Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to wood studs. Metal studs are thinner and have less screw-holding power, so you need to use specialized fasteners and techniques to ensure your cabinets are securely mounted. With the right preparation and materials, you can safely hang cabinets on metal studs with a professional-looking result.
Choosing the Right Fasteners for Metal Studs
The key to successfully mounting cabinets on metal studs is using the proper fasteners designed for the job. Here are the best options:
Self-Tapping Screws
Self-tapping screws, sometimes referred to as self-drilling screws, are specially designed with drill-shaped tips that cut and tap their own threads into the thin metal of the stud. This allows them to grip tightly without the need for pre-drilled holes. Look for self-tapping screws recommended for fastening to metal studs.
Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts provide very strong holding power in metal studs once installed. They have spring-loaded “wings” that flip out and grip the backside of the stud when tightened. Toggle bolts require drilling a hole through the stud ahead of time.
Hollow Wall Anchors
Designed for thin hollow walls, hollow wall anchors expanding inside the wall cavity when a screw is inserted. This creates firm bracing behind the drywall surface. Use anchors rated for metal.
Rivet Nuts
A rivet nut is anchored into a hole drilled in the stud. As a screw is threaded in, it spreads the rivet nut wings, locking into place. Rivet nuts offer reliable support for heavy cabinets.
Expansion Bolts
Similar to toggle bolts, expansion bolts have a body that gets inserted in a pre-drilled hole. As the screw tightens, it forces the bolt body to expand for solid bracing. Great for heavy loads on metal studs.
For most cabinet installations, self-tapping screws are the easiest metal-stud fastener. For heavy cabinets or loads, consider rivet nuts or expansion bolts. Always check the cabinet manufacturer’s instructions for their recommended fasteners.
Locating and Marking Studs
Metal studs are often precisely spaced 16″ or 24″ apart within the wall. But it’s still important to confirm their exact locations rather than assume. Here’s how to find and mark studs:
- Use a stud finder to locate studs. Verify edges where drywall is fastened.
- Check architectural plans if available.
- Magnet method – slide a strong magnet to find screws/nails.
- Knocking – tap gently and listen for solid vs. hollow sound.
- Use finishing nails to probe for studs, then patch small holes.
Once you’ve found the studs, mark them with painter’s tape or another removable method. Mark both vertical edges so you can see the exact stud width. Studs are usually 1-5/8″ wide.
Planning Mounting Locations
With the studs marked, now you can map out exactly where to attach the cabinets. Some tips:
- Position cabinet sides directly over studs whenever possible. This provides the most secure mounting.
- For wider cabinets, locate additional studs to anchor to behind the span.
- For cabinets between studs, plan for hollow wall anchors at stud edge locations.
- Place upper cabinets with bottom edge just touching the stud line so cabinet top rests on the stud.
- Account for filler panels, appliances, and other items that will be located on the walls.
Also check for potential interference from plumbing lines or electrical wiring inside the stud cavities. Adjust position up/down to avoid drilling into utilities.
Preparing and Drilling the Studs
With everything mapped out, now you can start drilling into the metal studs at the marked locations:
- Use a powerful corded drill with a sharp drill bit meant for metal.
- Drill perpendicular holes at each stud mark for screws or hollow anchors.
- For toggle bolts or expansion bolts, drill clearance holes through the entire stud.
- Avoid oversized holes – drill just wide enough for the fastener body or screw shank.
- Deburr holes carefully with a file or deburring tool to prevent shaving metal fragments.
- Insert wall anchors as needed per manufacturer instructions.
- Vacuum drilled studs to remove metal shavings before mounting cabinets.
Take your time drilling accurate holes. Rushing can lead to problem holes that compromise the strength of the fasteners.
Mounting and Installing the Cabinets
You’re finally ready to start hanging the cabinets onto the metal studs. Follow these tips for proper installation:
- Lift cabinets into place with helpers – do not drag across wall surface.
- Use washers under bolt heads/screw heads to prevent pull-through.
- Follow manufacturer’s spacing guidelines between fasteners. Do not over-tighten.
- Level and shim cabinets as needed, using locked pliers to bend metal shims.
- Secure adjacent cabinets through to studs using appropriate fasteners.
- Use filler panels and scrap wood blocking between cabinets and studs for added strength.
Take your time to ensure cabinets are properly aligned and mounted securely at each stud location according to the plan.
Tips for Heavy Upper Cabinets
Heavy wall cabinets and larger upper cabinets require extra care when mounting on metal studs. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use at least 3 fasteners per stud spaced at top, middle, and bottom of the cabinet.
- For wider spanned cabinets, add fasteners at intermediate studs behind the stretch.
- Consider specialized heavy duty metal stud fasteners like rivet nuts.
- Add scrap wood reinforcement behind cabinets and at mounting locations.
- Ensure cabinets are adequately supported at the lowest point to prevent drooping over time.
Don’t take chances with heavy upper cabinets. Over-engineering the mounting is better than a collapsed cabinet!
Mistakes to Avoid with Metal Studs
While working with metal framing has its nuances, you can avoid common mistakes by being aware of these issues:
- Inadequate fasteners – Only use screws designed and rated for metal! Standard wood screws are prone to snap or strip.
- Misaligned holes – Drilling out-of-position holes weakens the stud and fastener grip. Take precise measurements.
- No reinforcement – Failing to add solid blocking between studs leads to instability and lack of rigidity.
- Not checking for plumbing/wiring – Drilling into utilities can cause major expensive headaches. Locate lines first.
- Over-tightening fasteners – This can strip out holes or buckle the studs. Tighten per manufacturer specs.
- Not filing metal burrs – Jagged edges around holes can damage cabinet material and cut fingers during install.
With attention to detail and the right techniques, none of these common mistakes should plague your metal stud cabinet installation.
FAQ About Installing Kitchen Cabinets on Metal Studs
Some frequently asked questions about mounting cabinets to metal studs:
Can I use drywall anchors to hang cabinets on metal studs?
No, drywall anchors provide only minimal pulling resistance and lack the shear strength needed to safely support cabinets long-term. Always use approved metal fasteners.
What size self-tapping screws should I use?
For most cabinets, #10 or #12 pan-head self-tapping screws with a length of 1-1/4″ to 2″ work well. Heavier cabinets may require 3″ screws into double studs.
Do I need to hit the center of the stud?
You get maximum strength by centering screws in the stud, but it’s okay if you end up offset – just stay at least 3/8″ from stud edges.
How much weight can metal studs hold?
With proper fasteners like self-tapping screws, around 200 lbs per 1-5/8″ stud. But use multiple studs to distribute weight for heavy upper cabinets exceeding that.
Can I hand screw into metal studs or must I pre-drill?
Pre-drilling and using a powered drill are strongly recommended. Self-tapping screws can potentially spin out or snap when hand driven into metal.
What thickness are metal studs?
Most metal studs are either 20 gauge or 25 gauge. The thinner 25 gauge studs require more care and heavier fasteners to achieve good holding power.
Conclusion
Installing kitchen cabinets on metal stud walls is doable with the right game plan and materials. Using self-tapping screws, hollow wall anchors, or expansion bolts designed for metal provides solid fastening points. Mark the exact stud locations, plan proper mounting positions, drill straight holes, and install cabinets carefully. Adding reinforcement between studs boosts stability. With attention to detail, your cabinets will mount securely on metal studs and provide a beautiful functional kitchen for years to come.