How to Build a Recessed Medicine Cabinet

Custom Bathroom Fixtures Add Storage Space and Home Resale Value

Jul 18, 2009

Custom Bathroom Medicine Cabinet, Kelly Smith

Building a recessed (or inset) bathroom medicine cabinet isn't a difficult woodworking project, just time-consuming. This storage unit makes good use of available space.

This article provides generic building plans that will come in handy during a bath remodel project. Most bath spaces are small. This medicine cabinet is built into the wall, virtually flush. The fact that many bathrooms have double walls to accommodate plumbing pipes allows for additional depth and storage space.

This plan is based on the author's personal bathroom remodeling job. It made a great custom woodworking project since the existing fixture was a contractor grade unit which was very shallow. Designing an offset back around a wall stud and plumbing gave additional depth. Every situation is unique so no hard dimensions are suggested.

Refer to the pictures for clarification.

Tool and Material List

Table saw (although a circular saw would work if used very carefully)
Four 90 degree picture frame clamps
Drill press for maximum accuracy
Biscuit joiner and biscuits
Choice of lumber (this project used poplar, luan plywood, and red oak)
Shelf material (Plexiglas was used rather than wood for thickness considerations)
Homemade wood putty
Wood finish (in this humid environment, use a penetrating finish such as tung or Danish oil)
Titebond III wood glue
Wood screws
1/4” shelf pegs or supports
Self-closing hinges
Door pull

Building the Box Frame

The box frame is the heart of this storage unit and should be the first component built, from wall opening dimensions. Since the joints will not be visible and will not be subjected to much stress, no fancy wood joinery like dovetail joints or mortise and tenon are required, just glue and finish nails.

The box frame was made from poplar.

After cutting the sides and the top and bottom, lay out and drill the holes for the shelf pegs. More holes make for more shelf height options. Also, drill holes to anchor the cabinet to the rough framing in the wall opening. 4 screws should be sufficient.

Dry fit and ensure the box components are perfectly square. Glue and nail together. Next, attach the luan plywood backing to complete the frame. Finally, apply the finish and allow it to dry.

Build the Cabinet Face

The cabinet face was made from red oak. The box frame front edge should be flush with the drywall surface. Accordingly, the face will hide the box's leading edge, and trim out the wall. Miter the corners at 45 degrees, use a biscuit joiner to assemble, glue and clamp with the picture clamps, and allow the glue to dry.

Attach the face to the box with finish nails. Putty all joints and nail holes. Sand the project completely and apply 1 or 2 coats of finish. When dry, set the box in the wall cavity, plumb it, and attach with wood screws.

Make and Install the Cabinet Door

Cabinet doors can be as ornate as desired; this one was sleek and minimal. The door frame is made like the face, just smaller. Then attach a rectangle of luan plywood to the back that is large enough to sturdy and strengthen the door frame while still clearing the inner edges of the box.

Finish the door and mount to the cabinet and add any door pull if desired. Install the pegs and shelves and the project is done.

The copyright of the article How to Build a Recessed Medicine Cabinet in Home Renovation/Repair is owned by Kelly Smith. Permission to republish How to Build a Recessed Medicine Cabinet in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.