How to Anchor Cabinets to Metal Studs

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to wood studs. Metal studs are thinner and have less screw holding power, so you need to use specialized fasteners and techniques to ensure your cabinets are securely mounted. With the right preparation and materials, you can hang your cabinets on metal studs with confidence.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary supplies:

• Cabinets to be installed
• Pencil and measuring tape
• Level
• Drill with various drill bits
• Caulk gun and caulk
• Cabinet screws specifically designed for metal studs
• Zip toggles or molly bolts
• Shims
• Stud finder

Finding the Metal Studs

The first step is locating precisely where the metal studs are so you can attach the cabinets directly to them. Here are some tips for finding the studs:

• Use a high-quality stud finder designed for detecting metal studs. The magnetic ones usually work better than electronic stud finders.
• Check for drywall seams, as studs are often positioned just behind them.
• Measure 16 or 24 inches (depending on stud spacing) from electrical outlet boxes to locate additional studs.
• To confirm stud locations, drill a small pilot hole and verify a stud is there before drilling or screwing.

Once you’ve marked all the metal stud locations, map out the cabinet configuration and make sure the cabinets will align properly with the studs. It’s much easier to reconfigure your layout at this stage than after installing the cabinets.

Prepare the Wall

With your studs marked and cabinet layout mapped, now you can prepare the installation area:

• Remove any existing cabinets or obstructions where the new cabinets will be installed.
• Fix any holes or imperfections in the wall that will be behind the cabinets.
• Clean the wall thoroughly to remove grease and dirt.
• Ensure the wall is flat. Shim out any uneven spots, as cabinets need to mount flush against the wall.

Mounting Options for Metal Studs

There are two main options when it comes to selecting fasteners for mounting your cabinets directly to metal studs:

Cabinet Screws for Metal Studs

There are specialty cabinet screws designed with extra-wide threads and double flutes to grip tightly into the metal stud. Brands like Grabber offer color-coded cabinet screws specifically engineered for metal studs. Look for ones with a #3 Phillips drive.

Molly Bolts or Toggle Bolts

These provide attachment points anywhere along the metal stud, not just at the narrow center as with screws. The bolts compress as they are screwed into a pre-drilled hole until the wings or toggle on the inside flips into place, providing a wide and secure mounting surface.

Install the Wall Cleat

Installing a horizontal wall cleat or ledger board gives you a wider surface area for attaching the upper cabinets. Here’s how to mount one securely:

• Determine the height the bottom of the upper cabinets will be at. Mark a level line across the studs at this height.
• Measure and cut a 2×4 board to span the width of the installation area.
• Pre-drill holes into the 2×4 aligned with the stud locations.
• Use cabinet screws or molly bolts to fasten the board to the studs through the pre-drilled holes.

Mount the Cabinets

With the cleat securely in place, now you’re ready to hang the cabinets:

• Before mounting them permanently, place the cabinets against the wall and use shims to plumb and level them.
• Once positioned properly, pre-drill holes through the cabinet back at the stud locations.
• Fasten the upper cabinets by driving cabinet screws directly into the metal studs. With the wall cleat, you have room to angle screws for maximum holding strength.
• For lower cabinets, position against the wall and attach by driving screws through the cabinet back into the metal studs or use molly bolts.
• Check each cabinet to ensure it feels completely secure and shows no signs of movement or looseness. Re-tighten screws as needed.

Fill Gaps and Finish

The final steps are filling any gaps, sealing, and finishing touches:

• Run a bead of caulk along the tops, bottoms, and sides where cabinets meet the walls. Smooth out the caulk with a wet finger for a clean look.
• For slight gaps between cabinets, use painter’s tape and apply caulk to fill the space. Remove the tape before the caulk dries.
• Carefully look for any additional gaps around the cabinets and fill them with caulk. Take your time for a perfect seal.
• Wipe down the cabinets to remove any dust or fingerprints.
• Attach knobs, pulls, and other hardware to put the finishing touches on your newly mounted cabinets.

FAQs About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs

Some frequently asked questions that come up about mounting to metal studs:

Can I screw cabinets directly to metal studs?

Yes, you can attach cabinets directly to metal studs using the proper cabinet screws designed for gripping metal. Pre-drill the holes at the stud center and use #3 Phillips drive screws with wide threads and double flutes for best results.

What screws should I use for metal studs?

Opt for cabinet screws specifically made for metal. Brands like Grabber, Nemo, and Teks offer color-coded screws for metal studs with names like “Tek Screws” or “Self-Tappers.” They typically have an extra-wide thread pattern and drill tip to grip securely in the thin metal.

Should I use a cleat for upper cabinets on metal studs?

A horizontal wood cleat provides extra strength for upper cabinets on metal studs. Screw the cleat into two or more studs, allowing you to drive screws at angles into the wood for maximum holding power in the thin metal studs.

Can I use molly bolts instead of screws on metal studs?

Yes, molly bolts or toggle bolts work well on metal studs. They allow mounting cabinets anywhere along the stud, not just at the center as with screws. Pre-drill the holes, insert the mollys, and tighten them down by flipping the wings inside the wall.

How do you attach cabinets to metal studs horizontally?

For mounting cabinets horizontally between metal studs, use metal track or ledger boards designed for this purpose. Attach them securely to the studs first, then fasten the cabinets by screwing into the track. You can also use molly bolts spaced evenly within the stud bay.

Conclusion

Installing kitchen cabinets onto metal studs is certainly doable for DIYers. Just be sure to use the right fasteners designed specifically metal for maximum holding strength. Locate the studs precisely, prep the wall properly, and mount a sturdy cleat for upper cabinets. Take it slow and double-check for secure attachment. Employing the right techniques and materials will result in cabinets mounted firmly to your metal studs.