How to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet

Recessed medicine cabinets are the ultimate bathroom upgrade, turning a surface-mounted eyesore into a seamless, flush-mount storage solution. By hiding the cabinet box inside your wall cavity, you maximize usable floor space and gain a cleaner, more intentional aesthetic. Success here depends entirely on what lies behind your drywall. You are looking for a stud bay free of electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and HVAC vents. When done well, the cabinet sits perfectly square and level, the door swings without rubbing the frame, and the surrounding wall is patched so cleanly that it looks like the house was built with the cabinet in mind.

  1. Find Hidden Obstacles First. Use a deep-scanning stud finder to locate the studs flanking your intended installation spot. Cut a small inspection hole in the drywall to peek inside with a flashlight and verify there are no hidden pipes, wires, or vents in the way.
  2. Cut Conservative, Adjust Later. Hold your cabinet template against the wall and trace the outline with a pencil. Use a drywall saw to cut along the lines, keeping your blade shallow to avoid hitting unseen studs or wires.
  3. Build the Support Frame. Measure the height and width of your cabinet box. Cut 2x4 lumber to create a header and footer between the studs, securing them with 3-inch wood screws driven through the studs from the outside.
  4. Route Power Before Mounting. If your cabinet requires a power source for interior lights or outlets, pull the electrical cable through the hole now. Feed the wire through the cabinet's knockout hole before you permanently mount it.
  5. Secure Without Overtightening. Slide the cabinet box into the opening until the flange sits flush against the drywall. Use a level to check for plumb, then drive mounting screws through the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet side walls into the studs.
  6. Perfect the Door Alignment. Attach the cabinet door using the provided hinges and make micro-adjustments to ensure the gap around the perimeter is even. Seal the flange perimeter with a thin bead of white paintable caulk for a finished look.