Pros and Cons of Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Pros and Cons of Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets offer a seamless, built-in look that hides storage inside the wall. But they require cutting into drywall, framing, and careful sizing. Here is everything you need to know — including a complete installation guide and the best dual-mount cabinets that work for both recessed and surface applications.
Table of Contents
1. How to Size a Recessed Medicine Cabinet 2. Recessed vs. Surface-Mount — Pros & Cons 3. How to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet 4. Adjusting the Hydraulic Hinges FAQ1. How to Size a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Getting the size right is the most important step. A cabinet that is too large will not fit between studs. One that is too small leaves awkward gaps.
Standard stud spacing in US homes is 16 inches or 24 inches on centre. This determines the maximum width your recessed cabinet can be. Measure the distance between two studs at the installation location, then subtract 1–2 inches for the rough opening to allow the cabinet frame to sit flush.
Key sizing rules:
- Measure the gap between studs — most recessed cabinets fit a 14.5-inch or 22.5-inch opening
- Choose a cabinet that is 1–2 inches narrower than the stud gap for easy insertion
- For depth, most interior walls are 3.5 inches deep (2×4 studs) — ensure the cabinet fits within this depth or projects slightly
- Double-check wall depth if you have plumbing, ducts, or electrical in the cavity
- Use a stud finder to locate studs before marking the cutout
If your stud spacing is 16 inches on centre, the gap between studs is about 14.5 inches. The MC011 (16×24) and MC005 (16×24) are designed to fit this standard opening. For 24-inch on centre studs, wider models like the MC002 or MC010 can be recessed if cut carefully. Always measure twice before cutting.
2. Recessed vs. Surface-Mount — Pros & Cons
Both mounting styles have their place. The right choice depends on your wall structure, bathroom layout, and design preference.
A recessed cabinet sits inside the wall cavity. The mirror face is flush with the drywall surface, creating a seamless look that blends into the wall. In contrast, a surface-mounted cabinet attaches onto the wall surface and projects forward 4–6 inches into the room.
The comparison image shows a recessed installation on the left and a surface installation on the right. The recessed version virtually disappears into the wall, while the surface version adds a framed accent that stands out from the wall surface.
- Seamless, built-in look — mirror sits flush with the wall
- No protruding cabinet — saves space in tight bathrooms
- Clean sightlines — no visual interruption on the wall surface
- Less likely to be bumped or knocked in narrow spaces
- Higher-end, custom appearance without custom cabinetry costs
- Requires cutting into drywall and framing
- Limited to stud gap width — typically 14.5 or 22.5 inches
- Cannot be installed on exterior walls without special framing
- More labour-intensive installation
- Difficult to relocate once installed
- Fastest installation — mount directly to wall studs
- Works on any wall, including exterior walls and tile
- Easy to relocate or replace later
- No wall cutting or framing required
- Available in wider sizes up to 48 inches
- Cabinet projects into the room 4–6 inches
- Mirror face is not flush with the wall
- More visual bulk on the wall surface
- Can feel crowded in very small bathrooms
If you have standard 16-inch on centre studs and want the cleanest possible look, recessed is worth the extra installation effort. If you have tile walls, exterior walls, or need a wider cabinet size, surface-mount with a slim profile gives you great results with less work. Many Tetote cabinets (MC002, MC005, MC010, MC011, MC006) support both mounting methods — you can recess now or surface-mount later if you move.
3. How to Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
Follow these 7 steps to install your recessed medicine cabinet. This guide covers both plug-in and hardwire electrical connections.
Tools Needed
Stud finder, drywall saw or reciprocating saw, screwdriver (Phillips), drill, tape measure, level, pencil, safety glasses, wire strippers (for hardwire).
Safety First
Turn off power at the circuit breaker before connecting any wiring. Use a voltage tester to confirm the circuit is dead. Wear safety glasses when cutting drywall.
Dual-Mount Ready
The cabinets shown here work for both recessed and surface mounting. If you choose surface, skip the wall cutting and frame directly to studs.
Release the door cable
Before handling the cabinet, release the cable that connects the door to the cabinet body. This prevents damage to the door during installation.
Detach the cabinet door
Press the lever under the hydraulic hinge to release the door. Slide the door off the frame and set it aside in a safe location. This makes the cabinet body lighter and easier to handle during installation.
Cut the drywall opening and frame the cavity
Make an outline of the cabinet on the drywall. Cut the marked perimeter through the drywall. Then frame the cutout opening as follows:
- Mark the centre stud within the opening
- Saw the centre stud so the cabinet can rest on the remaining stud sections
- Add two additional studs at the top and bottom of the opening for support
- Add two more studs on each side for the cabinet to be secured to
Connect the power
You can use the plug directly or hardwire the cabinet to a standard switch lighting circuit.
Plug-in: Before hanging the cabinet securely, plug the power cable into a standard socket.
Hardwired: Cut the plug head off and hardwire it into an outlet.
Wiring colours:
BLACK WIRE — POWER SUPPLY L (HOT)
WHITE WIRE — POWER SUPPLY N (NEUTRAL)
GREEN WIRE — POWER SUPPLY E (EARTH)
Place and secure the cabinet
Position the cabinet in the cutout opening. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Secure the cabinet to the framing studs with screws through the pre-drilled mounting holes on the cabinet frame.
Install the glass shelves
Insert the provided shelf clips into the holes on both sides of the cabinet interior. Choose the height positions that work best for your toiletries. Slide the glass shelves onto the clips and ensure they are fully seated.
Reinstall the door
Push the circular connector on the door back into the socket on the top of the cabinet. Tighten it securely. Lift the door onto the hinge arms and close the hinge lever to lock it in place.
4. Adjusting the Hydraulic Hinges
After installation, you may need to fine-tune the door alignment. Tetote cabinets use DTC hydraulic hinges with three adjustment points.
- Open the DTC cover on the hinge
- Turn the screw to adjust how far the door overlaps the cabinet frame
- Increases or decreases the door overlay depth
- Turn the front screw on the hinge
- Adjusts the gap between the door and the cabinet body
- Useful for centring the door in the frame
- Turn the eccentric screw on the hinge mounting plate
- This releases the mounting plate from the cabinet
- Slide the door up or down to the correct height
- Retighten the eccentric screw to lock position
- After installing the cabinet and reattaching the door
- If the door rubs against one side of the frame
- If the gap between door and frame is uneven
- If the door does not close fully or bounces open
Hydraulic soft-close hinges are rated for 100,000+ cycles. Wipe hinges clean with a dry cloth during installation — dust and drywall debris can affect smooth operation. If a hinge loses its soft-close function, contact Tetote support for a warranty replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recess a medicine cabinet in an exterior wall?
Exterior walls have insulation and vapour barriers, making recessed installation more difficult. It is possible if you build a dedicated cavity with proper insulation behind the cabinet, but surface-mounting is generally recommended for exterior walls to avoid thermal bridging and condensation issues.
What is the standard size for a recessed medicine cabinet?
The most common recessed size is 16×24 inches, designed to fit between 16-inch on centre studs. The MC011 and MC005 both come in this size. For larger openings, the MC002 is available up to 48×32 inches but requires wider stud spacing or custom framing.
Do I need an electrician to install an LED medicine cabinet?
Plug-in models do not require an electrician — just plug into a standard outlet near the cabinet. Hardwire models should be installed by a qualified electrician to ensure safe connection to your home's lighting circuit. Tetote recommends hiring a licensed professional for all electrical work.
Can I surface-mount a cabinet that is designed for recessing?
Yes. All cabinets in Tetote's dual-mount collection support both recessed and surface installation. The cabinet body is the same — you simply choose whether to cut it into the wall (recessed) or mount it to the wall surface with screws into studs.
How deep should the wall cavity be for a recessed cabinet?
Standard interior walls built with 2×4 studs have a cavity depth of about 3.5 inches. Most recessed medicine cabinets have a body depth of 3–4 inches. If the cabinet is deeper than the cavity, it can project slightly from the wall — some homeowners prefer this look as a hybrid between recessed and surface.
What if my stud spacing is not standard?
If your stud spacing is non-standard (older homes, custom builds), you may need to build a custom frame within the wall cavity. This involves adding horizontal and vertical blocking to create a properly sized opening. A general contractor can handle this in under an hour.
Can I install a recessed cabinet in a tiled wall?
Yes, but cutting through tile requires a diamond blade or tile saw. It is more labour-intensive and carries a higher risk of tile damage. Surface-mounting on tile is far simpler and avoids the risk of cracked tiles. If you prefer the recessed look, hire a tiler to cut the opening.
How do I clean a recessed medicine cabinet?
Clean the mirror surface with a standard glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Wipe the cabinet interior with a damp cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly into the hinge mechanism. The adjustable glass shelves can be removed for thorough cleaning.
What is the warranty on Tetote dual-mount cabinets?
All Tetote medicine cabinets come with a 3-year warranty covering manufacturing defects, LED drivers, and hinges. Free shipping 48 hrs within from 16 US warehouses.
Best Recessed Medicine Cabinets
These dual-mount cabinets work for both recessed and surface installation. Free shipping 48 hrs within.
MC002 Dual-Lit LED
Front + back LED, 2 outlets + 2 USB, anti-fog, smart memory. 9 sizes up to 48×32. Dual-mount. From $202.49.
View Product →
MC010 Framed LED
Plug-in or hardwire. Slim aluminum frame in black/white. 2 outlets, 3-color, IP44. Dual-mount. From $189.99.
View Product →
MC011 Soft-Close
Soft-close hinges 100K+ cycles, 3 adjustable glass shelves. 16×24 fits standard studs. Assembled. From $89.99.
View Product →
MC005 Beveled Mirror
Beveled edge mirror door, adjustable shelves. 16×24 fits standard studs. Dual-mount. Non-LED.
View Product →
MC006 Stainless Steel
Rust-resistant stainless steel frame, adjustable shelves. Dual-mount. Chrome/silver. Non-LED.
View Product →Ready to install your recessed cabinet?
Free shipping 48 hrs within • 3-year warranty • ETL certified • 16 US warehouses
Shop Dual-Mount Cabinets