How to Install a Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

Medicine cabinets are the unsung workhorses of the bathroom, providing a critical junction between hidden storage and daily grooming. A well-installed cabinet should feel like a permanent, seamless part of the wall, opening and closing without the slightest hint of sag or mechanical tension. Before you commit to a model, consider the weight. Surface-mounted units demand sturdy drywall anchors or, preferably, direct wood engagement, while recessed units require cutting into your wall cavity. Achieving a professional finish isn't about fancy tools; it is about finding the studs, measuring twice, and confirming your level at every stage of the fastening process.

Find Your Framing First. Use a stud finder to locate the framing members behind the drywall. Mark the center of the studs and hold your cabinet against the wall to verify the mounting holes align with these structural supports.
Lighten the Load. Unscrew the hinges from the cabinet frame to remove the doors before mounting the box. This drastically reduces the weight and keeps the glass protected from accidental impacts.
Get It Perfectly Level. Hold the empty cabinet frame against the wall, centered on your marks. Place a torpedo level on the bottom edge and adjust until perfectly level before marking your screw hole locations on the wall.
Prep Screw Anchors. Set the cabinet aside and drill pilot holes into your marked locations using a bit slightly smaller than the shank of your mounting screws. This prevents the wood studs from splitting and ensures the screws bite firmly.
Secure the Frame. Position the cabinet frame back against the wall, lining up the pre-drilled holes. Drive the mounting screws in until they are snug, but do not overtighten, as this can warp the frame or prevent the doors from closing properly.
Align Doors Perfectly. Reinstall the doors using the original hinge screws. Use the adjustment screws found on the hinge plates to fine-tune the door alignment so the reveal is even on all sides.