Installing wall cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to installing on wood studs. Proper planning and preparation are key to ensure the cabinets are securely mounted and level. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather all the necessary materials and tools:

Wall cabinets
Metal stud finder
Level
Drill
Self-tapping screws specifically made for metal studs
Washers
Pencil
Stud marked
Laser level (optional but recommended)
Cabinet screws
Screwdriver

Finding the Metal Studs

The first step is locating precisely where the metal studs are. Here are the best ways to find them:

Use a stud finder made for metal – They work differently than traditional stud finders by detecting changes in density rather than density alone. This makes them much more accurate on metal.
Use magnets – Run a strong magnet vertically along the wall. It will stick to the metal studs, revealing their location.
Check for drywall seams – Metal studs are typically installed when the drywall itself is put up. Look for drywall seams and screw/nail patterns to gauge where studs are.
Measure – Most metal studs are installed 16 inches, 24 inches or 48 inches apart, measuring between them horizontally will give their location.

Once the studs are found, use a pencil to mark their center for reference. Having them clearly marked is crucial for installing the cabinets properly.

Planning Cabinet Placement

With the studs marked, now carefully plan out exactly where the cabinets will go.

Mark a level line where the top of the bottom cabinets will be installed.
Mark another level line for the bottom of the upper cabinets. This line should be at least 18 inches above the lower line to leave room for the countertop surface.
Mark vertical lines for the outer edges of the cabinet run.

With these lines as guides, indicate the center of each individual cabinet on the walls. At least one of the cabinet’s mounting points must align with a stud center for maximum stability. Adjust the cabinet positions as needed to line up the mounting holes with the stud markings.

Pre-Drilling Holes

With the cabinet locations marked, it’s time to drill holes for the mounting screws.

Use a self-tapping screw specifically made for metal studs. Standard wood screws will not work. The threads on metal screws are designed to cut into and grip metal.

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter to pre-drill at each stud marking. Drilling pilot holes prevents the metal from deforming as the screws are driven in.

Deformation could make installing the cabinets more difficult and weaken the studs. The pilot holes should be drilled to a depth of at least 2 inches.

Mounting the Wall Cabinets

With the holes pre-drilled, the wall cabinets are ready for installation. Here are some tips for proper mounting:

Lift into place – Have someone help lift the cabinet against the wall, lining up the mounting holes with the pre-drilled holes. Do not drag the cabinet into position, as this can damage the finish.
Partially drive the top screws first – Insert the top screws into the top mounting holes but do not fully tighten them. This allows some play to adjust and level the cabinet.
Use washers – Washers help distribute the pressure applied by the screw heads. This prevents them from pulling through the cabinet back panels.
Check level frequently – Use a 4 foot level on the faceframe as you work to confirm the cabinet remains plumb. Adjust as needed.
Fully tighten all screws – Once level is confirmed, finish tightening all screws firmly into the metal studs. Do not overtighten to the point of stripping.
Use as many mounting points as possible – Take advantage of all available mounting holes in the cabinet framework to ensure maximum stability.
Consider reinforcement – For extremely heavy upper cabinets, install a horizontal mounting strip screwed into several studs. Attach the cabinets to the strip.

Hanging the Bottom Cabinets

The bottom cabinets can now be installed using a similar mounting process:

Hold the cabinet in place, aligning the mounting rails with the level line marked previously.
Partially insert the mounting screws in the top holes leaving them loose until level is verified.
Check the level side-to-side and front-to-back. The cabinet face frame should be flush and plumb with the level line.
Use shims as necessary between the mounting rail and wall to fine tune the alignment.
Fully tighten all screws once proper level is achieved.
Install any remaining cabinets, repeating the same steps. Leave approximately 1/8″ gap between the cabinet face frames.
Make adjustments as needed to ensure all cabinets are level with each other along the front face frames.

Securing Adjacent Cabinets

With all cabinets installed and properly aligned, they must be joined together for maximum stability:

Attach face frames – Drive screws through the front face frame of one cabinet into the side frame of the next cabinet. Two screws at minimum per junction is recommended.
Use corner braces – Install metal 90 degree angle brackets in the inside upper and lower corners where cabinets meet. Screw them firmly into the cabinet frames.
Attach back panels – Screw the backs of adjacent wall cabinets together by driving screws through the panels. Make sure screws do not interfere with shelving or utilities inside.

These steps join the cabinets together into one solid base that keeps them from shifting independently over time. Perform them at each junction along the cabinet run.

Installing Decorative Trim

For a finished look, decorative trim can be applied:

Measure for filler trim – If the wall cabinets do not span the entire length of the wall, measure and cut filler trim pieces to cover any gaps.
Determine crown molding dimensions – Measure the distance from the cabinet face frame to the ceiling. Cut the crown molding to fit this length.
Use backer strips – Nail up backer strips along the tops of the cabinets and bottom of soffits to attach the crown molding to.
Miter joint corners – Cut the crown molding lengths at a 45 degree angle and join them together over corners.
Nail into place – Use a nail gun to attach the trim pieces into the backer strips. Nail every 10-12 inches. Use scarf joints to join long sections.
Caulk seams – Fill any visible gaps in the trim or molding with color matched caulk for a seamless look.

Final Checklist

Before completing the project, be sure to:

Confirm all cabinets are level and adjacent boxes are flush.
Test doors and drawers to ensure proper alignment and closure.
Verify doors and drawer fronts are plumb with cabinet face frames.
Ensure no screws are sticking through the cabinet framework.
Clean up any pencil markings on the cabinets or walls.
Touch up any damage to the cabinet finish.

With attention to proper techniques and details, you can achieve a beautiful and functional wall cabinet installation on metal studs. Taking time to do careful planning, accurate measuring, leveling, and securing will provide great results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of screws should be used with metal studs?

Self-tapping screws specifically designed for metal should always be used, such as self-piercing screws or self-drilling screws. Standard wood screws will not properly grip metal.

How much weight can metal studs hold?

Most metal studs used in residential construction can securely support 50-60 lbs per horizontal linear foot as a general rule when properly installed. But the load capacity can vary based on the metal gauge, size, and spacing.

Should extra blocking be added between studs for cabinet mounting?

For heavy upper cabinets, additional blocking between studs is recommended to provide full support across the width of the cabinet. Screw 2×4 blocks flat against the studs before installing the cabinet.

What is the typical spacing between metal wall studs?

The most common spacing for metal studs is 16 inches on center. But it could range from as little as 12 inches up to 24 inches on center depending on the building plans and codes. Stud spacing greater than 24 inches is rare in residential settings.

How are filler trim panels secured between cabinets and walls?

Filler panels can be attached through the inside edge of the cabinet frame using short screws if accessible. If not, use adhesive, nails, or clips attached to the panel back to mount firmly to the wall alone.

Should the bottom cabinets be attached directly to the floor?

Yes, securing the base cabinets with screws driven through the mounting rails into the floor helps stabilize them. This is in addition to mounting them to the wall studs.

Conclusion

Installing cabinets on metal stud walls is best tackled with proper planning, patience, and attention to detail. Finding the stud locations accurately, marking cabinet placement precisely, pre-drilling holes, checking level frequently, and securing the components together are the keys to success. With the right techniques and materials, you can achieve a rock solid wall cabinet installation to last for years on metal stud walls.

How to Install Wall Cabinets on Metal Studs

Introduction

Hanging wall cabinets on metal studs provides a super sturdy base for your kitchen or bathroom storage needs. But it requires different techniques and considerations compared to mounting on traditional wood stud walls.

In this guide, we’ll cover the complete process for proper metal stud cabinet installation in detail, including:

Finding and marking the studs
Planning cabinet placement
Securing the cabinets safely to the studs
Leveling and alignment best practices
Joining adjacent cabinets securely
Adding decorative trim

Follow these steps carefully and you can gain optimal storage with a wall cabinet installation that will stand the test of time. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Installing cabinets on metal studs requires using specialty fasteners and tools:

Self-tapping cabinet installation screws for metal – Do not attempt using wood screws, they will not hold.
Washers – Helps prevent screw heads from pulling through the cabinet backs.
Metal stud finder – Locates the studs behind the drywall precisely.
Laser level (optional but recommended) – Allows perfectly level and flush cabinet mounting.
Drill and drill bits – For pilot holes. Match bit size to screws.
Pencil and stud marker – To mark stud center locations.
4 ft Level – For checking cabinet level and plumb during install.

Make sure you have all of these items on hand before starting the installation.

Locating the Metal Studs

The first crucial step is finding exactly where the metal studs are within the wall so you can align the cabinets properly. Here are a few ways to accurately locate them:

Use a Stud Finder Designed for Metal

Stud finders made specifically for metal can locate the studs much more precisely than standard magnetic or electronic ones designed for wood. They detect changes in density rather than just density itself.

Slowly slide the finder vertically along the wall and mark the centers as it indicates them. Double check a few locations manually to confirm accuracy.

Look for Drywall Seams

Drywall panels are typically installed and screwed directly into the studs as walls are constructed. Check for seams and look for any screw/nail patterns that would indicate stud locations.

Use Magnets

You can also run strong magnets vertically along the wall surface. They will stick to the metal studs, allowing you to find the edge and center of each one. Mark these points with your pencil.

Measure Between Studs

Most residential metal studs are installed on 16″ or 24″ center spacing. Measuring horizontally between them will give you their hidden layout. Mark the measurements with stud marks.

Once you’ve found and marked the metal stud locations, you can move onto positioning and mounting the cabinets.

Planning Wall Cabinet Placement

With the studs marked, now you can map out exactly where your wall cabinets will be installed.

Here are some tips for planning:

Mark a level line where the bottom of the wall cabinets will sit. At minimum this should be 18″ above the countertop.
Mark plumb vertical lines to indicate the outer cabinet edges.
Based on the stud markings, determine the ideal cabinet locations so mounting holes align.
Adjust positions left or right if needed to center cabinets on the studs.
Allow for 1/8” spacing between adjacent installed cabinets.
For corner units, locate studs as close to either side as possible.

Take the time to carefully plan the cabinet placement and drill points before actually mounting them. It will pay off in smooth installation.

Pre-Drilling Pilot Holes

With your cabinet locations marked, now pre-drill holes for the mounting screws at each stud location using a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter.

Here are some pre-drilling tips:

Drill pilot holes to at least 2” depth into the metal studs.
Keep the drill bit as centered in the stud width as possible.
Keep drill perpendicular to the wall, do not angle.
Use a self-tapping screw specifically for metal. Do not attempt to use wood screws.

Pre-drilling prevents screw fasteners from deforming the studs when tightened. It also reduces the force needed to drive the screws.

Mounting the Cabinets to the Studs

You’re now ready to hang the cabinets onto the walls. Follow these best practices:

Lift Into Place

Have someone help lift the wall cabinet into position aligned with the mounting holes. Do not drag the cabinet into place across the wall.

Partially Drive Top Screws

Start the top mounting screws into the pre-drilled holes first but do not fully tighten. This will allow some vertical adjustability.

Use Washers

Install washers between the screw head and cabinet on all mounting points to prevent pull through.

Check Level Frequently

Use a 4 foot level on the face frame to make sure the cabinet stays plumb as you work. Adjust as needed.

Fully Tighten All Screws

Once the cabinet is level and plumb, finish tightening down all mounting screws firmly. Be careful not to strip the metal.

Use All Mounting Points

Take advantage of all available mounting holes in the framework to ensure maximum stability.

Follow these steps carefully for each cabinet installed. Having a helper makes this process much easier.

Hanging the Lower Cabinets

The base cabinet mounting process is very similar:

Hold or lift the cabinets into place, aligned with the marks made earlier.
Partially insert the upper cabinet rail mounting bolts into the wall first.
Check level side-to-side and front-to-back. Use shims if necessary for perfect plumb.
Tighten all mounting bolts once level is confirmed.
Leave 1/8” gaps between adjacent cabinet face frames.
Make any adjustments needed to ensure all base cabinets are level with each other across the front.
Consider driving screws up through the floor into the cabinet rails for maximum stability.

Securing Adjacent Cabinets

To gain maximum strength, adjacent cabinets must be joined together:

Attach Face Frames

Drive screws through the front frame of one cabinet into the side frame of the next. Two screws per junction minimum.

Install Corner Braces

Use L-brackets or triangular corner braces in the top and bottom corners between cabinets.

Attach Back Panels

Screw through the back panels of adjacent wall cabinets. Avoid interference with interior shelves.

Joining the cabinets together this way makes the run incredibly solid and resistant to any shifting or movement over time.

Adding Decorative Trim

Some finishing touches can really complete the built-in look:

Measure and cut crown molding segments to fit between the cabinets and ceiling.
Miter cut the joints. This allows tight seams where sections meet at corners.
Use filler panels to cover any gaps between the cabinets and walls. Match the finish.
Install trim with nails driven into backer strips. Use scarf joints where long runs meet.
Caulk seams for a seamless look. Paint or stain to match if needed.

Trim accents provide a custom look while hiding any imperfections.

Helpful Tips and Considerations

Always check cabinets for level, plumb and square as you install. Adjust promptly before moving on.
Take time to plan mounting locations accurately based on the stud markings.
Have helpers to hold cabinets in place while fastening to make easier work.
Tighten screws firmly but be careful not to over-torque and strip the metal studs.
Use screwdrivers with magnetic tips to prevent dropping screws between studs.
Remove doors, drawers and hardware until after painting or installation is fully complete.

Following these tips will allow you to get your wall cabinets hung quickly, safely and professionally. You’ll get storage you can rely on for many years to come.

Conclusion

While requiring some specialized tools and techniques, installing cabinets on metal stud walls is very doable for DIYers. The most important steps are properly locating the studs, planning accurate placement, pre-drilling holes, using cabinet screws specifically designed for metal, checking level frequently, and securely joining components together.

Careful attention to detail and cabinet construction best practices will allow you to gain sturdy, robust storage. Just be sure to use the right fasteners and methodology tailored to metal studs rather than relying on wood framing approaches.

With some patience and the right process, you can achieve truly professional