How to Install a Medicine Cabinet in a Load-Bearing Wall

Installing a new medicine cabinet in a load-bearing wall is a tricky situation, and you must proceed with caution. This type of wall does not work for recessed cabinetry. The space between the studs is typically not wide enough for a standard recessed cabinet, and you cannot cut through the studs on a load-bearing wall. This means that the cabinet must be mounted on the exterior of the wall. While this will mean losing a few inches of space, in this situation, there is simply not much choice.

Stud finder
Pencil
Measuring tape
Cordless screwdriver
Screws

Instructions

- 1
  Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. Hold the stud finder in front of you and wave it back and forth. Wait for it to indicate the location of the studs and then mark the area with a pencil.
- 2
  Measure where the top of the medicine cabinet will go. It is a common issue to hang a medicine cabinet too high for every day use. Ideally, the top of the medicine cabinet should be at eye level. Mark this spot on the wall with your pencil.
- 3
  Have a friend lift the medicine cabinet into place. She can hold it for you while you attach the screws. It is very difficult to try to do this on your own.
- 4
  Insert the mounting screws through the back of the cabinet, into the studs, with a cordless screwdriver. The screws should be at least 1 inch long to get a good bite on the wood of the stud. If the cabinet is heavier than 10 pounds, go up to 2-inch screws. Tighten the screws until the head is flush with the back of the cabinet.

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