How to Hang Metal Cabinets in Your Garage

Installing sturdy and durable metal cabinets in your garage is an excellent way to maximize storage space, organize tools and equipment, and create an efficient workspace. However, properly hanging metal cabinets can be challenging without the right techniques and hardware. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know to successfully hang metal cabinets in your garage.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before starting the installation process, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials and tools:

• Metal cabinets – Choose high-quality cabinets designed for garage use with thick steel construction. Measure the area where you want to hang cabinets and purchase appropriately sized units.
• Stud finder – Essential for finding studs behind the wall surface to secure the cabinets. Choose an electronic stud finder for best results.
• Level – A must for ensuring the cabinets are hung straight and even. Opt for a bubble level that attaches to the cabinet.
• Drill and drill bits – For drilling pilot holes for screws into the studs. Bring a range of drill bit sizes.
• Screws – Self-tapping metal screws (1 1/4″ to 2″) for mounting cabinets into studs.
• Wall anchors – If studs are not available, toggle bolts work well for drywall mounting.
• Wrench – For tightening bolts and leveling cabinets. An adjustable wrench is ideal.
• Helper – Get an extra set of hands to hold cabinets in place while fastening to the wall.

Safety Gear

Be sure to gather safety equipment before starting:

• Safety goggles – Protect your eyes from debris when drilling.
• Work gloves – Gloves improve your grip and protect your hands.
• Dust mask – Helpful when drilling into drywall to avoid breathing dust.
• Ear protection – Drilling can be loud, so wear earmuffs or earplugs.
• Sturdy ladder – Use a ladder to reach high mounting spots safely.

Choose a Proper Mounting Location

When selecting a spot to hang your metal cabinets, keep these factors in mind:

• Studs – Cabinets must be securely screwed into the wall studs, so access to studs is crucial. Use a stud finder to locate studs.
• Height – Install the cabinets at a comfortable height for accessing the contents. Typical height is between 50-60 inches above the floor.
• Existing elements – Avoid hanging cabinets over electrical wiring, water pipes, or gas lines. Check the wall before drilling.
• Room layout – Frequently accessed cabinets may be better suited for eye-level mounting. Place taller cabinets higher up.
• Ventilation – Leave space between the wall and cabinet for airflow, especially around garages with gas appliances.
• Above workbenches – Hanging cabinets over a workbench takes advantage of unused space efficiently.

How to Locate the Wall Studs

Wall studs provide the solid backing required to securely fasten heavy metal cabinets to the wall. Here are some tips for finding studs:

• Use an electronic stud finder. Run the finder vertically over the wall to detect studs. Mark stud edges with pencil.
• Check for wall outlets or switch plates. Studs are typically located next to boxes, so use these as starting points.
• Knock on the wall while moving horizontally. You’ll hear a duller thud over studs and a hollow sound over void.
• Look for small nail holes. Line up with the edges of studs.
• Use a strong magnet. When moved vertically, it will stick to wallboard nails in the stud centers.
• Drill small holes to probe the wall using a thin drill bit. When the bit enters a stud, you’ll feel increased resistance.

Once located, use masking tape or chalk to mark the center points of each stud you plan to use to mount the cabinets. Having clearly marked studs will make the installation process much easier.

Measure and Mark the Cabinet Location

With your studs marked, now you can determine the exact mounting location for your metal cabinets. Follow these steps:

1. Place the cabinets in the desired installation spot, ensuring they will be positioned properly between two studs.
2. Use a level tool on the cabinet top or side to make sure they sit flush against the wall. Adjust if necessary.
3. Mark the outside upper corners of the cabinet on the wall using a pencil. This outlines where to mount the cabinets.
4. Use a measuring tape to measure and mark stud center points between the cabinet outline. These marks are where screws will go to attach the cabinet to studs.
5. Draw a level line between the stud marks to align the cabinet top. Allow for clearance above if needed.

Measuring precisely and marking the stud locations on the wall surface ensures your cabinets will be hung straight, plumb, and securely supported. Avoid guessing where fasteners should go.

Pre-Drill Holes in the Cabinet Back Panel

With your measurements complete and stud locations marked, it’s time to drill holes in the back panel of the metal cabinet to receive the mounting screws later on.

Follow these best practices when pre-drilling cabinet holes:

• Use a drill bit slightly smaller than your mounting screws, usually 1/8″ or less in diameter. This allows threads to grip.
• Align the holes vertically with your stud center marks on the wall.
• Place holes near the top and bottom of the cabinet back panels, at least 1″ from the edges.
• Space additional holes evenly from top to bottom for larger cabinets. Aim for 12-16″ between holes.
• Drill holes in the exact marked stud positions, avoiding any errors which throw off alignment.
• Deburr holes carefully using a file or sandpaper so screws glide in cleanly.

Take your time pre-drilling the cabinet back panels. Properly aligning and preparing the holes now makes fastening the cabinets simpler.

How to Attach Cabinets to Wall Studs

With pre-drilling complete, you’re ready to permanently fasten the metal cabinets to the wall studs. Follow these steps:

1. Position the cabinet on your marks and check it’s level. Have a helper hold it in place.
2. Using an appropriate drill bit, make pilot holes through the cabinet back panel and into the studs, going approximately 1″ deep.
3. Place metal screws (1 1/4″ or longer) through the cabinet holes into the pilot holes you just drilled.
4. Use a screwdriver or drill to drive the screws securely into the wall studs. Do not overtighten.
5. Install any additional middle screws planned for large cabinets. Double check alignment.
6. Carefully weight down lower cabinets once mounted or prop up the bottom until you attach countertops.

Follow this sequence when fastening all cabinets, taking care to keep them level and flush together as you work across the mounting area.

Securing Cabinets to Drywall Without Studs

Not all cabinet mounting locations will align perfectly with wall studs. But cabinets can still be installed safely using specialized wall anchors. Here is how:

• Mark the exact cabinet mounting and drill locations on the wall as if studs were present.
• Drill appropriately sized holes for your toggle bolt or molly bolt wall anchor choice. Hole diameter should match specifications.
• Insert the wall anchor and tighten until the fastening plate rotates into place against the interior wall surface.
• Drill pilot holes through the cabinet back panel aligned with the installed anchors.
• Place screws through the cabinet holes into the anchors. Tighten down screws firmly to secure the cabinet.
• Consider installing an additional anchor at each upper corner for large cabinets if no studs available.
• Check that upper cabinets are level side-to-side before loading in belongings.

Though not as strong as mounting to studs, using heavy-duty wall anchors for drywall mounting is a suitable solution. Take extra care moving very heavy items into upper cabinets.

Helpful Tips for Hanging Metal Cabinets Straight and Secure

Follow these helpful tips as you progress through the cabinet hanging process:

• Always start installation with upper cabinets first so you can rest lower units on the ground for stability when fastening.
• Have a friend help hold cabinets in position and move any necessary tools or supplies.
• Temporarily tack cabinets in place on one stud before drilling the remainder to check alignment.
• Keep a rubber mallet handy to gently tap cabinets precisely into the desired position.
• Use shims if needed between cabinets and the wall to plumb and fill any uneven gaps before screwing in.
• Take breaks to stand back and check that units are level and lined up evenly as you go.
• Don’t wait to attach cabinet doors – aligning drilled holes is easier with doors on.
• Install any cabinet trim pieces, fillers, or molding last after aligning all cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap up, here are answers to some common questions about mounting metal cabinets securely:

What type of screws should I use?

Self-tapping metal screws. They can drill into metal studs without pre-drilling and have wide threads to grip securely. 1 1/4″ to 2″ size range recommended.

Do I need to attach cabinets together?

If aligning multiple cabinets, use metal L-brackets inside adjoining units or drill pilot holes for small screws to link together firmly.

What is the best height to install wall cabinets?

Standard guideline is 50-60″ above the floor to the bottom of the cabinet. Adjust based on your height and intended cabinet contents.

How much weight can garage cabinet mounting hardware hold?

Heavy-duty toggle bolts can hold 175 lbs or more per fastener. Always check manufacturer ratings and use adequate numbers of anchors.

What is the proper placement for upper corner cabinets?

Try to locate corner cabinets a minimum of 18 inches from the front corner for the door to fully open. Measure carefully.

Can I hang a metal cabinet directly into drywall without hitting studs?

It’s not recommended. Use specialized drywall anchors if no studs available. Limit weight capacity without wood stud backer.

Conclusion

Installing metal cabinets is an achievable DIY garage project given the right preparation and techniques. By identifying your exact mounting location, finding studs, pre-drilling cabinet back panels, and using secure hardware, you can hang wall-mounted cabinets in your garage successfully. Just be sure to use sturdy, thick steel cabinets, drill into studs whenever possible, double check for level alignment, and get an extra set of hands. Your metal cabinets will provide safe, durable storage space for years to come.