How to install a bathroom mirror cabinet?

[Bell_xo]

Hello 

I would love to replace my standard mirror in bathroom with a mirror cabinet. The one I like has a bracket included which is two pieces of wood and then the mirror cabinet simply connects to it - please see pics. Looking back during frame stage I can see there are no studs placed where the bracket will need to be installed - and i really want to install on to studs to be safe. Is there a simple solution? The current standard mirror is bigger than the mirror cabinet i would like to replace it with.

 

 

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bell_xo,

Thank you for reaching out for assistance with installing a bathroom cabinet.

It looks like the cabinet uses a french cleat system for hanging, which is a solid solution for hanging cabinetry.

While you don't have multiple studs available, it looks like you have one, which is far better than having none. My suggestion would be to use a long, solid screw, such as these 75mm Galvanised Countersunk Rib Head Timber Screws, through the centre of the cleats into the available stud, and then use Ramset Super Wallmate Toggle Anchors on the ends of the cleats.

The large central screws will be doing most of the work, transferring the vertical load into the stud, and the anchors on each end will help to support the weight and keep things balanced. These anchors are rated to support up 20kg each, so with four of them and two long screws into the stud, you should be more than fine.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Bell_xo]

Is it okay to do this can studs really handle mounting all this stuff? Ill have to make sure i get in the middle of stud to avoid any pipes on the side of stud and anything else that might be around? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bell_xo,

Considering the weight of the cabinet is 15kg, and you are unlikely to be storing a huge amount of weight in a bathroom cabinet, I can't imagine it would ever have a cumulative weight of over 50kg. Using four anchors that are rated to support 20kg, with two large screws into a stud, which you can reasonably expect to support around 30-40kg each, your cabinet should be fine.

You can use a stud finder to locate the studs and then put pilot holes in the stud with a 3.5mm drill bit before driving in the screws.

If you are careful with how you mark your stud, you should be able to avoid the pipes, but ultimately, there is always a risk. If you were concerned, it might be worth having a handyperson come out to assist.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Bell_xo]

So the stud/ house frame can handle all this stuff?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Bell_xo,

Assuming your home is constructed to the relevant standards, then there should be no reason the frame couldn't support a cabinet.

Ultimately, I can't speak to the integrity of your home; however, under standard circumstances, a timber stud frame can support that kind of weight.

If you wanted someone to sign off on it with 100% certainty, you would need to speak with a builder or engineer.

Jacob