Whether you’re looking to clear a cluttered vanity or designate an easy-access space for your daily essentials, learning to build a medicine cabinet is the perfect DIY solution. Plus, if you want a no-frills modern look with a functional mirror to boot, the process is fairly straightforward, especially if you have experience with similar projects. Here are the steps to build a custom medicine cabinet for your space.
Prepping to Build a Medicine Cabinet
Before you start, decide on your medicine cabinet’s length, width, depth, and number of shelves to plan out the wood pieces you’ll need to cut. Some hardware stores will measure and cut the wood for you, but there may be a limit on the number of free cuts they offer before they charge an extra fee.
You’ll also need to select the right stain or paint and primer to achieve your desired finish. Note that the best paint for cabinets in the bathroom is mold- and mildew-resistant paint with a gloss or semi-gloss finish. You can also opt for a waterproof sealer to create a finish that won’t rot or develop mold and mildew.
Mark the Mounting Location
Measure and mark the area of the wall where you’ll be mounting the cabinet. Use a magnet or stud finder to locate studs to securely attach the cabinet. Use a pencil to leave a removable mark on your wall.
Next, measure and cut out your cabinet pieces using a circular or a miter saw. Cut two same-size pieces for the top and bottom, as well as the two sides. Then, cut the wood for the front, back, and inner shelves.
Build the Medicine Cabinet Frame
After you’ve cut your pieces, assemble your cabinet frame. Affix the top, bottom, and back of the cabinet to the sides of the frame using construction adhesive. Reinforce the joined components with brad nails or wood screws.
Add Inner Shelves
Determine the amount of inner shelves you would like and measure the distance between them. Attach your shelf brackets to the inside walls of your frame using nails or screws, and add your shelves.
Build the Medicine Cabinet Door
Measure the surface area of your mirror and cut a matching-sized piece of wood with your circular saw. Attach one side of your hinges to the back of your door, as well as the smaller portion of the magnet clasp on the back of the door on the opposite side of the hinges. Finally, carefully adhere the mirror to the outside of your medicine cabinet door using construction adhesive.
Attach the Medicine Cabinet Door
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Next, lay the cabinet frame face up on a flat surface. Adhere the larger portion of the magnetic clasp to the frame of your medicine cabinet where it meets the other half of the clasp. Once the magnetic clasp has adhered fully, attach the other halves of your hinges to your frame, leaving enough room for the door to fully open and close.
Mount the Cabinet
Once your cabinet is built, locate the spot where you marked the wall stud. Secure the cabinet to the wall using wood screws and use a level to ensure it stays straight.
Finish and Paint
The last step is DIY cabinet painting or staining. Start by removing your shelves from the inside of your medicine cabinet for easier access. If you’re staining, apply one to two coats of your stain, allow it to dry, then finish off with a waterproof sealer.
If you’re painting, coat the inside, outside, and shelves with a waterproof primer. Once your paint is dry, apply one last layer of waterproof sealer to protect against humidity. After everything is dry, reinsert your shelves so your cabinet is ready to use.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Building a medicine cabinet can be a satisfying and money-saving DIY project, although the final cost will depend on the style, materials, and finish you use. If you’re not confident in your woodworking skills or lack the necessary tools, you may want to consider hiring a local cabinet maker for this project to ensure a flawless installation.
To save on labor costs, you can also shop for prefab models and do a simple DIY medicine cabinet installation rather than a full build. However, you’ll be limited to the sizes and styles that are available for purchase, and costs can be significantly higher than what you’d pay for the raw materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicine cabinets are a convenient storage solution, but they’re not the only option. People often use alternatives like open shelving, recessed wall niches, freestanding cabinets, and mirrored bathroom vanities to replace traditional medicine cabinets. These offer storage space while allowing for a more customized and modern look in the bathroom.
Medicine cabinets are not necessarily outdated, but they have evolved in design and functionality. However, some homeowners prefer other storage solutions, like wall-mounted shelving or modern vanity cabinets with built-in storage. Still, medicine cabinets remain a practical and space-saving choice in many bathrooms. In most cases, potential home buyers won’t be swayed by a medicine cabinet one way or the other.
Typically, a medicine cabinet should be installed about 60 to 72 inches above the floor. This height ensures that it's easily accessible for most individuals while allowing for proper visibility and convenience. However, the ideal height may vary based on individual preferences and the average eye level of the users in your household.
