header a medicine cabinet on LB wall
Hello:
I plan to install a recessed medicine cabinet ~17Wx30H (I’ll build) on a 2×4 balloon framed outside wall, 16″ OC. with a double plate at the ceiling. How should this be done correctly for a wannabe carpenter? One side is tight to the wall so I probably will have to screw into the header at an angle if that is okay.
Mike
Replies
Is the wall open or are you working through the cabinet opening? What's above the plates? Second story? Gable?
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Hello Peter:
I think I solved the problem with Yesmaam's post, i.e., I am going to build it in the stud space and have the door centered and save me a days work. But I do have the walls open.
Mike
How is it you have a double plate on a balloon framed home?
I have no idea but the studs run from the basement's mudsill continuous through the first floor bathroom in question to the former roof which is now a bedroom. BTW it is a brick veneer home.
Mike
Why not build it to fit between the studs?
Joe H
Hello Joe:
It would be off center, it figures.
Mike
Based on your descriptions, and the level of your skills, I'd have to say that when you ask:
>>"How should this be done correctly for a wannabe carpenter?"
That my answer might be: Mebbe best to call a real one.
And I'm not trying to be a know-it-all or anything. First, I doubt that you have a balloon framed house, since you describe a doubled top plate. In addition, studs that are well spaced at 16"OC aren't very common in old balloon framing.
And you're asking about installing a cabinet that is too big, even though you'll be building it. Why not just make it the right size? And if the answer has something to do with centering it over a sink, then just build it so the face is centered, and the recessed parts fit.
But, if you really want advice, we need more information. Let's start with -- Is this a gable end wall, or an "eaves" wall?
And, how many stories is your house; which story is this room on?
I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)
Hello YesMaam:
Your idea regarding building it in the stud space with the mirror, etc. centered is great. I think you just saved me a days work. BTW, the framing does run from the basement's mudsill past the first floor (where the bathroom is) up to the second story's double plate. This wall has a dormer addition put on it, originally it was just a small roof area above. And again the idea is great and because this bathroom remodel is "killing" me, I needed a time saver.
Mike
Glad I was able to help -- particularly since the framing you describe makes it highly likely that you are dealing with a wall bearing quite a load.Which would have meant a lot of work if you really did need to cut the framing.
I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)