How to Attach Cabinets to Walls with Metal Studs

Installing cabinets on walls with metal studs requires some special considerations compared to working with wood studs. Proper planning and using the right fasteners will ensure your cabinets are securely mounted. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to attach cabinets to walls with metal studs.

Choosing the Right Fasteners for Metal Studs

When working with metal framing, you need to use self-tapping screws specifically designed for fastening into metal. Here are some good options:

• Self-drilling drywall screws – These have a sharp point that can pierce the metal and coarse threads to grab onto the stud. Look for screws that are 1 1/4″ to 2″ long.
• Self-tapping sheet metal screws – The threads on these screws are optimized for fastening into thin gauge metal. Make sure to get corrosion-resistant ones.
• Toggle bolts – These have spring-loaded wings that deploy on the interior side of the wall to brace against the metal stud. Great for heavy cabinets.

Avoid using nails, standard wood screws, or drywall screws as they are prone to stripping out of the metal.

Locating the Metal Studs

Metal studs are often spaced 16″ or 24″ apart like wood studs. But finding them takes some different techniques:

• Use a stud finder designed for locating metal studs. They detect changes in density instead of just detecting wood.
• Run a strong magnet over the wall to feel where it sticks to the studs. Mark these spots with a pencil.
• Use an awl or nail to lightly poke along the wall until you hit a stud. This will leave small holes you may need to patch.
• Examine the drywall seams – studs are often lined up with vertical seams.
• Remove an outlet cover plate to see if a stud is behind that box.

Once you’ve found the stud layout, mark their locations for mounting your cabinets.

Attaching Cabinets Directly to Metal Studs

For lightweight cabinets like wall-mounted spice racks, you can attach them directly into the metal studs. Here’s how:

Supplies Needed

• Self-tapping screws (1 1/4″ – 2″ long)
• Drill/driver
• Stud finder
• Level
• Tape measure

Steps to Follow

1. Locate the metal studs and mark their position as described above.
2. Hold your cabinet in the desired mounting location and pre-drill holes through the cabinet back at the stud locations. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw diameter.
3. Drill pilot holes into the metal studs through the holes in the cabinet back. Use a step bit or thin drill bit.
4. Attach the cabinet through the pre-drilled holes using 2-3 self-tapping screws per stud. Make sure screws are centered in the stud.
5. Check that the cabinet is level side-to-side before final tightening.

Follow any additional mounting instructions from the cabinet manufacturer. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.

Building a Cleat System for Hanging Cabinets

For heavy base cabinets or wall units, it’s best not to mount them directly to the studs. Instead, you can build a horizontal cleat system attached securely across multiple studs for hanging the cabinets.

Supplies Needed

• 1×3, 1×4, or 2×4 lumber for cleats
• Self-tapping wood screws (3″)
• Wood glue
• Cabinet hanging rail brackets and hanging screws

Steps to Follow

1. Cut 2×4 cleat boards to span at least 3 metal studs. Apply wood glue to the back.
2. Position the cleats horizontally along the wall at your desired cabinet height. Make sure they align over marked studs.
3. Pre-drill and screw the boards into each stud using at least 3 self-tapping wood screws per stud.
4. Install hanging rail brackets on the back of the cabinets to align with the cleats.
5. Mount the cabinets by setting their hanging rails over the cleats and securing with hanging screw bolts.

The cleat system helps distribute the cabinet weight over multiple studs for better support. Make sure the cleats are securely fastened before loading them up.

Tips for Successful Installation

• Carefully measure and mark stud locations first before drilling or mounting anything.
• Use shims behind cabinets if the wall is uneven to ensure a flush fit.
• Position screw holes near the top and bottom of the cabinet back for stability.
• Pre-drill clearance holes through cabinet backs to prevent splitting.
• Don’t rely solely on drywall anchors – always try to hit studs.
• Test that screws are gripping studs by lightly pulling on the cabinet before full loading.

With the right approach, you can gain a solid hold for cabinets on metal stud walls. Take it slow and double check your marks and measurements.

Common Questions About Attaching Cabinets to Metal Studs

Can I use magnets to mount cabinets to metal studs?

While very strong rare earth magnets could potentially work, it is not recommended. The hold strength can be compromised over time, leading to cabinets falling off. Mechanical fasteners like screws provide a much more reliable connection.

How do I find the metal studs behind tile or plaster walls?

Locating studs behind solid surfaces can be trickier. Try using an awl or very thin drill bit to probe for studs. Or examine the wall for any exposed screw heads that may align with a stud. You may also need to use a hammer to lightly tap and listen for a change in sound.

What if my cabinet only aligns with one metal stud?

It’s best to plan your cabinet layout so they align with at least two studs if possible. For a single stud, consider using a toggling drywall anchor above or below the stud to supplement the mounting. Or use extra-long self-tapping screws that grab two points along the single stud.

Can I attach a cleat to the concrete floor instead of the wall?

Yes, securing a cleat board to the solid concrete can provide stability at the bottom of wall cabinets. Use appropriate concrete anchoring bolts spaced at least 16 inches apart. Just ensure the floor cleat is perfectly level to properly support the cabinets above.

What gauge metal studs should I be able to mount to?

Most wall framing uses 25 gauge metal studs, but confirm the thickness of your specific studs. Self-tapping screws and toggling bolts can reliably mount cabinets to studs up to 25 gauge. Heavier 18 gauge studs may require pre-drilling pilot holes.

Conclusion

Mounting cabinets on metal stud walls is best accomplished by using specialized self-tapping screws to go directly into the studs themselves. For heavy cabinets, building an intermediary wood cleat system anchored solidly across multiple studs is recommended. Proper preparation by mapping stud locations, pre-drilling holes, and using shims will lead to a successful installation able to hold up your cabinets for the long-term.