How to Hang Kitchen Cabinets into Metal Studs

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

What You’ll Need

• Tape measure
• Stud finder
• Level
• Drill
• Self-tapping screws specifically meant for metal studs
• Cabinet hanging rail
• Zip toggles or snap toggles
• Drywall anchors
• Wrenches

Preparing the Wall

Before hanging any cabinets, you’ll need to locate the metal studs and mark their locations.

Locating the Metal Studs

• Use a stud finder designed for finding metal studs. Move it slowly across the wall at the planned height for the cabinets.
• Mark the stud locations with a pencil. Measure and mark the stud centers, usually 16 inches or 24 inches.
• Confirm the stud finder markings by using a magnet. The magnet will stick to drywall screws or nails in the studs.

Check for Plumb and Level

• Use a 4-foot level to determine if the wall is plumb. Mark any high or low spots.
• Check for level at the planned height for the bottom cabinet rail. Mark any high or low spots.

Address Any Problem Areas

• If the wall is not plumb, use shims when mounting the cabinets to avoid any tilting or gaps.
• For significant high or low spots, the drywall may need patching and sanding to flatten it out.

Mounting and Securing the Rail

Before hanging the cabinets, a mounting rail is fastened across multiple studs first.

Positioning the Rail

• Measure up from floor level and mark a horizontal line for the bottom of the rail.
• Align the bottom of the rail with the line. Make sure the rail extends across at least 3 studs.
• Allow for any base molding thickness so the cabinet bottom will align with it.

Drilling Pilot Holes

• Mark pilot hole locations on the stud marks. Allow for 3-4 pilot holes per stud.
• Drill pilot holes through the rail and drywall using a stepped drill bit. Go slow to avoid metal burrs.
• Vacuum out any metal shavings so they don’t interfere with the toggle bolts.

Fastening the Rail

• For wood screw holes that align with studs, use self-tapping metal screws to secure the rail.
• For non-stud locations, insert zip toggles or snap toggles through the drywall and tighten.
• Alternate fasteners on both sides of each stud for maximum strength.
• Check for level and re-adjust until the rail is perfectly level across the whole width.

Hanging the Cabinets

With the rail securely mounted, you’re ready to hang the cabinets.

Positioning Cabinets

• Place corner cabinets first if applicable. Make sure they are plumb with framing on adjoining walls.
• Fill in between with other cabinets, keeping them slightly away from the wall.

Securing Cabinets

• Fasten through the hanging strips or rails into the support rail. Make sure screws engage the rail.
• For added security, use angled braces inside upper cabinets attached to the wall with snap toggles.
• Use shims behind the cabinet or on the floor to plumb and level all cabinets.

Finishing Touches

• Secure cabinets together with fasteners through adjacent cabinet sides.
• Install filler strips and scribes to close any gaps between cabinets and walls.
• Attach end panels and install door fronts once base cabinets are in place.

Tips for Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

• When buying fasteners, ensure they are approved for metal stud use. Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are ideal
• Cut holes in drywall slightly larger than screw heads to allow play for adjusting cabinet position.
• Use fender washers under bolt heads inside cabinets to distribute load on the thin metal framing.
• Shim cabinets both behind and at the base if the floor is uneven.
• Take your time to get cabinets perfectly plumb and level – it makes installation much easier.

Can You Use Drywall Anchors?

Drywall anchors like sleeve anchors can grip into the drywall between studs to provide additional support. However, they should not be solely relied on for the entire cabinet load. The pull-out strength is not as high as proper fastening to the metal studs.

FAQs About Hanging Kitchen Cabinets on Metal Studs

How do you attach cabinets to metal studs?

Use self-tapping screws made for metal or cabinet hanging rails secured to multiple studs. Use fender washers with bolts to prevent pull-through.

Where should screws go into metal studs?

Aim for the center of the stud. Space multiple screws evenly from top to bottom to distribute the load. Avoid edges where strength is weaker.

What if cabinets fall between studs?

Use toggles, sleeve anchors or molly bolts to secure to the drywall between studs. Or install blocking between studs to attach cabinets securely.

Can you hang cabinets on metal studs without rails?

It’s best not to hang cabinets directly on metal studs. The thin framing can makes it tricky. Rails helps distribute weight properly over multiple studs.

Should I use wood blocking or plywood?

Adding wood blocking between metal studs provides a solid surface to mount cabinets on. Plywood strips also help redistribute weight.

How much weight can metal studs hold?

Metal studs are very strong vertically but weaker horizontally. Properly secured cabinets are unlikely to exceed the weight capacity. Spread loads over multiple studs.

Conclusion

Hanging kitchen cabinets onto metal studs is convenient since you get great support without having to locate wood studs. With the techniques outlined above, you can independently achieve a professional-looking and functional kitchen cabinet installation on metal stud walls. Pay attention to properly spreading loads over multiple studs, using appropriate fasteners, and taking the time to make sure cabinets are plumb, true and secure.