The quick version
I hang bathroom mirrors and medicine cabinets centered on the sink and level, using hardware rated for the weight. If you’re replacing a recessed cabinet, I measure the wall opening first so you buy one that fits.
What I need in your text
- The wall above the sink, with the light
- The current mirror or cabinet
- How it’s attached: clips, glue or screws
- The new piece with its size
- Any outlet near it
Mirror and cabinet work
- Heavy framed and antique mirrors on French cleats
- Bathroom vanity mirrors, framed or frameless
- Full-length mirrors secured against tipping
- Recessed cabinet swaps, with the opening resized when needed
- Surface cabinets hung over pedestal sinks
- Old mirrors removed and plaster repaired
Plaster walls
Since 52.3 percent of homes in San Gabriel are over 60 years old, many bathrooms have plaster over wood lath. Plaster cracks if drilled carelessly, so I pre-drill and fasten to framing.
Original recessed cabinets in these houses are often small, so a new one may need the opening widened between studs.
Steps
Plan
I check the wall and mirror weight from photos.
Locate framing
Studs are found and marked.
Mount
Cleats or brackets go up level, then the mirror or cabinet.
Touch up
Patches and caulk where needed.
Glass work
Custom-cut mirrors and mirrored walls come from a glass shop.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about picture and art hanging, towel bar and bathroom hardware installation, light fixture swaps or shelf installation.
What to send
A photo of the wall, plus the size and weight of the mirror or cabinet.
Mirror questions
Can you hang a heavy mirror on plaster?
Yes, on a cleat fastened to the framing behind the plaster.
Can a new medicine cabinet fit an old opening?
Often, and if not I can resize the opening between studs.
Do you install vanity mirrors?
Yes, framed and frameless.
How much does mirror installation cost?
It depends on the size. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Should I get a recessed or surface-mount medicine cabinet?
Recessed sits flush but needs a stud bay with no pipes or wires in it. Surface-mount goes anywhere. I check the wall before you order.
What’s the best heavy-duty mirror hanging kit?
A French cleat or Z-bar into studs for framed mirrors, or heavy J-clips for frameless glass. I size it to the mirror.
Where this job leads
- Light fixture swapsSwap the light above.
- Towel bar and bathroom hardwareMatching towel bars and hooks.
- Plaster crack repairOld walls behind mirrors.
- Drywall, plaster and paintPaint the wall before hanging.
Worth a read: what our cabinet latches and earthquake safety guide says about mirror and medicine cabinet installation.
Mounting guides
- Hanging curtain rods, blinds and shelves in thick wallsHow to hang curtain rods, blinds and shelves in the thick plaster walls and deep window reveals of San Gabriel's Mission Revival and adobe-style homes.
- Hanging art the old way and the new wayHow to use original picture rail molding in an older San Gabriel home, and how we hang gallery walls on plaster without cracking it.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our mounting, hanging and assembly group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.