Adding a medicine cabinet with a mirror to your bathroom can provide much-needed storage and give your space a polished look. With some basic carpentry skills and the right materials, you can easily build your own DIY medicine cabinet with a mirror to customize to your space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
Choosing a Location
The first step is deciding where you want to install your medicine cabinet. Here are some things to consider:
- It should be positioned near your sink for easy access when washing hands or brushing teeth. However, avoid putting it directly above the sink where splashing water could damage contents.
- Make sure there is enough wall space to accommodate the size cabinet you plan to build. Measure to find a spot at least 24-30 inches wide.
- Consider proximity to an electrical outlet if you want the option to install interior lighting.
- Placement should be at a height that is comfortable for the primary users. Between 5-6 feet high is typical.
Once you’ve settled on the ideal location, you can move on to the fun part – building!
Gathering Supplies and Materials
Building a medicine cabinet is a relatively straightforward woodworking project. With the right set of materials and some basic tools, you can achieve a high-quality, custom DIY cabinet. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lumber
- 1⁄4 or 1⁄2 inch plywood or MDF for the cabinet box. This will make up the top, sides, bottom and shelves.
- 1×2 furring strips for the face frame.
- Wood trim pieces for decorative details if desired.
Hardware
- Hinges – Concealed or utility style. Get hinges rated for the weight of your cabinet.
- Door catch – A magnetic catch keeps the door closed securely.
- Shelf pins – For adjustable shelving. Get enough for the number of shelves wanted.
- Mirror clips or adhesive – To adhere the mirror to the back wall.
- Wood glue, wood screws, and finishing nails.
Tools
- Circular saw or table saw – For cutting panels and lumber to size.
- Drill/driver – For driving screws to assemble the cabinet.
- Level – To ensure the cabinet hangs plumb and true.
- Stud finder – To locate wall studs for secure mounting.
- Tape measure and pencil.
- Sandpaper – For smoothing and prep for painting/staining.
- Safety gear – Glasses, ear protection, etc.
Mirror
- You’ll need a mirror cut to size. Most home improvement stores will cut glass for you. Give them the measurements of your cabinet back panel.
Once you have all the materials, hardware, tools, and mirror, you’re ready to start building.
Cutting the Cabinet Pieces to Size
The first construction steps involve cutting the plywood or MDF into panels for the sides, top, bottom, back, and shelves. Refer to the plans to determine the required sizes.
- Cut the sides, top, and bottom panels to width and height as specified in the plans. A circular saw works well for breaking down full sheets of plywood.
- Cut the fixed shelves to length and width per dimensions.
- Cut the back panel, which will be the full width of the cabinet but several inches taller to overlap the side panels.
- Double check all pieces are cut to accurate measurements before assembly.
Now you can start assembling the box!
Assembling the Cabinet Box
With all pieces cut, it’s time to construct the cabinet box. This can be done with wood glue and screws or finishing nails. Here are the steps:
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the side panels. Position the top and bottom panels between the sides as shown in the diagram.
- Drill pilot holes and drive 1” wood screws through the sides into the top and bottom, keeping everything flush and square.
- Next, install the fixed shelves using glue and screws in the same manner. Refer to your plans for the exact shelf spacing wanted.
- Finally, glue and screw the back panel in place, overlapping the sides. The extra height will allow you to mount the cabinet securely to wall studs later.
- Use a carpenter’s square to check for square as you assemble. Adjust as needed to make sure the cabinet box is nice and square.
- Clamp the pieces as needed while the glue dries. Allow the glue to cure fully before moving on to installing the face frame.
The basic box for your medicine cabinet is now complete!
Adding the Face Frame
The face frame serves both decorative and functional purposes. It conceals the cabinet edges for a neater appearance, and also gives you a surface to mount the doors.
- Cut 1×2 furring strips to the exact width and height of the front edge of the cabinet box.
- Align the top and side pieces and attach using finishing nails and glue. The bottom face frame piece is optional.
- Use scrap wood blocks and clamps to hold the frame in place until the glue sets. Keep it square to the cabinet box.
- Sand any rough edges for a smooth finish.
Hanging the Cabinet Doors
There are several options when it comes to hanging the doors. Concealed hinges provide a modern, streamlined look. Alternatively, you can use standard exterior door hinges mounted to the face frame. Follow the instructions provided with your hinges for proper installation.
- With concealed hinges, use a jig to bore holes in the cabinet sides to insert the hinge cups.
- For exterior hinges, mark and drill holes in both the doors and face frame.
- Attach hinges to doors first, then mount the doors to the cabinet. Adjust as needed to get proper alignment and door swing.
- Install a magnetic door catch according to the manufacturer’s directions to keep the door secured shut when closed.
The mounted doors should now close smoothly and neatly over the opening.
Adding Interior Storage Details
To maximize the storage potential, include some interior cabinet details:
- Adjustable shelves – Drill holes for shelf pins in the side walls at the desired spacing. Insert pins and set shelves in place. You can adjust shelf height anytime.
- Towel bars – Install one or two metal towel bars using provided hardware. Great for hanging hand towels or small toiletries.
- Mirror clips – Adhere clips to the back wall with wood glue or adhesive. After mounting the cabinet, you’ll insert the mirror into the clips.
- Lighting – Wiring for interior lighting can be done now or later. Just be sure to position any fixtures or wires where they won’t obstruct interior storage space.
The options are endless for configuring the inside of your medicine cabinet. Implement as needed for your storage needs.
Preparing and Installing the Mirror
Once construction is complete, the last essential step is installing the mirror.
- Have your mirror glass cut 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch smaller than the back panel width and height. This allows it to slide easily into the mounted cabinet.
- Sand and finish the wood cabinet interior. Stain, paint, or leave unfinished.
- Carefully insert the mirror into the cabinet back, resting it on the installed mirror clips. You can also use adhesive strips or liquid mirror adhesive.
- If wiring for lighting, attach any fixtures to the top interior at this point before mounting the cabinet.
Your mirror should now be firmly installed and ready to mount the finished medicine cabinet on the wall.
Mounting the Cabinet on the Wall
When mounting your DIY medicine cabinet, it’s critical that it be fully secured to wall studs for adequate support and safety. Here’s how:
- Determine the wall stud locations using a stud finder and mark them. Try to align the cabinet with at least two studs.
- Level and mark the wall at the desired mounting height through the back panel at the stud locations.
- Drill pilot holes into the wall studs 2 inches deep using a 1/8” bit.
- Hold the cabinet in place against the wall and drill screws through the back panel into the wall studs to hang the cabinet.
- A second person helps with this process – one to hold the cabinet and the other to drill the screws.
Make sure the cabinet is mounted level and securely before loading it up. Now step back and admire your custom, high-quality DIY medicine cabinet!
Decorative Customization Ideas
Part of the benefit of a DIY medicine cabinet is the ability to add your own decorative touches. Here are some ideas to make your cabinet one-of-a-kind:
- Stain or paint the wood to any color you like. A neutral stain lets the wood grain show.
- Incorporate trim details. Frame the mirror, add dentil trim along the front, or frame the side edges.
- Replace standard hinges with decorative hardware. Antique, galvanized, or scrolled metal gives personality.
- Install crown molding along the top for architecture interest. Light up with under-cabinet lighting.
- Add glass cabinet inserts or fronts to create a display case. Great for collections or decor.
- Use frosted, tinted, or decorative glass for the mirror itself. Etching the glass also adds texture.
Take your DIY medicine cabinet to the next level by customizing to fit your unique style!
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Medicine Cabinets
Building your own medicine cabinet comes with many benefits, but it also raises common questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the ideal size for a medicine cabinet?
The size depends on your space and storage needs. Typical dimensions for medicine cabinets range from 12-24 inches deep and 24-36 inches wide. Standard heights are between 24-30 inches.
What type of wood should be used?
Plywood, MDF, and solid wood like poplar are all good options. Use moisture-resistant wood in bathrooms. Stay away from particle board as it doesn’t hold up to humidity.
Do I need tempered glass for the mirror?
Tempered glass is safer, but not required for medicine cabinets. Annealed float glass 1/8 inch thick is suitable unless local building codes specify tempered.
What’s the best way to mount the mirror?
Adhesive mirror clips provide the most secure hold and are easy to install. Silicon-based liquid adhesive also creates a long-lasting bond. Avoid double-sided tape which can fail over time.
How is lighting added?
LED lighting can be adhered inside the top of the cabinet pointing down. Wire to an outlet before mounting the cabinet or install battery-operated lights.
Should I include ventilation?
Allowing air flow helps reduce moisture and foggy mirrors. Drilling holes or leaving gaps at the top back provide ventilation without impacting appearance.
What are the benefits of a custom medicine cabinet?
DIY medicine cabinets match your decor, maximize the available space, and allow you to add specialized storage details. Plus you can take pride in building it yourself!
Conclusion
Constructing your own medicine cabinet using basic materials and tools is a very achievable weekend project that can completely transform your bathroom. Follow the steps outlined above to end up with a high-quality, custom cabinet that provides both form and function.
The storage possibilities are endless – install shelves, hooks, trays and more to organize all your toiletries and medical essentials. And show off your carpentry skills by applying decorative trim details to reflect your personal style.
Mounting your medicine cabinet securely to wall studs is critical for safety and proper support. But once properly installed, you’ll enjoy a handsome, purpose-built focal point in your bathroom for years to come.