Can You Hang Wall Cabinets on Metal Studs?

Installing wall cabinets is an important part of any kitchen or bathroom remodel. Wall cabinets provide much needed storage space while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room. However, unlike wood stud walls, hanging cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations. Understanding best practices for mounting to metal studs will ensure your cabinets are securely installed.

An Introduction to Metal Studs

Metal studs, also known as steel studs, are commonly used in commercial and residential construction projects. Here are some key things to know about metal studs:

• What Are They Made Of? – Metal studs consist of cold formed steel with a galvanized coating to resist rust and corrosion. They are manufactured in different thickness gauges, with 25 gauge being the minimum for residential projects.
• Benefits Over Wood Studs – Metal studs are lighter, will not warp or twist, resist mold/mildew, and offer termite/pest protection. They are also non-combustible.
• Spacing – Like wood studs, metal studs are usually spaced 16 inches on center. Some contractors may use 24 inch spacing, but this can reduce strength.
• Deflection – Metal studs can bend slightly under loads, which is known as deflection. Proper bracing helps minimize deflection.

Knowing the properties of metal studs is key for understanding proper cabinet installation. The light gauge steel and potential for deflection require careful fastening methods.

Can You Attach Cabinets Directly to Metal Studs?

When it comes to hanging wall cabinets on a metal stud wall, the short answer is yes, you can attach cabinets directly to the studs. However, there are some important best practices to follow:

• Use self-tapping screws specifically designed for fastening to metal. Do not use wood screws.
• Pre-drill holes into the studs slightly smaller than screw diameter.
• Use fender washers to prevent pull through.
• Attach cabinets to multiple studs whenever possible.
• Place screws near cabinet tops and bottoms for added strength.
• Consider using toggles, molly bolts or other fasteners if stud spacing won’t work.

Simply driving screws directly into the metal studs risks problems down the road. The lightweight framing can lead to loosening over time if proper fastening methods are not followed.

Best Practices for Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Here is a more in-depth look at the recommended techniques and fasteners for securely installing wall cabinets onto metal studs:

Use Self-Tapping Screws for Metal

Do not attempt to use wood screws when fastening anything to metal studs. While they may drive into the stud, wood screws do not create secure threads in the metal.

Opt for self-tapping screws specifically engineered for steel and other metals. These have special thread cutting tips that carve into the metal to provide holding power. Self-tapping screws come in various head styles, lengths, and diameters.

Look for screws that are 1/4″ or 3/16″ in diameter for attaching wall cabinets. Screws should penetrate a minimum of 1″ into the metal studs. Use coarse threaded screws for increased grip.

Pre-Drill Holes into the Studs

Even with self-tapping screws, you need to pre-drill pilot holes into the metal studs. This allows the screws to easily cut into the metal and prevent spinning.

Use a high speed steel drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter. For example, for #8 or 1/4″ screws, drill pilot holes with a 3/32″ bit. Go slowly and use cutting oil when drilling metal.

Centering the pilot holes is also crucial. Use a stud finder to mark holes accurately on the stud center.

Attach Cabinets to Multiple Studs

For optimal strength, always try to attach wall cabinets to at least two metal studs. This distributes the weight load and accounts for potential stud deflection.

If the cabinet size or stud spacing prevents reaching two studs, you can use metal stud bracing or backing plates to provide additional attachment points.

Having each cabinet solely rely on just one or two fasteners into a single metal stud is not advised. This risks the cabinet pulling loose or detaching from the wall over time.

Use Fender Washers

Wall cabinets place shear stress directly around the screw head and shank. With metal studs, this force can cause the fasteners to tear through the thin gauge framing.

Using fender washers helps distribute the shear load over a wider surface area on the metal stud. This reduces the risk of tearing and pull through. Stack two standard SAE washers if fender washers are unavailable.

Position the washers under the screw head when driving into the metal stud. Some self-tapping screw kits come with matching washers.

Place Screws Near Top and Bottom

Proper screw placement is also key for cabinet stability. Locate screws close to the wall cabinet top and bottom whenever possible.

Avoid putting all screws near the center, as this provides less resistance to torque forces which can loosen connections. Having fasteners near the top and bottom edges provides maximum strength.

Also make sure screw edges are a minimum of 3/4″ from cabinet sides to prevent splitting the wood. Drilling into cabinet framing is better than using only the plywood backs.

Consider Alternatives If Studs Won’t Work

Sometimes the spacing between metal studs may not align with cabinet width needs. Or renovations may make directly hitting studs impossible.

In these situations, consider using molly bolts, toggle bolts, or metal backing plates to hang cabinets.

Molly and toggle bolts anchor into the wall material itself versus the studs. Or metal backing plates can span stud bays and provide attachment points.

Though not as ideal as mounting directly to studs, these alternatives offer workable solutions when stud spacing is problematic.

Hanging Upper Cabinets First

When installing a full kitchen or bathroom of wall cabinets, conventional wisdom is to start with the upper cabinets first. There are a few good reasons for this approach:

• It allows you to rest the lower cabinets on the countertop or vanity below for support. Upper cabinets don’t have a surface underneath them during installation.
• The countertop helps position and square up base cabinets relative to the rest of the kitchen.
• Upper cabinets won’t block access as you install base cabinets.
• Lighting and visibility are often better higher up before lower cabinets are in place.

Make sure all upper cabinets are securely fastened to metal studs before beginning base cabinet installation.

Reinforcing for Heavy Items

Metal studs allow you to hang most standard wall cabinets securely. However, some heavy items require additional bracing and reinforcement:

Microwave Ovens

Heavy built-in microwaves require their own additional supports. Use a dedicated microwave hanger, or attach a mounting plate to multiple studs. Never rely solely on just drywall and screws to hold a microwave.

Extra Deep Cabinets

For large cabinets deeper than 12 inches, consider using brackets or extra blocking between studs. This helps minimize the leverage force pulling cabinets away from the wall.

Stone Countertops

With natural stone countertops, use metal stud anchors to provide solid attachment points behind the substrate board. This keeps enormous weight loads from pulling on wall cabinets.

Don’t forget to also properly reinforce base cabinets below stone tops.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

While hanging wall cabinets on metal studs is definitely doable, here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not pre-drilling into studs – Always pre-drill for screws.
• Using wood screws instead of self-tapping – Wood screws won’t grip metal.
• No washers under screw heads – Washers prevent tear through.
• Not staggering stud attachments vertically – Use top and bottom fasteners.
• Relying on just drywall anchors – Need to hit studs for strength.
• Over-tightening screws – Hand tight plus quarter turn is sufficient.
• Not leaving a 1/4″ gap for seasonal movement – Prevent cabinet bind.
• Forgetting about door/drawer reveals – Leave room for proper operation.
• Ignoring building codes – Follow proper standards for safety.

With attention to detail and using the right techniques, your wall cabinets will enjoy years of reliable service mounted directly to metal stud walls. Carefully following best practices will help avoid problems down the road.

FAQ About Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about mounting wall cabinets onto metal stud framing:

Can I use magnets to locate metal studs?

While magnets can find drywall screws into studs, they are not 100% reliable for identifying the studs themselves. Use a quality stud finder designed for metal to accurately find stud centerlines.

How much weight can metal studs hold?

With proper fasteners and reinforcement, metal stud walls can safely support standard kitchen cabinet loads. Exact capacities depend on the metal gauge, fastener type, and spacing.

Do I need special tools for pre-drilling metal studs?

High speed steel drill bits coupled with cutting oil work fine for occasional metal drilling. For frequent metal work, invest in a quality carbide tipped drill bit set.

What thickness screws should I use for metal studs?

For wall cabinets, self-tapping screws that are 1/4″ or 3/16″ diameter provide sufficient holding strength when properly installed. Use fender washers to prevent tear through.

Can I anchor cabinets directly to drywall only?

Relying solely on drywall anchors provides very little holding power. You need to attach cabinets directly to the metal stud framing for a secure installation.

How do I find and mark stud locations on the wall?

Use a high quality stud finder designed for metal. Check for accuracy by probing with a thin nail. Mark the edges and centerlines clearly on the wall before drilling and mounting.

Should I use coarse or fine threaded screws?

Coarse thread screws are preferred for metal stud use, as they provide greater holding power in thin gauge steel. Fine threads are more prone to stripping out.

Conclusion

Mounting kitchen or bathroom wall cabinets onto metal stud walls is certainly achievable with the right techniques. Always use self-tapping screws, pre-drill pilot holes, and make sure to hit multiple studs across cabinet width for strength. Fender washers help prevent tear through problems.

While not quite as forgiving as wood framing, metal studs allow for securely fastened wall cabinets following best practices. Paying attention to proper screw sizing, placement, and using washers will enable years of trouble-free use. Just be sure to take the time to properly prepare and reinforce the metal studs prior to installation.