Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. Metal studs are increasingly popular in construction because they don’t warp, rot, or attract pests. However, the smooth, hard surface of metal studs presents some challenges for installing cabinets securely. With the right preparation and materials, you can hang your kitchen cabinets on metal studs with confidence.
Benefits of Using Metal Studs
Before getting into the step-by-step process, let’s review some of the main benefits of using metal studs:
- Strength and durability – Metal studs don’t warp or rot over time like wood studs. They maintain their shape and structural integrity for the life of the building.
- Consistent dimensions – Metal studs come in standardized widths with evenly spaced holes for fasteners. This makes alignment and installation easier.
- Non-combustible – Metal doesn’t burn or act as fuel in a fire. This adds an important safety element.
- Pest resistant – There’s no organic material for termites or other pests to feast on. Metal studs prevent damage from infestations.
- Cost-effective – Metal studs are competitively priced. The labor savings from faster installation compared to wood often makes metal the more budget-friendly choice.
Challenges of Mounting to Metal Studs
While very strong as a framework, metal studs don’t hold screws as well as wood. Screws tend to pull out more easily from the smooth metal surface. However, several techniques can provide very secure cabinet installation:
- Use self-tapping metal screws specifically designed for fastening into metal studs. The threads bite into the metal for a tight hold.
- Drill pilot holes before inserting screws to prevent stripping the metal.
- Use metal washers to distribute pressure from the screw head over a wider surface area.
- Consider using nuts and bolts for an extra-secure connection.
- Use toggles or molly bolts to spread force across a larger area of the stud.
- Attach mounting boards horizontally across multiple studs to disperse the cabinet weight.
Tools and Materials Needed
To safely and successfully hang kitchen cabinets on metal studs, you’ll need:
- Protective gear – safety goggles, work gloves, etc.
- Tape measure and pencil
- Level
- Stud finder
- Drill with assorted drill bits
- Self-tapping metal screws (1 1/4″ to 2 1/2″ lengths)
- Fender washers
- Toggle bolts or molly bolts (if needed)
- Mounting boards (optional)
- Cabinet hardware – screws, bolts, washers, etc.
How to Locate and Mark Studs
The first step is mapping out the metal stud locations:
- Use a stud finder designed for metal to detect stud edges. Mark these locations lightly in pencil.
- Confirm stud centers by measuring and marking every 16” or 24” across the installation area.
- Use a level and chalk line to trace vertical lines down each stud center.
- Drill small pilot holes to verify the presence of a stud inside the wall. Adjust your lines as needed.
- Mark stud centers directly on the wall where cabinets will be installed.
How to Attach Mounting Boards
For extremely heavy cabinets like floor-to-ceiling pantry units, use 1×4 or 1×6 inch mounting boards:
- Hold the board horizontally along the stud line and mark where screws will go.
- Drill pilot holes in the board and matching holes in the studs.
- Attach the board to each stud using at least 3 metal screws per stud.
- Make sure the board is perfectly level. Use shims if needed.
- Mount the cabinets by screwing into the wood boards.
How to Mount Cabinets Directly to Studs
For most standard cabinets, you can mount them directly to the metal studs:
- Line up the cabinet on the wall and mark the stud locations on the inside of the cabinet.
- Remove the cabinet and drill pilot holes in the marked locations.
- Hold the cabinet back in position and drill pilot holes into the studs through the existing holes.
- Attach metal washers onto self-tapping screws.
- Screw through the cabinet back into the metal studs.
- Use at least 2 screws top and bottom attaching firmly to a stud.
- Consider using nuts and bolts for heavy upper cabinets or glass doors.
How to Use Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts distribute force over a larger area if screws aren’t hitting a stud:
- Hold the cabinet and mark hole locations on the wall.
- Drill holes slightly smaller than the toggle width.
- Collapse the toggle wings and insert into the hole.
- Twist to align the wings behind the wall and tighten the bolt.
- Hang the cabinet on the toggle bolt shanks.
How to Ensure Cabinets Are Secure
To finish with securely fastened cabinets:
- Tighten screws firmly but not so much that you strip the metal studs.
- Verify cabinets are level and plumb when fully installed.
- Place shims behind gaps larger than 1/8 inch.
- Caulk along tops, sides and bottoms for an air-tight seal.
- Attach cabinets together with fasteners through adjacent cabinet sides.
With careful preparation and the right materials, installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs can be accomplished smoothly. Follow these tips for optimal support strength and aesthetics. Your cabinets will gain the same benefits of sturdiness and shape stability as the underlying metal framing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use standard wood screws when mounting cabinets to metal studs?
No, regular wood screws are likely to tear out of the metal. Use self-tapping metal screws designed to cut threads into the metal as they turn.
How much weight can metal studs support for cabinets?
With proper reinforcement and load distribution, metal studs generally support 50-100 lbs per linear foot, plenty for standard cabinetry. Heavier items may require extra support.
Should I still hit the stud centers even if using toggle bolts?
Yes, aligning as many fasteners as possible with actual studs provides maximum strength. Use toggles only where needed between studs.
What size pilot hole should I drill for #8 or #10 metal screws?
For #8 screws, drill 1/8″ pilot holes. For #10 screws, drill 3/32″ to 7/64″ pilot holes. Match the bit size to the root diameter of screw threads.
Can I attach a cleat across metal studs and hang cabinets from that?
Yes, mounting a horizontal wood cleat secured tightly to multiple studs is an effective way to hang cabinets on metal studs.
Conclusion
While requiring a few specialized materials and techniques, installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs is a very viable and secure process. Carefully mapping the stud locations, using self-tapping metal screws and washers, and reinforcing with horizontal blocking are the keys to success. With these tips in mind, you can confidently mount your dream kitchen on durable metal framing. Just take care to drill pilot holes and gradually tighten screws to avoid stripping the threads. Your cabinets will gain the strength and longevity of metal construction.