall: Measure and cut drywall pieces to cover the remaining exposed areas of the framing. Secure the drywall to the framing with drywall screws. Apply drywall compound to the seams and screw holes, let it dry, and sand smooth. Repeat this process until a smooth, even surface is achieved.

Painting and Finishing: Once the drywall is completely dry, apply primer and then paint the repaired wall area and the cabinet door (unless using a pre-finished door) to match the surrounding wall color. Install the cabinet hardware, such as knobs or pulls, to complete the installation.

Electrical Considerations: If incorporating lighting into the medicine cabinet, ensure all wiring is done by a qualified electrician and complies with local building codes. Plan the wiring during the framing stage, and rough in the necessary electrical connections before installing the cabinet box. Disconnect power to the circuit before working with any electrical wiring.

Plumbing Considerations: Avoid placing the medicine cabinet near plumbing lines. If a plumbing line must be rerouted, consult a qualified plumber. Ensure any modifications to plumbing comply with local building codes.