Tackle your bathroom clutter and add some stylish storage
Medicine cabinet installation depends on your wall structure, as recessed models require cutting into drywall and working around studs, plumbing, and wiring.
Simple medicine cabinets cost $55 to $300, while smart LED models range from $400 to $800, and professional installation costs $60 to $80.
You can hang a surface-mounted cabinet by locating studs, marking bracket positions with a level, drilling pilot holes, and securing the brackets before sliding the cabinet on.
Hiring a local cabinet professional keeps your installation secure and level, especially for recessed models that require wall cutting or electrical work for lighted cabinets.
Learning how to install a medicine cabinet can add much-needed storage to your bathroom, keeping your vanity neat and clutter-free. While you’ll need some tools to accomplish the job, adding a medicine cabinet is an accessible DIY project with the right instructions. Here’s what you need to know to successfully hang a medicine cabinet.
If you don’t already have a medicine cabinet in the bathroom, adding one gives you some low-profile, convenient storage. If you already have an outdated one, updating your medicine cabinet is a cost-effective way to upgrade your bathroom without needing to replace the more expensive fixtures like a bathroom cabinet.
The cost of a medicine cabinet varies widely depending on the type. A simple medicine cabinet typically costs between $55 and $300, with smart LED mirrored models ranging from $400 to $800. Features like lighted mirrors, built-in LED displays, and smart connectivity will all affect the cost of the cabinet.
To prepare your bathroom for a medicine cabinet installation, you should clear all cosmetics and toiletries off of the vanity and other surfaces nearby. It’s a good idea to use a drop cloth to cover the sink to avoid getting dust or debris in the drain if you need to cut or drill holes for your cabinet. Before you proceed with installation, locating the paths for plumbing and wiring in the wall is a good idea.
It’s also helpful before you begin to remove the door of the medicine cabinet and take out the shelves. This step will help make the cabinet easier to maneuver while you're installing it. If you can’t take the door off, you can also try taping it shut for the first part of install to make it more manageable.
Choosing a medicine cabinet depends on a few factors. While recessed cabinets are a popular choice because they save space, depending on placement, they can be more difficult to install because of the need to cut into the wall and avoid plumbing, wiring, and structural studs. Surface mounted medicine cabinets are simpler to install, but they take up more space. If you choose an LED, smart, or lighted medicine cabinet, you will need a power source and the installation might require the help of a licensed electrician to complete safely.
There are two major types of medicine cabinets: surface mounted and recessed cabinets. These require different methods, so we’ll cover both kinds to prepare you for whatever type you choose.
Use a stud finder to locate the studs.
Mark the studs.
Measure the back of the cabinet, taking note of the brackets locations.
Mark where the brackets should go on the wall.
Use a level to double check your marks.
Mark and drill pilot holes for cabinet brackets.
Screw in the brackets.
Slide the cabinet onto the brackets.
Reattach the cabinet door and replace the shelves.
A recessed cabinet is more complicated to install than a surface mounted version because it requires a hole to be cut in the wall to accommodate it. This step will require either choosing a cabinet the same size as the one you’re replacing or cutting a new or larger hole in the wall for the size cabinet you choose.
Measure the size of your cabinet.
Use a stud finder to locate and mark the studs.
Measure and mark the wall to the size of the cabinet.
Cut a small three- to four-inch square hole between studs inside the area of the cabinet marking to investigate the inside of the wall.
Check your marks with a level.
Cut a hole for the cabinet using an oscillating tool or drywall saw.
Cut the stud flush with the top and bottom edges of the hole, if there is one.
Screw in a horizontal two by four on the top and bottom edges of the opening.
If the edges of the opening don’t have studs next to them, install bocking or a two by four on edge at each side of the opening.
Mount the cabinet using the hardware provided by the manufacturer.
Reattach the cabinet door and replace the shelves.
Since medicine cabinets get a lot of use in our homes, attaching them securely is important. Here are some ways to make sure your cabinet is mounted tightly.
Double check your measurements to make sure that your brackets or opening are level.
Make sure that you are screwing hardware into the blocking you installed or into a stud.
Most medicine cabinets look best if they are hung with the top of the cabinet box at six feet from the floor.
When you’re cutting a hole for the cabinet opening, use a hand saw to go the last quarter inch or so into the corner to get a crisp, square cut.
Hanging most simple medicine cabinets can be a DIY project, but if your cabinet requires cutting more than one stud, wiring for lights or LED power, or moving plumbing or wiring, you will need help from a pro. The cost of a simple medicine cabinet is between $55 and $300 and the cost of higher-end LED and lighted models can range from $400 to $800.
For a simple installation, the cost to hire a pro is between $60 and $80, so you can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. For a more complicated installation, you should hire a cabinet contractor pro near you to avoid costly mistakes, to assure that codes are being followed, and to keep yourself safe.
According to 10,400 Angi customers, drawers are a frequent source of cabinet issues, accounting for 25% of repair requests. Cabinet doors and their components, such as hinges, are also common concerns, with 21% of homeowners needing door repairs and 18% requiring hinge repairs. Understanding these common problems can help homeowners avoid similar issues when installing a medicine cabinet. Using quality materials, properly securing hinges, and ensuring smooth operation can extend the life and functionality of the cabinet.
Terrible experience. Walls/trim/floors/cabinets/doors all have drip marks, overspray, etc. Tiling at the fireplace had to be redone by another vendor due to incorrect and shoddy install by Profect. Contractor had his children in our house while he was on site without prior authorization or...
Profect painting & exteriorsMy kitchen cabinets look brand new thanks to Custom Paint Jobs LLC. Their refinishing is exceptional.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCIf I could give 10 stars for Kitchen Tune Up, I would. I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Kitchen Tune Up and the entire team involved in the process of my kitchen project. They went above and beyond as far as service and quality with my cabinets, paint, countertops, and...
We live in a condo and had space to add a tall cabinet. The problem was the space was already occupied by our catsâ litter box. We needed to still keep the litter box in that same corner. Beiler Custom Cabinets was able to work with our need and design request. What was created was an...
Beiler Custom Cabinets, LTDAbsolutely amazing, Rob and his team are extremely efficient and professional. Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And Hauling is a go to for getting my property cleared up so we can pursue the upgrades we want to make on our home.
Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And HaulingThey work that 360 did on my kitchen cabinets is nothing short of amazing. I still cannot believe the difference from before and after. Jon and Jeff were both so incredibly professional throughout the whole process and their communications with me were constant and consistent. These guys...
360 Painting ColumbusI had a variety of projects around my house. The work was done quickly and correctly. I was kept informed of every step during the projects and they followed up with me to make sure it was all good.
House DoctorsPhil understood the style I wanted and suggested options for materials (unlike the standard kitchen folks who kept pushing the same cabinets everyone buys). He stepped through all the decisions about the details with me, using his computer program to show the differences between the choices....
Baker Group RemodelingI had a great experience with this company. They installed a small TV on the wall of my kitchen between two cabinets. Team came out and did a very thorough inspection and quote. The rep who installed the TV had to do some extra work to snake the cords behind the wall from the top cabinets...
The Theater PeopleI couldn't be more pleased with the job Ryan and his team did! My old oak kitchen cabinets now look like brand new white ones. They were able to provide an estimate based on my photos that was far below other companies I checked with, and that was the final price too. They were able to come...
Rhino Painting & Color Consulting LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover cabinet installation cost estimates, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on your new kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Bathroom cabinet costs can easily skyrocket. Take a look at these important cost factors and considerations to help you stay within your budget.
Choosing new cabinet hardware is a fun balance of practicality and design. Costs range between under $100 and up to five figures, though, so budgeting and knowing which materials you can afford is key. This cost guide breaks it all down.
Building a medicine cabinet allows you to customize it to fit your space. Learn how to build a medicine cabinet in eight simple steps.
Installing new cabinets? Use this checklist to get your project started.
Learn how to install kitchen cabinets like a professional to save money on your next remodel and take your DIY skills to the next level.
