How to Hang Cabinets on Metal Studs

Installing cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to wood studs. With the right preparation and materials, you can securely mount cabinets on metal framing. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to hang cabinets on metal studs.

Introduction

Hanging cabinets on metal studs is becoming more common as metal framing replaces wood framing in many buildings. While wood studs allow you to securely screw cabinets directly into the framing, metal studs require additional steps to ensure the cabinets are sturdily mounted.

With metal studs, you cannot simply use drywall screws because they are not strong enough. Instead, specialized screws and fasteners made for metal framing must be used. Additionally, the spacing of the studs is usually different than wood framing. Careful planning and making sure you have the right materials for the job will lead to success.

Follow this guide to learn all the steps, tools, and techniques needed to securely hang cabinets on metal stud wall framing.

Gather the Right Materials

Installing cabinets on metal studs requires specialized fasteners and materials designed for metal:

• Self-tapping metal screws – These have threads that cut into the metal studs as they are screwed in, creating a strong hold. Use at least #10 or #12 size screws that are 1 inch to 1 1/4 inches long.
• Toggler bolts – These have spring-loaded ends that collapse to fit through a hole in the stud then expand on the opposite side to grip securely. Great for upper cabinets.
• Metal stud anchors – Designed to sit inside a hole drilled in the stud and expand for a tight fit when a screw is inserted.
• Washers – Use oversized washers to help distribute the force when driving screws into the metal framing.
• Wood blocking – Short 2×4 sections secured horizontally between studs provide solid anchoring points.
• ** Cabinet screws** – Self-tapping cabinet installation screws are ideal for assembling cabinet boxes.
• Stud finder – A must to locate the metal studs behind the drywall. Look for one designed for metal stud sensing.
• Drill and drill bits – A variable speed drill with an adjustable clutch and sharp drill bits designed for metal cutting are necessary.

Locate and Mark Studs

Locating the metal studs is crucial since they may be spaced differently than wood studs – often 16 inches or 24 inches apart on center. Use an electronic stud finder made specifically for detecting metal studs. Scan the wall and mark the stud locations with masking tape.

Pay attention to where wall corners or door/window openings may offset the regular stud spacing. Check the location marks by using a small drill bit to drill test holes and confirm you hit a stud. Adjust the marks if needed before proceeding.

Add Wood Blocking

For maximum strength, consider adding 2×4 wood blocking secured horizontally between studs. This gives you a solid wood surface to drive screws into at any point across the stud bay.

Cut 2×4 blocks to fit snugly between the studs. Drill pilot holes in the blocking and secure them to the studs using self-tapping metal screws. Having blocks at upper and lower cabinet locations provides flexibility when installing.

Drill Clearance Holes

Metal studs require clearance holes to allow screws to thread into the stud without resistance. Drill straight pilot holes using a drill bit matched to the screw size you are using – around 1/8 inch diameter for #10 screws.

Drill the holes through the wall board at the marked stud locations. Aim to hit the center of the stud with the hole. Take care not to make the holes oversized. Use a depth stop on the drill bit to avoid going too far.

Secure Cabinets to Studs

With the holes drilled, you can mount the cabinets. Attach them using specialty self-tapping metal screws long enough to penetrate at least 1 inch into the studs. Oversized washers help distribute the clamping force.

For upper cabinets, toggler bolts provide a very secure mounting option. With the cabinet in place, drill through the cabinet backer into the stud hole. Then insert the toggler and tighten – the wings collapse as they pass through then spring open once inside the stud bay.

Follow the cabinet manufacturer’s spacing guidelines for screw placement. Typically screws should be used every 12 – 16 inches. Drive screws in slowly with the drill on a low speed setting to avoid thread stripping.

Use Appropriate Filler Material

Use filler strips designed for metal studs rather than wood shims. Metal shims slide into place easily and provide a sturdy base to keep cabinets plumb. Use metal shim spacers behind cabinets between studs to fill gaps and level the cabinets.

Tips for Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

• Always verify stud locations, never assume regular spacing.
• Pilot holes in studs are essential to prevent screws from stripping.
• Stagger wall cabinets across stud bays for added support.
• Use toggler bolts to hang heavy upper cabinets for maximum strength.
• Add wood blocking between studs for flexible attachment points.
• Fill gaps behind and between cabinets with metal shims, not wood shims.

Conclusion

Though it requires a few specialized materials and techniques, installing cabinets securely on metal studs is achievable for any DIYer. Understanding the right fasteners to use, properly locating studs, drilling clearance holes, and using products designed for metal studs will lead to success. With sturdy metal screws, anchors, and blocking, you can mount cabinets on metal framing that are just as strong and durable as wood stud installs. Just take care to follow best practices and you can get professional looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size screws should I use for metal studs?

Use #10 or #12 size self-tapping metal screws that are 1 inch to 1 1/4 inches long for optimal holding strength in metal studs.

Should I use toggler bolts for cabinets on metal studs?

Toggler bolts provide an extremely strong mounting option for upper cabinets on metal studs since they expand inside the stud cavity.

Can I use wood shims with metal studs?

No, use shims made specifically for metal studs. Metal shims slide easily into place and won’t compress like wood shims.

Where should I attach wood blocking?

Attach 2×4 wood blocking horizontally between studs at upper and lower cabinet locations. This gives you solid wood anchoring points anywhere across the stud bays.

How do I drill holes in metal studs?

Use a sharp drill bit made for metal and drill straight pilot holes sized for the screws, with a depth stop to avoid going through the stud. This prevents screws from stripping.