Can You Hang Cabinets on Metal Studs?

Installing kitchen cabinets can be a challenging DIY project, especially when working with metal studs. Metal studs are becoming increasingly common in modern construction, but they require some special considerations when hanging cabinets. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully installing cabinets on metal studs.

An Introduction to Metal Studs

Before we dive into hanging cabinets, let’s briefly go over what metal studs are and how they differ from wood studs.

Metal studs are thin vertical framing members made of galvanized steel rather than wood. They are used to build interior walls and partitions. Metal studs have several advantages over wood:

• Strength – Pound for pound, metal is stronger than wood. Metal studs allow for taller walls and greater spacing between studs.
• Stability – Metal won’t twist, warp or rot over time like wood. This makes for very stable walls.
• Fire resistance – Metal is non-combustible, giving added fire protection.
• Termite proof – Metal studs won’t be eaten by termites or other pests.
• Sustainability – Metal studs contain recycled content and are recyclable.

The main disadvantage of metal studs is they are more difficult to cut and fasten into than wood. Special tools and techniques are required. Screws and nails cannot easily penetrate metal, so different types of fasteners are used.

Now that we know the basics of metal stud framing, let’s look at what’s needed to successfully hang cabinets on them.

Can You Secure Cabinets Directly to Metal Studs?

A common question that arises is whether you can secure cabinets directly against the metal studs, as you would with wood studs.

The short answer is no, this is not recommended with metal studs.

Metal is too thin and rigid to allow screws to grip properly. Attaching cabinets directly to the metal with screws often results in them working loose over time as the cabinet is loaded with weight. This leads to a wobbly, unstable installation.

For a secure cabinet installation, a layer of wood backing needs to be added behind the wallboard first to provide thickness for the screws to grab into.

Adding Wood Backing to Metal Studs

To hang cabinets on a metal stud wall, horizontal wood backing boards should be anchored to the studs wherever cabinets will be installed.

The wood backing provides the thickness needed for the cabinet mounting screws to bite into. It also stabilizes the cabinets and prevents them from twisting off the wall over time.

Here are the general steps to add wood backing:

Choose the Backing Material

3/4 inch plywood or solid wood boards are ideal for cabinet backing. Plywood is less prone to warping or twisting than solid lumber.

Make sure the backing boards extend across at least two metal studs for stability. The backing should be a few inches wider than the cabinet base footprint.

Cut Backing Boards to Length

Measure and cut the backing boards to the required width. Cut them long enough to extend past the studs at least 2 inches on each end.

Attach Backing to Studs

Predrill holes through the backing boards to prevent splitting. Attach them horizontally to studs using self-tapping #12 or #14 metal screws.

• Space screws every 4 – 6 inches along the studs.
• Make sure boards are level.
• Attach to at least 2 studs whenever possible for stability.

Fasten Through Wallboard

Once wallboard is installed, fasten through it into the backing boards using more self-tapping screws. This locks everything firmly in place.

• Space screws every 8 – 12 inches horizontally.
• Use screw lengths 1/2″ longer than wallboard thickness.

Once wood backing is properly installed, cabinets can be securely fastened to it using wood screws or other fasteners. The backing transfers load into the studs.

Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

With suitable wood backing in place, you’re ready to hang cabinets on metal stud walls using best practices:

Find the Studs

Locate studs using a stud finder. Mark their locations with painter’s tape on the wall. Studs are normally spaced 16 inches apart.

Make sure cabinets will align with at least two studs whenever possible for maximum stability. Having backing extending over multiple studs is ideal.

Level and Mark Mounting Height

Determine the desired cabinet mounting height from the floor. Level and mark a line at this height across the stud locations.

Tip: account for baseboard thickness if installing cabinets down to the floor. Mount them slightly above the final baseboard height.

Attach Wall-Mounted Rails

Install continuous mounting rails anchored to the backing between each pair of studs.

• Use 2×4 or 2×6 rails for base cabinets.
• Use 1×3 or 1×4 rails for wall cabinets.

Predrill holes and use 3-inch wood or lag screws to attach rails to the backing boards. Make sure rails are perfectly level.

Attach Cabinets to Mounting Rails

Predrill cabinet rail holes then fasten cabinets to the level mounting rails using 2-1/2 to 3-inch wood screws driven into the wall stud backing.

Follow the kitchen cabinet manufacturer’s instructions for required fastener type, size, and placement to securely support the cabinet load.

Using this mounting method, upper cabinets can be hung first since the base doesn’t rely on precise cabinet-to-cabinet alignment.

Tips for Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Follow these tips for the best results when installing cabinets on metal stud walls:

• Always use self-tapping metal screws formulated for steel when fastening to metal studs. Do not use wood screws.
• Drill pilot holes for screws using a step drill bit to bore through the stud. This prevents screws from wandering.
• Take care not to over-tighten screws into metal studs – they can more easily strip than wood.
• Consider using cabinet hanging rail systems made for metal studs for easier installation.
• Stacked upper cabinets may need an extra stiffener strip at the bottom to prevent sagging.
• Allow 1/8″ spacing between cabinet sides and adjacent walls to allow shifting without binding.
• Shim cabinets to plumb and level – don’t force them into alignment by over-tightening screws.

Solutions for Limited Wall Access

Sometimes in remodeling projects there is limited wall access behind existing walls to install adequate backing. Here are some solutions for hanging cabinets with restricted stud access:

Use Toggler-Style Hollow Wall Anchors

Toggler and molly-style anchors are specially designed for gripping into hollow wall cavities. The spring-loaded toggler wings rotate 90 degrees inside the wall to provide a robust rear support.

Installation tips when using hollow wall anchors:

• Drill clearance holes through wallboard at stud locations.
• Insert anchors and tighten so toggler wings rotate and lock.
• Attach mounting rails anchored into toggler bolts.
• Keep cabinets 24″ or less in width when relying solely on hollow wall anchors.

Attach to Bottom Plate

If the wall void allows access, the wall’s bottom wood plate can be utilized for hanging backing boards or rails. This takes advantage of the vertical support of the wall framing.

• Use long wood screws down into bottom plate through drilled holes.
• Pilot holes will be needed for solid wood bottom plates.
• Stagger screws to avoid splitting wood bottom plate.

Sister New Studs

Where possible, sister new wood studs next to metal ones by screwing them back-to-back. Then install wood backing attached to the new wood studs normally.

Hanging Upper Cabinets on Metal Studs

The same general techniques used for mounting base cabinets also apply to upper wall cabinets on metal stud walls.

The key steps include:

• Making sure adequate wood backing is anchored securely to metal studs.
• Mounting continuous horizontal hanging rails to the backing.
• Attaching cabinets to the rails, making sure at least two screws per cabinet penetrate into stud backing.

Here are some additional upper cabinet tips:

Bridge Studs

Size upper cabinet backing boards wide enough to span the complete cabinet length. This distributes weight across studs.

Reinforce for Weight

Add an extra taller stud beneath long spans of wall cabinets to reduce sagging. Alternatively, use 3/4″ plywood above a row of cabinets for reinforcement.

Allow Proper Spacing

Leave a 1″ gap between the cabinet top and ceiling to allow lifting on and off the rails. Provide at least 1/2″ clearance next to adjacent walls.

Use Filler Strips

Install sturdy filler strips between cabinets when necessary to distribute weight across multiple stud bays.

Consider Cleats

For extra strength, lag cabinet bottom corners into right-angle cleats attached to studs. This further braces against corner sagging.

By using proper installation techniques and materials, even heavily-loaded upper cabinets can be mounted securely on metal stud walls.

Advantages of Hanging Cabinets on Backing

Installing cabinets using a system of wood backing and hanging rails provides important benefits compared to directly mounting cabinets to studs:

• Allows adjusting cabinet positions sideways during installation for alignment.
• Ensures even distribution of cabinet weight across multiple studs.
• Prevents future shifting or detachment from studs as cabinets are loaded.
• Reduces twisting forces on cabinets from uneven fastener placement.
• Provides solid lateral bracing against forces that could pull cabinets off walls.
• Allows easy removal and reinstallation of cabinets for remodeling or repair needs.

Final Thoughts

While it requires some extra planning and materials, installing cabinets successfully on metal stud walls is very achievable through the proper use of wood backing.

Carefully marking stud locations, anchoring adequate backing across multiple studs, and using cabinet rails provides a stable, secure way to mount any kitchen. Just be sure to use the right fasteners rated for steel.

With the right techniques, almost any kitchen layout can be adapted for installation on metal studs. Just follow best practices for locating studs, installing wood backing, mounting rails, and attaching the cabinets.

While metal studs introduce some new challenges compared to wood framing, they can certainly support a beautiful, functional kitchen when addressed properly during installation. With good planning and workmanship, you can confidently hang cabinets on metal studs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Can you use toggle bolts to hang cabinets on metal studs?

Toggle bolts should not be used alone to hang full cabinets on metal studs. The weight of the cabinet could pull the toggles loose. However, they can be used in combination with proper backing to provide supplemental upper cabinet support.

What size wood backing board should be used?

3/4″ plywood or 1x solid boards work well. Use at least 3″ wide boards for base cabinets, 2″ wide for uppers. Extend backing at least 2 stud bays for stability.

Should wood backing be anchored to top and bottom of metal studs?

Attaching backing horizontally is best to prevent vertical movement. Anchoring just the top could allow drooping over time when loaded. Screw backing securely into at least two studs.

Can you hang cabinets on metal studs without wood backing?

Directly attaching cabinets to metal studs alone is risky since screws tend to work loose. Proper wood backing provides thickness for secure screw penetration. Some specialty hanging rail systems for metal studs don’t require additional backing.

What fasteners should be used with metal studs?

Always use self-drilling, self-tapping screws made specifically for steel when working with metal studs. Common types are HWH #12-14, self-tappers, Teks, and Spax. Avoid wood screws. Pre-drill pilot holes.

Should base and wall cabinets be attached separately?

Yes. Secure base cabinets to a bottom mounting rail separately from wall cabinets above. This allows for any unevenness in base alignment without affecting uppers.

Can heavy cabinets be supported on metal studs alone?

Metal studs can support heavy loads, but adequate backing is needed to transfer weight properly. For extra strength, add supplemental vertical support under cabinets with 3/4″ ply gussets or double studs at intervals.

In Conclusion:

With careful planning and the proper installation techniques, any type of kitchen cabinet can be successfully hung on metal stud walls. The key is installing adequate horizontal wood backing anchored securely across multiple stud bays prior to mounting the cabinets. This provides strong, stable support for cabinet hanging rails and screws to attach into. Follow standard best practices for finding studs, mapping locations, and fastening cabinets appropriately for a safe, durable installation on metal stud framing.