How To Change A Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

How To Change a Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

Replacing a bathroom medicine cabinet can be a simple DIY project, adding a touch of style and functionality to your bathroom. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you successfully complete this task. Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials, which include: a screwdriver, a level, a pencil, a stud finder, a drill with a driver bit, a safety glasses, a tape measure, a utility knife, caulk, and a new medicine cabinet.

1. Preparation and Removal of the Old Cabinet

The first step in changing your medicine cabinet is to prepare the area and remove the old one. This involves turning off the power supply to the bathroom, disconnecting the lights, and removing any items from the cabinet. Once cleared, you can begin dismantling the old cabinet. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cabinet to the wall. If the cabinet is mounted on a backplate, you may need to remove the screws securing the backplate. You can also use a utility knife to carefully remove any caulk sealing the cabinet to the wall.

After removing the old cabinet, inspect the wall for any damage or loose drywall. If you find any issues, use drywall compound to repair them before proceeding.

2. Installing the New Cabinet

Once the old cabinet is removed and the wall is prepared, you can begin installing the new cabinet. Begin by identifying the studs in the wall using a stud finder. This will ensure the cabinet is securely mounted and supported. Mark the stud locations on the wall with a pencil. You can then use the new medicine cabinet’s template or measurements to mark the position where the cabinet will be installed. Make sure the marked location is level using a level.

Depending on the design of your new cabinet, you will either mount it directly to the wall or to a backplate. If mounting directly to the wall, drill pilot holes at the marked locations using a drill with a driver bit. Then, attach the cabinet to the wall using screws. Ensure the screws are long enough to reach the studs for proper support.

If the new cabinet requires a backplate, first attach the backplate to the wall at the marked location using screws and drill pilot holes where necessary. Then, install the cabinet to the backplate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Finishing Touches

Once the cabinet is installed, you can finish the project by applying caulk around the edges of the cabinet to create a watertight seal. Allow the caulk to dry completely before using the cabinet.

Connect any electrical wiring if your new medicine cabinet has a light. Make sure to use wire nuts to secure the connections and test the lights before closing up the cabinet. Lastly, re-attach the cover plate and replace the screws if the cabinet has one. If you remove the mirror, re-attach it to the cabinet.