How to Attach Legs to a Metal Cabinet

Attaching legs to a metal cabinet can provide extra support, raise it off the floor, and give it a more finished look. With some simple tools and hardware, it’s easy to add legs to a metal cabinet yourself.

Introduction

Legs are a great way to update an old metal cabinet and give it new life. Raising the cabinet off the floor protects it from moisture damage and creates an air gap that reduces condensation. Legs also allow you to level the cabinet properly on uneven floors.

When choosing legs, consider the style, height, and mounting method. Legs come in different designs like tapered, straight, or curved. Standard leg heights range from 2-8 inches. Mounting options include bolting into existing holes or attaching leg brackets to the cabinet bottom.

Adding legs is a relatively easy DIY project. With minimal tools and supplies, you can attach legs and freshen up your metal cabinet’s look in one afternoon.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and hardware:

• Metal cabinet to attach legs to
• Set of 4 legs with mounting plates
• Power drill and drill bits
• Level
• Wrench or socket set
• Protective equipment – safety glasses, gloves
• Rags and cleaner

Make sure your legs are compatible in size, style, and mounting method for your cabinet. Purchase leg sets with the mounting hardware included for the easiest installation.

How to Attach Legs to a Metal Cabinet

Follow these simple steps to properly attach and install legs onto a metal cabinet:

Clean the Cabinet

Wipe down the bottom of the cabinet with a clean, dry rag to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the mounting areas are clean for optimal adhesion.

Mark the Leg Positions

Place the cabinet in your desired installation spot. Lay the legs flat where you want them positioned on the bottom of the cabinet. Use a pencil to mark through the leg plate holes onto the cabinet bottom.

Repeat to mark all leg positions. Measure and space them evenly to ensure the cabinet sits level after leg installation.

Drill Pilot Holes

Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your mounting hardware, drill pilot holes into the cabinet bottom at each marked leg position. Drilling pilot holes prevents splitting the metal when you drive in screws.

Bolt the Legs and Plates

Line up each leg plate over the pilot holes drilled. Insert your mounting bolts (usually included) through the plate holes and into the cabinet. Use a wrench to tighten each bolt until snug.

Avoid overtightening. Check that all legs are securely fastened.

Level the Cabinet

With all legs bolted on, place the cabinet in its final position. Adjust each leg height using the leveling feet until the cabinet sits evenly. Double check with a level across the cabinet top.

Add Cabinet Contents

Once leveled, load the cabinet and organize the contents. Keep heavier items on lower shelves. The legs should adequately support the cabinet and contents’ weight.

Periodically check for loose leg bolts and re-adjust leveling as needed. Also take care not to overload the cabinet bottom and cause undue stress on the legs over time.

Tips for Attaching Legs to a Metal Cabinet

• When selecting legs, get a style that fits your cabinet’s design aesthetic. For example, hairpin legs for a vintage look or chunky square legs for modern industrial style.
• Measure the cabinet bottom before buying legs to ensure proper fit. Cabinet depths are commonly 24, 30, or 36 inches.
• Use leg sets with included mounting plates and hardware for quick, easy installation.
• Pre-drill holes at leg positions to prevent cracking or deforming the cabinet base when bolting on legs.
• Use a level to make sure legs are adjusted properly so the cabinet doesn’t rock or lean.
• Periodically check leg tightness. Retighten any loose mounting bolts over time.
• Avoid sagging by not exceeding the weight limits of the legs or overloading upper cabinet shelves.
• Add felt pads underneath legs to protect floor surfaces like hardwood or stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can cabinet legs hold?

That depends on the leg type, material, and thickness. Standard metal hairpin legs can hold 100-200 lbs each. Sturdy wood legs may hold up to 500 lbs each. Check the leg manufacturer specs for a weight rating before purchasing.

Is adding legs to a cabinet difficult?

Putting legs on a metal cabinet is usually simple, especially if the legs come with mounting plates and hardware. With some basic tools and drilling pilot holes, you can attach legs in about an hour.

Can you put legs on any type of cabinet?

Legs can be added to metal, wood, or laminate cabinets. The key is to use hardware appropriate for the cabinet material that will support the weight. Toggle bolts work well for laminate or particleboard cabinets.

Should all the legs be the same height?

It’s best to use legs that are the same height and style for an even look. The leveling feet on each leg allow you to adjust for any unevenness in the floor beneath the cabinet.

Where is the best place to attach legs to a cabinet?

Legs should attach to the four corners or along the front and back edges of the cabinet bottom. Make sure the legs are spaced at even intervals for optimal stability.

Conclusion

Adding legs is an easy upgrade for a tired metal cabinet. With basic DIY skills and tools, you can choose legs that match your desired style and install them securely on the cabinet in just an afternoon.

Attaching legs allows you to customize your cabinet to suit your space. Raising it off the ground also helps prevent moisture damage. Be sure all the legs are properly fastened and level to provide sturdy support. With a newly elevated cabinet on legs, you can increase storage and display space and refresh your room’s decor.