How to Hang IKEA Cabinets on Metal Studs

Installing IKEA cabinets on metal studs can seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward process. Properly installed, IKEA cabinets mounted on metal studs are sturdy, long-lasting, and provide ample storage space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for safely and successfully hanging IKEA cabinets on metal stud wall framing.

Overview of Hanging IKEA Cabinets on Metal Studs

Hanging cabinets on metal studs is different than installing them on wood stud walls. Metal studs are thinner, harder to locate, and require different types of fasteners and hardware. However, the basic process remains the same:

• Locate and mark the metal studs
• Determine cabinet placement
• Attach mounting rails horizontally to the studs
• Hang cabinet boxes on the rails
• Secure the cabinets together and to the walls

The main challenge is finding suitable fasteners that will thread tightly into the metal framing. Self-tapping screws generally provide the best grip. Proper pilot holes are also essential to avoid stripping out the studs.

With the right preparation and materials, IKEA cabinets can be installed on metal studs in a home, office, or other setting. The finished result is sturdy cabinetry that makes excellent use of the available space.

What You’ll Need

Installing IKEA cabinets on metal studs requires gathering the following tools and supplies:

• Tape measure
• Stud finder suitable for metal
• Marker or pencil
• Drill/driver
• Self-tapping screws (1-5/8″ minimum length)
• Fender washers
• Cabinet hanging rail kit
• Level
• IKEA cabinet system

Tip: Choose self-drilling and self-tapping screws specifically designed for fastening items to metal studs. Screws should be at least 1 5/8″ long to ensure adequate holding power.

Finding the Metal Studs

The first step is locating precisely where the metal studs are in the wall so you can attach the cabinet rails to them. Here are some tips for accurately finding metal studs:

• Use a high-quality electronic stud finder made for detecting metal. Magnetic stud finders typically won’t work on metal.
• Scan the wall slowly and carefully to detect stud edges. Mark these locations with temporary dots rather than long lines.
• Confirm stud locations by using very light exploratory drilling or the “magnet on a string” technique.
• Double check measurements by scanning the wall inches above and below initial marks. Adjust marks if studs are detected higher or lower.
• Mark confirmed stud center locations with permanent horizontal lines using a level. Studs are often 16 inches on center.

Accurately marking the metal stud locations is crucial. Rails will later be mounted to the studs, so they must be precisely located.

Determining Cabinet Placement

Once the underlying studs are marked, decide on ideal cabinet placement:

• Measure the area and determine how many wall cabinets will fit. Include blank spaces between cabinets.
• Outline the cabinet locations lightly in pencil. Aim for each cabinet to be centered over two studs.
• Ensure upper cabinets are high enough to fit lower cabinets or appliances below. Standard height is 18 inches above the counter.
• Draw a level line where the bottom of the wall cabinets will be installed. The rail will later be fastened along this line.
• Take time planning placement; altering it later is difficult. Don’t mount cabinets too high or low.

Carefully thinking through cabinet positioning on the marked studs will ensure a professional looking finished installation.

Installing Hanging Rails on the Metal Studs

With studs marked and cabinet placement mapped out, you’re ready to mount the hanging rails:

• Hold the rail along the desired mounting line and mark screw locations at stud center marks.
• Drill appropriately sized pilot holes at each screw location to avoid stripping out screws.
• Position rail along the line, lining up holes with stud marks. Insert self-tapping screws and washers and lightly tighten.
• Check level and square. Adjust rail as needed before tightening screws completely.
• Repeat process to mount any additional rails required to properly support the cabinets.

Make sure rails are perfectly level. Cabinet fronts will later be aligned based on the rail positions. Take time to ensure they are properly positioned.

Tip: For extra strength, use fender washers between the screw head and hanging rail. This better secures the hardware into the thin metal studs.

Hanging the IKEA Cabinet Boxes

With sturdy, level hanging rails properly mounted to the studs, you can now attach the cabinet boxes:

• Remove doors and drawers from the IKEA cabinet boxes. The boxes will be much lighter without them.
• Lift each cabinet box into place, slipping the box’s metal hanging rail brackets over the wall rail.
• Ensure the cabinet is centered side-to-side on the wall rail.
• Use a level to double check that the cabinet box is plumb and properly positioned. Make any necessary adjustments.
• Drill pilot holes and insert wall screws down through the box’s rail brackets into the metal studs. Tighten securely.
• Repeat this process to hang all additional cabinets, leaving an appropriate gap between each for molding or filler panels.

With the sturdy IKEA cabinet boxes hung securely on the rails, you can move onto moldings, doors, and finishing touches.

Installing Filler Panels and Molding

Filler panels and trim molding provide a polished look while hiding the gaps between separate cabinet boxes:

• Measure the space between cabinet sidewalls. Cut filler panels to this width from melamine, MDF, or another suitable material.
• Place filler panels between cabinets and pilot drill screw holes into the wall studs. Fasten with screws.
• Measure and cut molding strip to fit below the bottom and along the top of the wall cabinets. Miter corners.
• Pilot drill and countersink holes in the molding. Align molding evenly and attach it securely with screws into the studs and cabinets.
• Use silicone caulk to fill any remaining gaps for a seamless appearance.

Take care to precisely measure and cut filler panels and trim molding. When installed cleanly, they will greatly enhance the aesthetic of your IKEA cabinetry.

Securing Cabinets Together

The final step is using cabinet screws to link adjacent cabinets together for maximum stability:

• With filler panels and molding installed, open cabinet doors to access sidewalls.
• On stud walls, drill pilot holes through sidewalls into neighboring cabinet boxes.
• On metal stud walls, use bar clamps to tightly bunch cabinets together prior to drilling.
• Attach cabinet screws through sidewalls into adjacent boxes. Tighten securely but don’t overtighten.
• Close up cabinet doors and check alignment. Make any necessary adjustments.

Linking cabinets together structurally will help prevent shifting or sagging over time. Handle this step carefully for best long term results.

Hanging Upper Wall Cabinets on Metal Studs

Hanging upper cabinets follows a similar process but requires extra care:

• Mount hanging rails along the upper wall, taking time to level and position them accurately.
• Pilot drill appropriately sized holes and use fender washers when fastening to the metal studs.
• Attach the upper cabinet’s hanging rail brackets onto the wall rails and drill screws upwards into the studs through the cabinet to secure.
• Use shims or scrap wood to temporarily brace the underside of the upper cabinet for support.
• Once fully secured to the wall studs, remove the temporary bracing shims.

Take precautions when mounting upper cabinets to prevent tipping or falling which could cause injury. Work safely.

Tips for Hanging IKEA Cabinets on Metal Studs

Follow these tips for the best results installing IKEA cabinets on metal stud walls:

• Locate studs precisely. Make sure rails mount directly to studs, not just drywall.
• Use self-tapping screws at least 1 5/8″ long. Shorter screws won’t grip studs adequately.
• Drill proper pilot holes for each screw to prevent binding or stripping.
• Use fender washers to reinforce connections and prevent pulling through soft metal.
• Shim cabinets for temporary support until fully secured to the studs.
• Link cabinets together with screws through adjacent sidewalls.
• Take time to ensure rails and cabinets are completely level.

With the right tools and techniques, IKEA’s DIY-friendly cabinets can be installed very effectively on metal stud wall framing. Just follow stud best practices and use appropriate metal-gripping fasteners.

Hanging Non-IKEA Cabinets on Metal Studs

While this guide’s focus is installing IKEA cabinets specifically, the same general principles apply when mounting any pre-fabricated cabinetry on metal studs:

• Fully map stud locations and establish level mounting lines.
• Use hardware suitable for metal – self-tapping screws and fender washers.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for hanging cabinet carcasses.
• Take care when lifting and mounting upper cabinets.
• Use shims and braces for temporary support.
• Connect cabinets together securely through sidewalls.
• Conceal gaps with filler panels and trim molding.

Always refer to the cabinet manufacturer’s documentation for product-specific mounting procedures. But the basic process for hanging non-IKEA cabinets on metal studs will follow the same workflow.

Staggering Wall Studs for Cabinet Installation

Sometimes bathroom or kitchen layouts require mounting cabinets in areas without adequate wall studs in the ideal positions. A solution is to “stagger” studs by installing extra cross-framing between existing studs:

• Determine ideal cabinet placement and mark where new studs need to be added.
• Cut 2×4 lumber to fit tightly between the existing wall studs where needed.
• Drill pilot holes and use construction screws to securely attach cross-braces between studs.

This creates new solid anchoring points for hanging cabinets using the same metal-stud mounting techniques. Staggering studs takes a bit more work but allows flexibility in cabinet placement.

Hanging Cabinets on Horizontal Metal Wall Studs

Some metal building frames use horizontal wall studs rather than vertical ones. The process for mounting cabinets is slightly different:

• Mark the horizontal stud locations using a high-quality stud finder and confirm with exploratory drilling.
• Plan cabinet placement parallel under the horizontal studs. They will provide the primary support.
• Mount hanging rails horizontally to the underside of the wall studs.
• Attach cabinet hanging brackets to the rails. Drill up through the cabinets into the horizontal studs.
• Use metal cross-braces between studs behind the cabinets for reinforcement.

With careful planning and rail mounting, horizontal metal studs can provide sufficient support for securely hanging cabinets.

How Much Weight Can Metal Studs Hold?

An important question when installing cabinets on metal studs is how much weight the studs can realistically support. Here are some general metal stud weight capacities to be aware of:

• 25 gauge metal studs – approx. 50 lbs per attachment point
• 20 gauge metal studs – approx. 100 lbs per attachment point
• 16 gauge metal studs – approx. 150 lbs per attachment point

Always confirm the actual gauge rating of the metal studs used in your specific project. Heavier gauge studs can support more weight. But any metal stud framing has substantially lower capacity than wood framing. Carefully plan cabinet loading accordingly.

Summary

Installing IKEA or other ready-to-assemble cabinets on metal stud walls is very achievable with the right techniques. Carefully mapping the underlying studs, using heavy-duty metal fasteners, securely mounting the hanging rails, and tightly fastening the cabinets to the rails and studs will result in strong, level cabinetry that will provide years of sturdy storage space. Just take your time, work safely, and use mounting best practices suitable for thin metal framing. Follow the steps and tips outlined here, and you can confidently hang cabinets on your metal stud walls.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Can you hang cabinets on metal studs?

Yes, it is possible to securely hang cabinets on metal stud walls. Use self-tapping screws long enough to penetrate the studs, pre-drill holes, and use fender washers to prevent pulling through. Cabinets may need additional cross-bracing for maximum stability.

How do you attach cabinets to metal studs?

• Locate studs precisely and mark locations
• Mount horizontal hanging rails using self-tapping screws into studs
• Hang cabinet boxes on rails
• Drill through cabinet backs/sides up into studs
• Use specialty screws, fender washers, and cross-braces

What screws should I use on metal studs?

Use self-drilling, self-tapping screws that are 1 5/8″ to 2″ long specifically designed for fastening into metal studs. Ensure they are sufficiently long to fully penetrate the stud thickness with maximum holding strength.

Can I just use drywall anchors to hang cabinets on metal studs?

Do not attempt to hang cabinets solely on drywall anchors fastened between the metal studs. These will not safely support cabinet weight long-term. All cabinets must be securely fastened through the back and/or sides directly into the stud framing.

How do you find studs in a metal frame wall?

Use an electronic stud finder designed for detecting metal studs, move slowly and carefully to sense stud edges, confirm with light exploratory drilling, and double check markings by scanning higher and lower on the wall. Accurately marking stud centers is crucial.

Should I attach a ledger board to metal studs?

Yes, mounting a sturdy ledger board horizontally to the metal studs provides a solid surface to then attach the cabinet hanging brackets to. Lag bolts or self-tapping screws combined with fender washers are ideal for attaching ledgers to metal studs.

How much weight can metal studs hold per screw?

An approximate guide is 25 gauge studs can hold 50 lbs per screw, 20 gauge – 100 lbs, and 16 gauge – 150 lbs. Always verify the actual gauge of the metal studs used on your specific project for accurate weight capacities.