Can You Install Cabinets on Metal Studs?

Installing cabinets on metal studs is possible, but it requires some special considerations compared to installing on wood studs. With the right techniques and materials, you can securely mount cabinets on metal stud framing.

An Introduction to Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs

Metal studs have become increasingly common in construction over the past few decades. They offer several advantages over wood studs:

• Greater structural strength and stability
• Resistance to warping and rotting
• Non-combustible and won’t act as fuel in a fire
• Consistent quality since they are manufactured, not natural wood

However, metal’s strength and rigidity also present some challenges when installing cabinets and hanging heavy items. Wood studs have some “give” that allows screws and nails to grip tightly. Metal won’t compress like wood when you drive a fastener into it.

Special fasteners and techniques are necessary to end up with a sturdy, permanent cabinet installation on metal studs. With extra care taken and the right materials, it’s certainly possible to end up with cabinets that are very solidly mounted.

Can You Install Cabinets on Metal Studs? Considerations

Here are some important factors to consider when installing cabinets on metal stud framing:

• Finding the studs – Use a stud finder designed for metal. Magnet-based ones won’t work. Measure and mark the stud locations.
• Using self-drilling screws – Standard wood screws won’t work. Use specialized self-tapping metal screws.
• Pre-drilling holes – Drill pilot holes before driving screws to prevent stripping out the framing.
• Using toggle bolts – Toggle bolts grip the back of hollow studs. Useful for upper cabinets with heavy contents.
• Adding wood blocking – Glue and screw wood blocks between studs to provide solid screw attachment points.
• Attaching to wall sheathing – If there are no convenient studs, lag bolts into the wall sheathing can work too.

With smart techniques and the right fasteners, it is certainly possible to end up with very sturdy cabinets installed on metal stud walls. The finished result can be just as solid as mounting on wood studs.

Tools and Materials Needed for Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs

To ensure a smooth installation process, have these tools and materials on hand before beginning:

Tools

• Stud finder (magnetic won’t work)
• Level
• Drill and drill bits
• Driver bit set
• Socket set
• C-clamps or vise grips
• Safety equipment – eye protection, work gloves, etc.

Fasteners and Hardware

• Self-tapping metal screws (1 5/8″ and 2 1/2″ lengths)
• Toggle bolts
• Nuts and bolts (for toe kick attachment)
• Cabinet pulls or knobs

Building Materials

• Wood shims and blocking
• Construction adhesive
• Wood putty (for covering screw holes)

Other Supplies

• Rags
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Stud marking tool

Having the right supplies will make the installation process much smoother. The specific fasteners designed for metal will provide a much more secure mount compared to standard wood screws.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs

With proper planning and by following best practices, you can end up with cabinets mounted just as securely on metal studs as on wood studs. Here is a step-by-step overview of the installation process:

1. Locate and Mark Studs

• Use an electronic stud finder suitable for finding metal studs. The magnetic type won’t work.
• Measure and mark the actual center of each stud. Compare multiple stud bays to ensure consistent 16″ or 24″ spacing.
• Mark stud locations with painter’s tape or another easily removable method.

2. Purchase Proper Fasteners and Hardware

• Self-tapping metal screws are essential. 1 5/8″ length for studs, 2 1/2″ length for wall sheathing.
• Toggle bolts for upper cabinet support.
• Nuts, bolts, washers for toe kick attachment.

3. Add Blocking Between Studs if Needed

• Blocking creates solid horizontal attachment points for cabinets.
• Cut 2×4 blocks to fit snugly between studs. Glue and screw in place.

4. Drill Pilot Holes for Each Screw

• Drilling small pilot holes prevents stripping out the metal framing when driving in screws.
• Drill holes slightly smaller diameter than screw shank.

5. Attach Wall Cleat or Ledger Board

• Fasten a horizontal support board at desired cabinet height.
• Use self-tapping screws driven into studs.
• This ledger provides a solid surface to then attach the cabinets to.

6. Install Upper Cabinets First

• It’s easiest to install uppers prior to lowers and countertop.
• Secure uppers to studs and blocking using self-tapping screws.
• Consider toggle bolts at upper corners for heavy items like microwaves.

7. Mount Lower Cabinets

• Secure base cabinets through back panel or rails into studs or blocking.
• Use shims to plumb and level cabinets.
• Attach adjacent cabinets to each other through side panels.

8. Add the Countertop

• Lower cabinets support the countertop.
• Secure countertop with glue and screws from below.

9. Complete the Finish Details

• Attach toe kick board across lower cabinets.
• Seal around cabinets with caulk.
• Add knobs, pulls, and other final hardware.

Tips for Successful Cabinet Installation on Metal Studs

Follow these tips to ensure your cabinet installation on metal framing is secure, professionally done, and built to last:

• Use heavy duty fasteners – Self-tapping screws for metal provide the strongest grip. No standard wood screws.
• Drill pilot holes – Prevent fastener failures by pre-drilling smaller diameter holes.
• Consider blocking – Glue and screw wood blocking provides solid horizontal attachment spots.
• Attach uppers first – Get uppers mounted securely before installing lower cabinets and countertop.
• Use vise grips – Clamp cabinets together while driving screws into adjacent boxes.
• Shim thoroughly – Use wood shims to plumb and level cabinets during installation.
• Caulk gaps – Caulking provides an air seal and cleaner look around cabinets.
• Solidly mount toe kicks – Don’t forget this important finishing step.

With attention to detail and using the right methods, metal stud walls can be just as effective a surface for mounting cabinets as traditional wood studs. Just take the time to do it right.

Solutions for Common Challenges When Installing on Metal Studs

Mounting cabinets on metal studs presents some unique challenges that you won’t encounter with wood framing. Here are solutions to some of the most common metal stud issues:

Problem: Finding the Studs

Solution: Use an electronic stud finder designed for metal. Check for plumbing runs first. Confirm 16″ or 24″ on-center spacing by measuring multiple stud bays.

Problem: No Studs Align With Cabinets

Solution: Add wood blocking between studs wherever needed to create mounting points. Secure blocking with construction adhesive and screws.

Problem: Stripping Out the Metal When Driving Screws

Solution: Always pre-drill smaller pilot holes in the studs before installing screws. Allow 1/32″ gap between screw shank and pilot hole.

Problem: Upper Cabinets Feel Insecure

Solution: Use toggle bolts anchored in the wall sheathing at upper cabinet corners to provide extra gripping strength.

Problem: Cabinet Doors Don’t Sit Flush

Solution: Make sure cabinets are plumb and secured tightly together. Use shims behind cabinets until aligned properly.

With the right troubleshooting, you can overcome any issues that arise with mounting to metal studs. Just take your time and use the proper techniques.

FAQ About Installing Cabinets on Metal Stud Framing

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

Can I use the same screws for metal studs that I would use for wood studs?

No, you need to use self-tapping metal screws when securing cabinets to metal studs. Standard wood screws will not grip firmly in the metal.

Where can I find the right screws for metal studs?

Any hardware store will carry specialty self-tapping metal screws meant for use with sheet metal and steel framing. They will be located with other fasteners, not with standard wood screws.

Should I still use wood shims when mounting cabinets on metal studs?

Yes, wood shims are still useful for plumbing and leveling cabinets during installation. Just be sure to secure the cabinets with metal screws into the studs, not into the shims themselves.

How much weight can cabinets hold on metal studs?

Metal stud walls can safely support just as much weight as wood stud walls, provided heavy items are anchored firmly into studs. Wall sheathing also adds strength.

Is it okay to secure cabinets just to wall sheathing and not the studs?

It’s best to anchor cabinets directly into studs whenever possible for maximum strength. But securing just to the sheathing with long lag bolts will also work.

Do I need to add wood blocking between all the studs?

Not necessarily. But strategically placed blocking provides solid horizontal attachment points for upper and lower cabinet spans when needed.

What do I do if there are no convenient studs for my cabinets?

Consider using toggle bolts anchored into the wall sheathing, adding blocking between studs, or reconfiguring your cabinet layout to match the stud positions.

Conclusion

Installing cabinets on metal stud walls is certainly feasible with the right approach. Be sure to use fasteners and techniques designed specifically for securing into metal framing. Pilot holes are crucial to prevent stripping out the studs. Some strategic blocking between studs can really open up options for mounting cabinets anywhere desired.

While metal studs present some unique challenges compared to wood, you can end up with a rock solid cabinet installation by following best practices. Just take your time, use the proper hardware, and don’t rely on techniques meant for wood framing. Your beautiful new cabinets will look like they were custom designed for the space.