A homeowner’s plans to upgrade his medicine cabinet came to a halt when he realized there may be pipes or wires in the wall. With the help of carpenter Nathan Gilbert, the two work together to ensure that the wall is safe and reframe the opening for a perfect installation. Here’s how it went.
Recessed medicine cabinets allow homeowners to take advantage of the potential storage within their walls. However, there are always risks associated with cutting open a wall for one of these upgrades. For one, electrical wires could hide behind the drywall, feeding the vanity lights on either side (or over the top) of the cabinet. Also, there could be plumbing pipes in the wall. Finally, the wall might be load-bearing, making any modification much more precarious. Nathan Gilbert helped a homeowner facing these exact challenges.
Note: It’s important to check whether the wall is load-bearing. If the ceiling joists run perpendicular to the wall, it’s likely load-bearing. However, if joists run parallel, the wall is likely not load-bearing and is fine to modify. If there are any questions, consult an engineer or contractor. The following instructions will assume that the wall is not load-bearing.
How to Install a Recessed Cabinet
- Start the project by removing the old medicine cabinet. In most cases, it will be attached to studs with four screws. While supporting the cabinet, remove the screws and remove the cabinet from the wall.
- If the cabinet was hung by screws in studs, mark those studs’ locations. If not, use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their locations on the drywall.
- Lay out the cabinet’s dimensions on the wall:
● Mark a plumb line on the wall, centered on the sink. Measure the overall height of the cabinet door (it will be larger than the cabinet).
● On the plumb line, mark the desired height of the top of the cabinet door.
● Measure the distance from the top of the door to the top of the cabinet, and make a corresponding mark on the center line.
● Mark the wall for the bottom of the cabinet.
● Make two marks for either side of the cabinet.
● Connect the cabinet lines with a level. - In the center of the layout, and away from the studs, cut a small inspection window in the drywall with the oscillating tool. A 6×6 box should be fine. Carefully reach in and inspect the wall cavity for wires, pipes, and other obstructions. If the wall is clear, remove the rest of the drywall.
- Locate the studs. Since the wall isn’t load-bearing, it’s safe to cut them out. Use an oscillating tool and cut. If studs need to be notched, use the oscillating tool to cut relief cuts up the stud and then carefully remove the sections with the chisel and hammer.
- Cut the studs inside the wall about ¾-inch from the edge of the drywall (top and bottom).
- Install 1×4 boards across the cut studs, top and bottom. It should span past the opening on either side. Use construction adhesive and screws to secure them in place, making sure it’s level.
- Install the cut studs on either side of the drywall opening by attaching them to the 1×4 boards with construction screws and driving drywall screws through the drywall and into the studs.
- Insert the cabinet in the opening and secure it to the studs on either side with the screws included with the kit.
Resources
After making sure the wall is not a load-bearing wall and electricity is shut off, make a small hole to see what’s in the wall being worked on. This can be done using an oscillating tool with a drywall blade. Wear safety glasses, earplugs, and gloves—especially if you might be dealing with insulation. Use a dust extractor to clean up debris. If the wall cavity looks clear of electrical and plumbing vents—you are good to keep working.
Make a layout with the dimensions of the recessed cabinet (not the mirror dimensions if it’s different) using a pencil, measuring tape, and level.
Nathan didn’t want to fully take out the studs because they were attached to a brittle wall. He used an oscillating tool to make a series of relief cuts and a sharp chisel and hammer to remove the pieces. He cut the studs down ¾” past the drywall and cut up ¾” extra to have room to lay a 1×4” board at the top and bottom. A 2×4” was placed on each side.
Place the new recessed medicine cabinet into the wall. A magnetic torpedo level will attach to some mirrors to help you determine if it’s level. Install the recessed medicine cabinet according to the instructions.
Materials
- Construction adhesive
- 1×4 pine
- 2×4 (typically scraps from the studs in the wall)
- Construction screws
- Drywall screws
- Medicine cabinet kit
