A few years back, in a previous house, I made a decision: The bathroom medicine cabinet had to go. It was old, the door didn’t latch well, and I’d seen a nice replacement.
I was hesitant about the project but discovered that replacing a medicine cabinet of the same style is a straightforward DIY job. In this article, I’ll show you how to replace a medicine cabinet and add tips to make the job easier.
| Project difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 1 to 2 hours (if no wall repair is needed) Project cost: Replacing a surface-mount cabinet costs around $60 to $150. Replacing recessed cabinets is a bit costlier, around $150 to $400. |
Types of Medicine Cabinets
How you approach the job will depend on the type of cabinet you have: flush (or recessed) mount or surface mount.
Recessed-Mount Bathroom Cabinet
This is the type of cabinet I replaced; you’ll likely find them in older homes. These cabinets are mounted directly inside the wall, usually between two studs. The advantages: They save space, offer a built-in look, and may provide more shelf space.
Surface-Mount Bathroom Cabinet
These cabinets are mounted on the wall and are a good choice if you don’t want to cut drywall. The advantages: Surface-mount cabinets come in different materials to match your style and different sizes to match your needs.
Something to consider: If the new cabinet has a swing-open door, be sure it can open in the direction you want it to go. To make this an easy choice, some cabinets offer reversible hinges, and some cabinets can be flipped.
How to Replace a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
When buying a replacement, get the same size as the current cabinet so it fits in the wall space. Smaller cabinets are usually 15×24, but 20×24 and 30×24 cabinets are also available.
In my case, I winged it by measuring around the existing cabinet where it met the wall. (I was prepared to return the cabinet if needed.) If you want to be sure, pull the cabinet and measure the actual space.
Tools you’ll need:
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
- Level
- Utility knife (optional)
- Drywall saw (optional)
Do the Prep Work
- Cover the area under the cabinet: Put drop cloths on the floor and over fixtures. It’s easy to lose a screw down the sink or toilet, or drop a glass shelf; a cover can prevent problems.
- Empty the cabinet and remove the door: Hold the door steady as you unscrew the hinges. Personally, I found that it was easier to pull the cabinet when the door was off.
Remove the Cabinet
Once the prep is done, it’s time to remove the cabinet. Most cabinets are screwed into the wall studs, so unscrew them and pull the cabinet from the wall.
My Tip: My cabinet was a snug fit. I had to loosen it a bit by slipping a screwdriver under the edge at several spots. I gently pulled it forward, just enough to get a better grip on the cabinet edge.
While I didn’t run into this, some cabinets are caulked along the wall edge. You may need to cut that away with a utility knife.
Install the New Cabinet
So, after you’ve unboxed and inspected the new cabinet, it’s time to start.
- Remove the door (if possible): Set it aside to protect the mirror from an unfortunate accident.
- Insert the cabinet into the wall cavity: Use a level to be sure that it’s straight.
- Drill holes if needed: If you need new mounting holes, mark the spots with a pencil, pull the cabinet, and drill. Then, replace the cabinet.
- Secure the cabinet: Use a screwdriver or drill attachment to attach the cabinet to the studs. Install the door: Make sure the door is aligned with the cabinet body, then attach the hinges.
- Install the shelves: Pop in the supports, and set the shelves on top.
- One last check: Make sure the door opens and closes properly. (If it has a lock, check that, too.)
How to Replace a Surface-Mount Bathroom Cabinet
If possible, get help to replace a surface-mount cabinet. An extra pair of hands can make removal and installation easier. If you’re working alone, set up a small ledge using two paint cans and a piece of scrap wood.
Tools you’ll need
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
- Level
- Putty knife
- Tack cloth
- Stud finder
Before You Start
- Protect the area: To protect the sink or other fixture under the cabinet, drape a tarp over it.
- Remove shelves and doors: It will make the cabinet body easier to handle.
- Remove the old cabinet: Take out the screws (and any mounting hardware) that attach the cabinet to the wall. Keep hold of the cabinet (or get help) so it doesn’t fall forward during the process. Then pull the cabinet away from the wall.
Mark the Outline and Find the Studs
Your first task will be to find the wall studs. While you can hang a cabinet using drywall anchors, it’s a good idea to secure it to at least one stud.
Be aware: Drywall anchors have different weight capacities. To get the correct capacity, fill the cabinet with personal items, then weigh it. Buy anchors that can handle more than the total weight of the loaded cabinet.
If the new cabinet is close in size to the old one and will go in the same place, you’ll have a good guide to stud locations. If the cabinet is larger, or you’re moving its position, you’ll have to find the studs. Here’s how:
- Remove doors and shelves: Set them aside to avoid accidental damage to them, or you.
- Mark the spot: This is where you can use help. Choose your spot, then put the cabinet against the wall. Make sure it’s at the needed height, then draw an outline of the cabinet on the wall.
- Look for the studs: Move a stud finder within the outline to locate studs; mark the wall at those spots. Another method: Knock on the wall until you hear a solid sound.
Safety Tip: Be careful when drilling in a new spot — you don’t want to hit a water pipe or electrical wiring. Some stud finders are set up to sense electrical currents and pipes.
If that type of device isn’t available, another option is to cut a small hole in the drywall and use a flashlight to look inside the wall. For tips on repairing that section, or any holes from the previous cabinet, check out our article on How to Patch Holes in a Wall Before Painting.
See Related:
- How to Find a Stud in the Wall in 5 Easy Steps
- How to Find Studs Without a Stud Finder (A Beginner’s Guide)
- Different Types of Drywall Anchors: 5 Common Options
- How to Use Drywall Anchors in 5 Steps
Attach the Cabinet to the Wall
- Install mounting hardware: Your new cabinet may have a mounting bar, or brackets that must be attached. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on installation.
Drill holes, if needed: Put the cabinet against the wall again and make sure it’s level. If the previously drilled holes match, then attach the cabinet to the wall.
If not, mark the mounting sites, remove the cabinet, and drill the new holes. Then proceed to attach the cabinet to the wall, with one more check to make sure it’s level. - Finishing touches: Once the cabinet is secure, install the shelves and the door. Make sure the door is in alignment, then fill the cabinet and enjoy your new storage space.
Next Step?
Your medicine cabinet likely has a light fixture above it. If you’ve moved the cabinet, you’ll need to move the lights, too. Or, like me, you want lights that match the new style. For tips on making the change, check out our article on How to Change a Bathroom Light Fixture.
What to Do With an Old Medicine Cabinet
If your old medicine cabinet is in decent shape, it can still be useful. Some possibilities:
- Repurpose it: Perhaps your garage, basement, shed, or craft space could use a place to hold those small things that clutter your work tables.
- Give it away: A local charitable organization might take your old cabinet. Or, offer it to neighbors through your neighborhood’s social network site, group chat, or newsletter.
Update Your Space
Hopefully, my experiences and these instructions for how to replace a medicine cabinet will inspire you to replace yours. Prepare the area, remove the old cabinet, install the new cabinet, and enjoy your handiwork.
As for me, the replacement cabinet served me well until I moved — to a house that unfortunately has no medicine cabinets. Perhaps when it’s time to remodel …
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Main Image Credit: PickComfort / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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