How To Measure For Replacement Recessed Medicine Cabinet

How to Measure for a Replacement Recessed Medicine Cabinet

Medicine cabinets are an essential part of any bathroom, providing convenient storage for medicines, toiletries, and other bathroom necessities. Whether you're replacing an old medicine cabinet or installing one for the first time, it's important to measure accurately to ensure a perfect fit.

Step 1: Determine the Opening Size

The opening size is the area the cabinet will fit into. To determine this, measure the height and width of the existing opening or the space where you plan to install the cabinet. Write down these measurements in inches.

Step 2: Choose a Cabinet Size

Once you know the opening size, you can choose a cabinet that will fit snugly within it. Most medicine cabinets come in standard sizes, so you can find one that closely matches your opening.

If you can't find a cabinet that matches the exact opening size, you may need to purchase a slightly larger cabinet and trim it to fit. However, it's generally better to avoid this, as it can be difficult to achieve a precise cut.

Step 3: Measure the Cabinet Depth

The cabinet depth is the distance from the front of the cabinet to the back of the cabinet. This measurement is important to ensure that the cabinet doesn't protrude too far from the wall or interfere with other fixtures.

To measure the cabinet depth, measure the distance from the front edge of the cabinet to the back edge. Write down this measurement in inches.

Step 4: Account for the Flange

Most medicine cabinets have a flange, which is a lip that extends around the edges of the cabinet. The flange helps to secure the cabinet to the wall and conceal any gaps between the cabinet and the opening.

When measuring for the cabinet, be sure to account for the flange. Add the width of the flange to the height and width measurements of the cabinet. This will give you the overall dimensions of the cabinet with the flange.

Step 5: Check for Obstructions

Before installing the cabinet, check for any obstructions that may interfere with the fit. This could include pipes, electrical wiring, or other fixtures.

If you find any obstructions, you may need to adjust the cabinet size or position to accommodate them. It's important to address any obstructions before installing the cabinet to avoid any problems later.