How To Install A Recessed Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

Planning and Preparation: How To Install A Recessed Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

Right, so before you start hammering away, you need to get your ducks in a row. You don’t want to be halfway through and realise you’ve forgotten something, do you?

Planning and preparation are key, mate. You need to figure out where you want to put this thing, what size you need, and what tools you’ll need to get the job done. It’s all about making sure you’ve got everything you need before you start.

Determining the Location and Size

You need to decide where you want to put your medicine cabinet, and then you need to measure the space. You want to make sure the cabinet fits the space, and you want to make sure it’s in a spot that’s easy to access. You need to think about the plumbing and electrical wiring, too. You don’t want to be drilling into a pipe or a wire, do you?

Gathering Tools and Materials

You’ll need a few tools and materials to install your medicine cabinet. This includes a stud finder, a drill, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, a screwdriver, screws, and a hammer. You might also need some drywall anchors if you’re not installing the cabinet into a stud. It’s always a good idea to check the instructions for your specific medicine cabinet, as they might have some additional recommendations.

Reviewing the Installation Instructions

Every medicine cabinet is different, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully before you start. The instructions will tell you what tools you need, how to install the cabinet, and what to do if you run into any problems.

Checking Wall Suitability

Before you start drilling, you need to make sure your wall is suitable for installation. You want to make sure you’re drilling into a stud, and not just drywall. If you’re not sure, you can use a stud finder to help you locate the studs.

If you’re not drilling into a stud, you’ll need to use drywall anchors. Drywall anchors are small plastic or metal pieces that you insert into the drywall to help secure the screws. They’re designed to hold a lot of weight, so you don’t have to worry about your medicine cabinet falling down.

Cutting and Wiring

Right, so you’ve got your medicine cabinet all planned out and ready to go. Now it’s time to get your hands dirty and start cutting into your wall! This is the bit where you really need to be careful, so make sure you’ve got all the right tools and know what you’re doing.

This section covers cutting the wall for the medicine cabinet opening and running electrical wiring to it if needed. Let’s get into it!

Cutting the Wall, How to install a recessed bathroom medicine cabinet

Before you start swinging that saw, you need to mark out the exact position of your medicine cabinet on the wall. Use a pencil and a level to draw a rectangle that matches the dimensions of the cabinet. You want to make sure this is perfectly aligned, otherwise, your cabinet will end up wonky!

Once you’ve got your markings, it’s time to start cutting. If you’re working with drywall, you can use a drywall saw or a utility knife. For other materials like plaster or tile, you’ll need to use a different saw that’s suitable for the material.

Remember to wear safety glasses and gloves when you’re cutting, and be careful not to damage any pipes or wires behind the wall. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to ask a professional for help.

Running Electrical Wiring

If your medicine cabinet needs an electrical outlet, you’ll need to run wiring to it. This can be a bit tricky, so it’s a good idea to call in an electrician if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

First, you need to turn off the power to the circuit you’ll be working on. Then, you’ll need to run the wiring from the nearest junction box to the location of your medicine cabinet. Make sure to use the correct type of wire for the job and to secure it properly to the wall studs.

Installing a Junction Box

Once you’ve run the wiring, you’ll need to install a junction box for the electrical connections. Junction boxes are usually made of metal or plastic and are designed to hold electrical wires and devices.

You’ll need to choose a junction box that’s the right size for the number of wires you’ll be connecting. The box should be mounted securely to the wall stud and the wires should be connected properly using wire nuts.

Make sure to turn the power back on after you’ve finished installing the junction box and check that everything is working properly.

Installation and Finishing

Now that the medicine cabinet is ready to be installed, it’s time to make it part of your bathroom. This involves securing it to the wall, connecting the electrical wiring (if applicable), and ensuring a smooth, clean finish.

Mounting the Medicine Cabinet

Before attaching the medicine cabinet, make sure the wall is properly prepped. It’s important to have a solid, level surface to mount the cabinet securely. This will prevent it from becoming wobbly or falling off the wall.

• Use screws or brackets: The specific method will depend on the type of medicine cabinet you have. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended method.
• Align and secure: Once you have the cabinet in place, make sure it is level. Then, carefully drive the screws or attach the brackets to secure it to the wall.

Connecting Electrical Wiring

If your medicine cabinet has a built-in light or other electrical features, you will need to connect the wiring. This is a critical step that requires caution and proper electrical knowledge.

• Turn off the power: Always turn off the power to the circuit before working with electrical wiring.
• Connect wires: Connect the wires from the medicine cabinet to the corresponding wires in the wall. Make sure the connections are secure and properly insulated.
• Turn on the power: Once you’ve finished connecting the wires, carefully turn the power back on and test the light or electrical feature to make sure it works.

Caulking for a Clean Finish

Caulking the edges of the medicine cabinet helps to create a smooth, waterproof seal and prevents water from seeping behind the cabinet.

• Apply caulk: Use a caulk gun to apply a thin bead of caulk around the edges of the medicine cabinet where it meets the wall.
• Smooth the caulk: Use a damp finger or a caulk tool to smooth the caulk and remove any excess.
• Let it dry: Allow the caulk to dry completely before using the medicine cabinet.

Installing the Cabinet Door

The final step is to install the cabinet door and ensure it operates smoothly.

• Attach the hinges: Attach the hinges to the cabinet door and the cabinet frame according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install the door: Carefully install the door on the hinges and make sure it swings freely and closes securely.
• Adjust as needed: If the door doesn’t close properly or is uneven, you can adjust the hinges until it functions smoothly.

Cleaning Up

Once the installation is complete, it’s time to clean up any debris left behind.

• Remove debris: Carefully remove any leftover screws, wire scraps, or caulk that may be on the floor or wall.
• Dispose properly: Dispose of the debris in the appropriate waste bins or recycling containers.