Bathroom Renovation — FAQ
Can any recessed medicine cabinet be surface mounted?
No. Recessed-only cabinets lack the finished back panel and side trim needed for surface mounting. Attempting this exposes unfinished edges and creates a 2-inch gap. Choose dual-mount models if you want flexibility.
What's the standard rough opening size?
Most 16x26 cabinets need a 14.5x24.5-inch rough opening between studs. Always add 0.5-inch tolerance to manufacturer specs for framing irregularities. Measure your studs first—older homes may have 12-inch spacing.
How do I handle electrical wires behind the drywall?
Use a stud finder with electrical detection. If wires cross the cavity, you must either reroute them or choose a shallower cabinet. Never compress wires against the cabinet back—this violates code and creates fire risk.
Are glass shelves safe in a bathroom?
Tempered glass shelves are safe and hold 20+ pounds when properly supported. Avoid annealed glass—it shatters dangerously. Check for rubber grommets on metal supports to prevent glass-on-metal contact that causes cracking.
Why do some mirrors have a green edge?
Standard mirror glass uses soda-lime silica with iron content that creates a green tint, visible on edges. Low-iron glass eliminates this but costs 30% more. The Kohler model we tested uses low-iron glass for true color reflection.
How much weight can a recessed cabinet hold?
The cabinet itself holds 50-75 pounds when anchored to studs. Each shelf typically supports 15-20 pounds. Overloading creates sagging and door alignment issues. Distribute heavy items across multiple shelves.
