How to Install Kitchen Cabinets on Metal Studs

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to wood stud walls. With proper planning and materials, you can achieve a strong, durable cabinet installation. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps and provide tips for a successful project.

Steps to Install Cabinets on Metal Studs

1. Plan the Layout

• Carefully measure the kitchen space and map out the cabinet layout. Account for corners, windows, doors, and appliances.
• Mark the stud locations on the floor with tape or chalk. Studs are usually spaced 16 inches apart.
• Plan cabinet sizes and configurations to align with the stud spacing. Base cabinets are usually 24 inches deep.

2. Add Blocking Between Studs

• Metal studs alone do not offer enough support for hanging cabinets. Blocking made of wood needs to be installed between the vertical metal studs.
• Cut 2×4 blocks to fit snugly between the studs where cabinets will be installed. Secure with drywall screws.

3. Install Furring Strips

• Furring strips help create a level surface for mounting cabinets on uneven walls.
• Use 1×3 lumber for vertical furring strips. Cut them to exact height to fit floor to ceiling.
• Fasten strips to the studs and blocking using drywall or deck screws. Ensure strips are plumb.

4. Hang the Wall Cabinets

• Measure and mark the cabinet height from the floor. Use a level to ensure consistent height.
• Drill pilot holes for cabinet hanging screws in the exact stud locations.
• Mount the wall cabinets by driving 3-inch screws through the cabinet back and into the studs/blocking.

5. Install the Base Cabinets

• Place the base cabinets in position, flush against the wall. Make sure spacing between cabinets is accurate.
• Mark pilot hole locations through the cabinet nailers into the studs and drill.
• Fasten with 3-inch screws driven into the blocking between the floor and ceiling.
• Attach cabinets together with appropriate fasteners through the face frames.

6. Secure Cabinets Properly

• Use additional blocking where necessary to solidly mount cabinets in place.
• Drive two screws through the side or back panels into the adjacent studs.
• Attach corner cabinets to both perpendicular stud walls for maximum stability.
• Ensure uppers and lowers are attached securely to each other with fasteners.

Tips for Installing Kitchen Cabinets on Metal Studs

• Use self-threading drywall screws, not coarse wood screws, to avoid cracking metal studs.
• Pre-drill holes for all screws to prevent splitting wood blocking.
• Use washers under the screw heads to distribute load and prevent pull-through.
• Shim as needed between cabinets and walls to plumb and level the installed units.
• Countersink screw heads and fill with wood putty for a clean look.
• Stagger the heights of wall cabinet sides to avoid screwing into the same stud.
• Consider using toggles bolts in drywall instead of blocking for added strength.

FAQs About Installing Kitchen Cabinets on Metal Studs

How Do You Attach Cabinets to Metal Studs?

Attach cabinets to metal studs securely using extra blocking between the studs and 3-inch drywall screws driven into the wood blocking. Pre-drill holes and use washers under screw heads.

What Type of Screws Should Be Used?

Self-threading drywall screws are ideal for metal studs. Pre-drill to avoid cracking thin metal. Use coarse threaded wood screws for fastening wood blocking.

Should You Put Wood Behind Drywall for Cabinets?

Yes, wood blocking should be installed between metal studs to provide needed support for ceiling-high and upper cabinets. Furring strips also create an even mounting surface.

How Do You Strengthen Metal Studs for Cabinets?

Adding wood blocking securely fastened between studs helps strengthen them to support cabinets. Toggler brand toggle bolts are another option for heavy upper cabinets.

What is the Best Way to Hang Cabinets on Metal Studs?

Find the exact stud locations, mark and pre-drill holes. Use at least 3-inch drywall screws to attach cabinets through back panels or nailers into wood blocking between studs.

Can New Cabinets Be Hung on Existing Drywall on Metal Studs?

Yes, new cabinets can be installed on existing drywall as long as the stud locations are found, and adequate wood blocking is added between studs to support the load.

Conclusion

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal stud walls is definitely achievable with proper planning and preparation. Finding the exact stud locations, adding wood blocking, and using long drywall screws into the blocking are the keys to success. Carefully measuring for cabinet layout and taking the time to ensure a solid mounting will result in a kitchen cabinet installation that will last for many years on metal stud walls. With attention to detail, you can have beautiful and functional cabinets even in a metal stud construction home.