How to Block for Cabinets in a Metal Stud Wall

Installing cabinets on a metal stud wall requires some planning and preparation to ensure they are properly supported. With the right materials and techniques, you can create a strong mounting surface for your cabinets.

Introduction

Metal studs are increasingly common in modern construction, but they present some challenges for installing cabinets or hanging heavy items. The thin gauge metal does not provide the same kind of solid anchoring surface as wood studs. However, with some additional blocking, you can securely mount cabinets on a metal stud wall.

When installing cabinets on a metal stud wall, the goal is to provide solid horizontal support across multiple studs. This distributes the weight and allows secure attachment of the cabinet hanging rails or cleats. Here are some recommendations for blocking or adding supports on a metal stud wall for cabinet installation.

Materials Needed

• Wood boards or plywood – 3/4 inch thickness provides the most strength
• Screws – Self-tapping metal screws for attaching boards to studs
• Nuts and bolts – For joining wood blocking boards together
• Washers – Used with nuts and bolts to prevent pulling through soft wood
• Construction adhesive – For bonding wood blocking to wall surface

Locate Studs

• Use a stud finder to locate all the metal studs behind the installation area.
• Mark the stud locations with painter’s tape or another method.
• Make sure to locate the edges of the studs as well as the center.

Attach Horizontal Blocking

• Cut lengths of plywood or lumber to extend across at least 3 studs.
• Position boards to align with your cabinet layout – usually near the top and bottom of the cabinets.
• Screw boards into the center of the studs using self-tapping metal screws.
• Use at least 3 screws per stud to provide a solid connection.

Join Blocking Boards

• Where blocking boards meet, join them together with bolts, washers, and nuts.
• Drill through the overlapped boards and insert bolts with washers on both sides.
• Tighten nuts to draw the boards firmly together.

Adhere Boards to Wall

• Run a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the boards before mounting.
• This helps bond boards to wall surface between the studs.
• Press boards firmly in place while fastening to studs.

Check for Level & Plumb

• Use a level to check that the blocking is level horizontally.
• Check that mounting surfaces extend plumb vertically for hanging cabinets.
• Shim if necessary to fine tune level and plumb.

Mount Cabinets

• With solid blocking in place, you can install hanging rails or cleats to mount cabinets.
• Attach rails horizontally using lag screws into the blocking boards.
• Hang cabinets on the rails following the manufacturer’s directions.
• The cabinet weight will be distributed across multiple studs by the blocking.

Tips for Sturdy Installation

• Use the thickest, strongest plywood or boards possible for blocking.
• Make sure boards span at least 3 studs and join them securely.
• Stagger boards to provide both top and bottom mounting surfaces.
• Adhere and screw into studs for maximum holding power.
• Shim blocking if needed to fine-tune the cabinet fit.

With proper planning and installation of horizontal blocking on your metal stud wall, you can create a solid mounting surface for sturdy cabinet installation. Take the time to securely fasten wood supports across multiple studs, and your cabinets will be supported safely for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blocking for Cabinets on Metal Studs

What type of wood should I use for blocking on a metal stud wall?

3/4 inch plywood or lumber provides the most strength. Avoid thinner wood that could bow over time under the cabinet weight. Oak, maple, or birch plywood provides sturdy blocking.

How many studs should each blocking board span?

Each blocking board should extend across at least 3 metal studs to distribute the load. More studs are better for spreading out the weight.

What screws work best for fastening wood blocking to metal studs?

Use self-tapping metal screws which are designed to penetrate and hold in metal studs. Make sure screws are long enough to extend at least 1 inch into the stud.

Should I glue the blocking boards too?

Yes, applying construction adhesive between the blocking boards and wall surface helps bond them together for maximum strength. Liquid nails or PL premium adhesive are good options.

Can I get away with only a top or bottom blocking board?

It’s best to install blocking at both the top and bottom mounting points for cabinets. This provides both horizontal and vertical support for a sturdy installation.

What’s the best way to ensure the blocking is level?

Check for level frequently as you install blocking boards. Use shims secured with adhesive and screws if any areas need to be tuned up.

How much weight can blocking on metal studs support?

Properly installed 3/4 inch plywood blocking over at least 3 studs can safely support standard kitchen cabinet loads of up to 150 pounds per foot.

What do I attach the cabinet hanging rails to?

After blocking is installed, attach horizontal mounting rails using lag screws screwed into the blocking boards. Hang cabinets on the rails.

Conclusion

Adding wood blocking is usually necessary for a safe and secure cabinet installation on a metal stud wall. With some advanced planning and the right materials, you can create a solid mounting surface by spanning across multiple studs. Take precautions to ensure the blocking is properly leveled and adhered. Then you can install cabinet rails and enjoy a sturdy long-lasting result.