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Oak frame medicine cabinet, plain

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)

18 years ago

I'm trying to find medicine cabinet options. I need a small one with a plain, simple frame in oak. Mission or Shaker would be ideal. My current one is like this but is surface mounted and really sticks out too much from the wall (~ 5 inches with the frame). It's right inside the door when you walk in, and kind of visually blocks your view. I have occasionally whacked myself on the corner of it too. I could refinish this but a section of the wood part is badly dented and buying a new one might be easier.

Ideally I would like to recess this (or preferably, the new one), but am worried about getting into trouble with wiring under the drywall. I have a light switch and outlet just inside the door. The "box" part of this current one is 15 1/2" wide anyway, so I doubt that would fit between standard 16" on center studs.

I used to see cabinets made to be recessed all the time but for some reason don't see them now. (Especially not simple ones without fancy carvings.) I did check the local HD and Menard's; where I bought the present one. The custom kitchen and bath cabinet makers will not take an order for one (too small an order).

I would be happy to buy it unfinished and do that myself. If oak is not available I could paint it. I am not a real woodworker but am handy. I've toyed with the idea of building it myself but have too many unfinished projects as it is.

Any resources?

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Comments (2)

mixer1
18 years ago
Hey there,

I have done this in many bathrooms. First you need to find a knowlegable person to carefully check the out the wall - electrical is almost never a problem BUT plumbing can be. Very often the "vent" pipe for the sink drain is in the wall behind the sink. If that pipe is cast-iron it will not be worth moving and you are stuck.
Medicine cabinets do not have to fit between studs. A handyperson will simply cut the hole and reframe the opening as a "window". HD sells a few Medicine cabinets designed to be recessed. You will have to special order the nicer "shaker" style units.
Beyond that, many folks simply put up a nice mirror and mount the medicine cabinet on a side wall.
David
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
18 years ago
The wall behind the sink already has a big wide mirror on it that we're keeping. I think it's likely the vent is there: I remember piping (PVC, I think) running up that wall from when the house was built ~20 years ago.

I was concerned about the conduit coming from the box because I don't know if it is likely that it is going straight up (in which case I will be fine, as I have room to move it a couple of inches sideways), or at an angle, heading for the light over the big mirror on the adjacent wall. The wall switches control this light as well as a ceiling fan.

The medicine cabinet is on a side wall right next to the door, which is why its sticking out is awkward. I'd like it to fit between the studs: I don't want to have to reframe anything. If it gets too complicated looking I will have to give it up, as the "add-ons" to this reno are getting ridiculous!

I was in HD yesterday and didn't see any recessed ones: but admittedly was rushing through.
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Ceezeecz, the Hudson that Mayflower posted also has decorative molding n the sides that should take care of your problem with the drawers hitting the door molding when you try to open them if you have them on the left. Putting drawers on the left would let you have a wider vanity, wouldn't it? Another option that I don't think I have seen you consider for your vanity area are the new slimmer vanities. They go down to 18" deep now. Signature Hardware sent me an email that they just got a bunch in, since I was looking for that size. Here is one that is 48" wide, Wenge wood, and 18" deep. They have three pages of 18" vanities to look at here:Signature Hardware 18" deep vanities I ended up getting an actual lady's vanity, though. I needed the kneehole in case I ever need a wheelchair. Cindywhitall, I don't understand why a filler panel would necessarily take up 6". They may sell it that size, but anyone who can cut a straight cut (someone with more skills than me, that is!) can cut them down to the needed size, right? If you had 9" of space, you could put in a drawer or a skinny pull-out, and that is why the filler panel is 6". The cabinet industry does everything in 3" intervals. Sometimes, a filler of only an inch or so is needed to allow clearance for a drawer to open next to the wall with a door molding in front of it, or for a door to swing right when the cabinet is at an angle to the one next to it.
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My client bought an expensive Kohler medicine cabinet and when I went to install it we found a giant 4" cast iron drain stack. No way to move it so I chopped up the medicine cabinet and went custom on it. Not that hard really. Maybe have a look at this discussion. [CAN I RECESS A KOHLER MEDICINE CABINET INTO A WALL SPACE WITH PIPES[(https://www.houzz.com/products/modern-bathroom-vanity-lighting-prvw-vr~3033409) When I dry fit or mocked up the medicine cabinet it really stuck out a lot. Almost 4 inches. This took away from the sexy light fixture that will soon go in. I would choose a flat mirror or framed mirror over a surface mounted medicine cabinet. On this job the client asked me to make something custom with a night light for her two young boys. This was an easy build. This unit made from baseboards, 2" banding tape and some stainless steel, Built in my shop and installed on site.
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A white counter topped back splash will brighten and modernize your kitchen but here are a few other suggestions. ~replace wine rack with wood shelves that match the cabinets. ~Add a faux wall next to the refrigerator. It will create a hallway. Instead of feeling as though you are immediately stepping into the kitchen the hallway will guide you slowly. ~As far as the cabinets, I would refinish them first and then decide if you even want hardware. No hardware will keep your kitchen clean and simple. If you do decide to add hardware don't get cheap. I understand you are on a budget but hardware can make or break your improvements. Think it like this--putting cheap buttons on a nice coat only make your coat look cheap. ~Keeping the natural color of the oak is nice but think about going with a cherry stain instead might give it a richer look. ~Replace all overhead lights including the one above your sink. If recessed lighting is not an option there are some good fixtures to choose from that won't break the bank. Consider white globe lighting. It will keep with the rounded cabinet door theme. Hope that helps.
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WG Wood Products in Florida will make you a med cab with your choice of several doors, any height (just chose the size closest to the size you want and click on it, then when you go to that page you can customize it). Custom size with no extra charge. These cabinets are so very customizable in size and depth, stain or paintable, door styles, with or without electric plug (up or down) or lights.
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