Installing cabinets onto metal studs requires some special considerations compared to installing onto wood studs. With the right techniques and materials, you can securely mount cabinets onto metal studs in your home.
Benefits of Metal Studs
Metal studs have become increasingly popular in construction over the past few decades. Here are some of the benefits of using metal instead of wood studs:
- Strength and durability – Metal is less prone to warping, rotting, or insect damage.
- Non-combustible – Metal does not burn, making it safer in a fire.
- Consistent sizing – Metal studs come in standardized widths and thicknesses for easier installation.
- Versatility – Metal studs allow for flexible interior wall layouts.
- Cost-effective – Metal studs are competitively priced.
While metal has its advantages, it does require some special installation techniques when mounting cabinets or other heavy items. The studs cannot be drilled and screwed into directly like wood. Fortunately, with the right preparation, you can securely install cabinets onto metal studs.
How to Install Cabinets onto Metal Studs
Follow these steps for proper cabinet installation:
Materials Needed
- Cabinets
- Wall screws appropriate for metal (typically self-tapping)
- Washers
- Toggles or molly bolts
- Wood backing boards
- Drill and drill bits
- Stud finder
- Level
- Other typical cabinet installation tools
Find and Mark Studs
Locate all the metal studs using a stud finder where you will be installing the cabinets. Mark the center of each stud using a pencil.
Be sure to mark the height of desired upper and lower cabinet placement. Having the stud centers marked ahead of time will make installing mounting boards and cabinets much easier.
Mount Backing Boards to Studs
You will need to attach wood backing boards horizontally to give the cabinet screws something solid to bite into.
- Measure and cut boards to length. They should span at least two studs.
- Hold boards in place so screw locations align with stud centers.
- Drill pilot holes in the boards to prevent splitting.
- Use self-tapping wall screws to attach boards to studs. Make sure screws are long enough to penetrate studs by at least 3/4″.
- Use several screws per stud to securely mount backing boards.
Attach Cabinets to Backing Boards
With backing boards installed, you can now screw cabinets directly into them.
- Have someone hold cabinet in place against wall.
- Level and adjust cabinet so side walls line up with boards behind.
- Drill pilot holes through cabinet backs where they align with boards.
- Insert wall screws with washers to attach cabinet firmly to the boards and metal studs.
- Repeat for all cabinets, keeping them level and checking for secure attachment.
For upper cabinets, you may need to use molly bolts or toggles on the insides where there is no backing board behind the stud. This braces the cabinet on both sides of the metal stud for maximum stability.
Tips for Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Use self-tapping screws specifically designed for fastening to metal. Do not attempt to use wood screws.
- Make sure backing boards are securely fastened to studs before attaching cabinets.
- Be precise in measurements, marking stud centers, and cabinet placement. Metal provides less forgiveness than wood framing.
- Use fender washers to disperse force from cabinet mounting screws.
- Consider adding reinforcement brackets inside upper cabinets for extra stability.
- Verify cabinets are level, plumb, and attached tightly at all fastening points before loading with dishes or contents.
With the proper preparations, metal studs offer a sturdy material for installing kitchen cabinets and wall units. Follow these best practices for mounting cabinets, and you can achieve results as solid as with wood studs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Can I attach cabinets directly to metal studs?
It is not advisable to attach cabinets solely to metal studs without backing boards. The screws need something solid like wood to tighten into. Attaching directly to metal may result in loose cabinets over time.
Do I need special tools for drilling into metal studs?
You can use standard power drills for pre-drilling pilot holes into metal studs. Just be sure to use drill bits specifically designed for metal rather than wood to avoid breaking them. Self-tapping screws for metal studs also have special threading to cut into the metal.
Should I use toggle bolts instead of screws?
Screws inserted into pre-installed backing boards provide plenty of holding strength. Toggle bolts take more time to install but may provide additional reinforcement inside upper cabinets or in areas without backing boards. Consider using toggles along with screws for maximum stability.
Can I use metal studs on load-bearing walls?
Metal studs lack the structural capacity to be used as load-bearing elements. They are only suitable for non-load-bearing interior partition walls. Any load-bearing walls or columns must be wood or masonry. Consult building codes to ensure proper structural framework.
What gauge metal studs should I use?
Metal studs commonly come in 25 gauge for interior residential purposes. 20 or 22 gauge may be used in commercial applications requiring more durability. Use the thinner 25 gauge for easiest cutting and installation in home use. Avoid extremely lightweight metal framing.
Conclusion
Installing cabinets on metal studs is a straightforward process with the right techniques. Be sure to attach sturdy backing boards properly fastened to the studs before mounting any cabinets. Use self-tapping screws and pre-drill all holes through the cabinet backs. Keep wall units level and well-secured at all points, and your cabinets will be supported as safely as if mounted on wood. With attention to detail, you can achieve durable and long-lasting cabinet installations onto metal stud wall framing.