How Long Does It Take to Install a Medicine Cabinet?

Quick Answer

Installing a medicine cabinet takes 30 minutes–3 hours depending on whether you choose surface-mount or recessed installation. A surface-mount cabinet is a straightforward project that most DIYers can complete in under an hour. Recessed installation involves cutting into the wall and framing the opening, which adds significant time and complexity.

Time by Installation Type

Type	Skill Level	Time	Tools Needed
Surface-mount (new)	Beginner	30–60 minutes	Drill, level, stud finder, screws
Surface-mount (replacement)	Beginner	20–45 minutes	Drill, level, screws
Recessed (between studs)	Intermediate	1.5–2.5 hours	Drywall saw, drill, level, framing lumber
Recessed (cutting a stud)	Advanced	2.5–3+ hours	Reciprocating saw, headers, framing lumber
Recessed (replacing existing)	Beginner–Intermediate	30–90 minutes	Drill, level, shims

Surface-Mount Installation

Surface-mount cabinets hang on the wall like a picture frame or shelf. This is the simpler option and requires minimal tools.

Steps

1. Locate studs with a stud finder and mark them (5 minutes)
2. Determine height — standard mounting places the mirror at eye level, typically with the bottom of the cabinet 48–54 inches from the floor (5 minutes)
3. Mark and drill pilot holes through the cabinet's mounting holes into at least one stud (5–10 minutes)
4. Secure the cabinet to the wall with appropriate screws. If you cannot hit a stud, use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for the cabinet's weight (10–15 minutes)
5. Level and adjust, then install shelves and doors if shipped separately (5–10 minutes)

Recessed Installation

Recessed cabinets sit inside the wall cavity, creating a flush, streamlined look. This requires cutting into drywall and may involve framing.

Steps

1. Check for obstructions — use a stud finder to locate studs, and check for electrical wiring and plumbing inside the wall. This step is critical in bathrooms. (10–15 minutes)
2. Mark the opening on the wall using the cabinet's rough-in dimensions (5–10 minutes)
3. Cut the drywall with a drywall saw along the marked lines (10–15 minutes)
4. Frame the opening if the cabinet does not fit perfectly between existing studs. Install 2x4 headers at the top and bottom, and add a side stud if needed (20–45 minutes)
5. Test-fit the cabinet and make adjustments to the opening (5–10 minutes)
6. Secure the cabinet to the framing with screws through the cabinet's mounting flanges (10–15 minutes)
7. Caulk the edges between the cabinet frame and the wall for a finished look (5–10 minutes)

Important Considerations

What Is Inside Your Wall?

Before cutting, you must verify there are no electrical wires, plumbing pipes, or HVAC ducts in the wall cavity. Bathrooms commonly have wiring for outlets, light switches, and exhaust fans routed through the walls. If you encounter any of these, you may need to choose a different location or hire a professional to reroute them.

Stud Spacing Matters

Standard stud spacing is 16 inches on center. Most recessed medicine cabinets are designed to fit between two studs (roughly 14.5 inches of usable width). Larger cabinets may require cutting through a stud, which demands installing a header to maintain structural integrity — a job best suited for intermediate to advanced DIYers.

Exterior and Load-Bearing Walls

Avoid recessed installation on exterior walls (insulation and vapor barrier complications) and load-bearing walls (structural risk when cutting studs). If unsure whether a wall is load-bearing, consult a professional before cutting.

When to Hire a Professional

Consider hiring a contractor if you need to cut through a stud, suspect electrical or plumbing in the wall, are working on a load-bearing wall, or want to add electrical for a lighted medicine cabinet. A professional installation typically costs $150–$400 for labor and takes 1–2 hours.