I have used the Robern mirrored medicine many times in my clients' homes as well as my own. If you would like to recess the unit into the wall (depending upon the model you are using) it is sometimes necessary to cut out one stud in the wall and then "brace" between the two flanking studs. You MUST take great care in doing this as there can be electrical in the way - not to mention the integrity of the wall itself - so it all depends upon the particular installation. The mirrored strips for the side are for a surface mount installation - so obviously the unit will protrude. Hope this helps! Good luck and BE CAREFUL!

not sure what you mean by "guts exposed" - my nutone metro deluxe has about 1" sticking out, but it's only the door. the cabinet itself is fully flush to the wall. i also ran across this one in my searches. don't know any more than what this web site says, but it says the door only protrudes 1/4" from the wall. don't think you'll get any closer than that, if that's what you're looking for Here is a link that might be useful: nutone illusion

Our medicine cabinets don't rust because they are simple wooden frames built into the wall, In the picture below, the middle mirror is fixed and the other two mirrors are the doors for the two cabinets. The doors are cabinet grade plywood with Blum hinges, and the each mirror sits on a nearly invisible piece of stainless steel trim and is held in place with mirror adhesive. Inside, the sides of the boxes are drilled so that adjustable plexiglas shelves can be set on pegs with whatever spacing is desired. This installation is 15 years old and is like new still. .

Call a carpenter they will make an opening and install MC. 1st check to make sure there is nothing behind it like a vent pipe, etc.