How to Replace Medicine Cabinet Shelves

It is relatively easy to replace medicine cabinet shelves, either wooden or glass ones; all you need beside some basic tools, is a bit of spare time, and a flair for DIY.

Tools and Materials Needed:

(Replacing Wooden Shelves)

• Steel Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Level
• Wood Screws
• Circular Saw
• Carpenter’s Square
• Drill and Screwdriver bit
• Ply wood: 122mm by 244mm by 2.5mm

(Replacing Glass Shelves)

• New glass shelves (they can be bought at any DIY store) as most are standard size to fit standard type cabinets; if not they can be cut and finished to your specific measurements.
• Plastic shelf supports
• Level

Step 1 - Take Measurements

Measure the length and width inside the cabinet and record these measurements on a small sheet of paper, for reference; the shelves have to fit snuggly inside the cabinet, but still be loose enough to slide in and out easily.

Step 2 - Sketch The Shelves On Your Plywood

Draw out the shelves on the plywood using the carpenter square; draw the corners of each shelf at a ninety degrees angle.

Step 3 - Cut Out The Shelves

Using the saw, cut out the number of shelves you require. Always remember to use safety gear when using your saw. Any left over wood can be stored for other DIY projects.

Step 4 - Install Your Shelves

Place the shelves on the notches inside the cabinet and using the level, make sure that they are straight. Also, make sure the notches are steady and still fixed firmly in place, as the strength of the shelves depends on their stability.  If they are wobbly adjust them till they are firmly in place; if they are not up to standard you can always replace them.

If the back of your cabinet is of solid wood you can insert two wooden screws through the back for more stability.

Glass medicine shelves are installed in pretty much the same way as other shelving. You may consider discarding any wood dowels or metal shelf supports, which are often found in older cabinets and replacing them with modern plastic shelf supports instead, in the spirit of new shelving needs new fittings. 

Step 1 - Remove Old Shelf

Remove the existing shelf in the cabinet paying particular attention if the glass is chipped or even cracked.

Step 2 - Remove Old Shelf Supports

Pull out the old shelf supports, and measure the width of the cabinet’s side panel to determine the size of the new shelf supports you will need for your new glass shelf.

It is vitally important that the new supports are of adequate size because if not, the glass might fall down. The new plastic shelf supports, are typically clear and not noticeable, which goes well with glass. 

Step 3 - Install New Supports

After getting the required size insert them in the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet to make sure they fit correctly.

Step 4 - Install Your New Shelves

Place the shelf on top of the supports and using the level see if they are straight. If not, you have to reposition them.

Whether replacing wood or glass shelving take safety precautions especially when working with wood. Wear safety glasses because slivers of wood might get into your eyes; glass has to be handled carefully, not just because it might break but because flying shards of glass can be deadly.