Surface-Mounted Cabinets

• According to AskTheBuilder.com, bathroom cabinets can be surface-mounted in as little as 10 minutes, providing instant functionality. Most cabinets will come with instructions and hardware (screws and washers) for mounting, however the owner is responsible for having the necessary tools, which include a drawing utensil, stud finder, level and drill. When mounting a cabinet to the surface of the wall, it is important to locate the studs, which are the underlying supportive beams. An electronic stud-finder can achieve this, or seasoned DIYers can find studs simply by tapping on the wall. Plain drywall will feel hollow, while studs will feel solid and make a thump. Most bathroom cabinets are supported by two screws, both of which should ideally be driven into studs. If this is not possible, HomeTips.com recommends using hollow wall fasteners, which are plastic screw-attachments that can grip drywall better than screws alone, and help prevent drywall cracking and crumbling. Use a level when marking the screw locations, and if the cabinet has a hanging panel or cleat, drive the screws through it. Have someone assist you by holding the cabinet in place while you secure it to the wall.
  
  

Recessed Cabinets

• Mounting a recessed cabinet entails fitting the cabinet into the wall so that its front is flush with the wall's surface. In a home that is still under construction, this can be a simple task. It involves simply building a frame in the wall and putting the cabinet in place. However, in a finished home, there are plumbing pipes, heating ducts and electrical wires to contend with. To create a cavity in which to place the cabinet, carefully remove drywall and plaster. Use a pry bar or a small power saw to do this. According to HomeTips.com, if there are pipes or other obstructions, it is best to call the appropriate professional (plumber, electrician, etc.) before continuing work. Measure the dimensions of the bathroom cabinet precisely with a tape measure. Make frames from small panels of wood, including scraps from previous larger projects. Although the wall will be strong enough to support the cabinet, it is still necessary to drive in support screws. These will prevent the cabinet from tipping forward once it is mounted.