If you are concerned about possible pipes or electrical wires, consult with a professional before you drill or cut into the wall.
Having a helper to hold the cabinet in place for you will make the job easier. Try to line up the cabinet with studs for the best support. If you can’t line the cabinet up with the wall studs, you’ll need to use plastic anchors when you drill pilot holes.
If weren’t able to line the installation holes up with the wall studs, insert plastic anchors into your pilot holes.
Some cabinets come with washers or plastic bits to conceal the screws once they’re fastened. Check your cabinet’s installation guide for specific information about these or any other included hardware.
If you do find wires, usually it is pretty easy to move or reroute them, just make sure you turn the breaker off before touching them. If you have the blueprints to your house, check to see if they include any information about what’s behind your wall. If you do identify a large vent, pipe, or load-bearing framework, your best solution will be to install a surface-mounted cabinet. [7] X Research source
If you purchase a cabinet with a width less than 16 inches, you’ll most likely be able to install it without notching the studs.
Use a flashlight to look into hole and inspect the area where you want to cut your recess. If you see wires or pipes, call a plumber or electrician to have the obstructions rerouted. [11] X Research source
Avoid using power tools to cut out the hole since they can easily damage the wall on the other side. Try to use careful, even strokes to avoid disfiguring the remaining drywall outside of the cabinet outline.
After removing the section of stud that’s in the way, place the cabinet into the recess to check its fit. Make sure its door opens without obstruction. Use a utility knife and coarse file to fix any tight spots, like bits of protruding drywall or wall stud.
If you’ve notched a stud, cut a pair of boards for the bottom of the drywall opening and another pair to frame the top. Cut another pair of boards to fit vertically on both sides of the drywall opening. If your studs are intact and your cabinet outline is square with them, just cut two boards to fit between the studs at the bottom and top.
Repeat the sequence to attach the other boards.
You’ll need to patch the screw heads before installing the medicine cabinet. Once it’s mounted, the cabinet might make the area harder to patch, prime, and paint.
Visit your local home improvement store and ask a sale representative for help choosing a product such as vacuum insulated panels. [18] X Research source
Your cabinet might have come with plastic washers or covers to fit over the installation holes. Check its installation guide if you have these or any additional hardware.
