Mounting Cabinets When You Have Metal Studs - Outdoor Cabinets

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. While metal studs provide strength and stability, their design and structure present unique challenges for attaching cabinets securely. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all the steps, tools, and techniques needed to properly hang cabinets on metal stud framing.

Why Metal Studs Require Special Mounting Techniques

Metal studs have become increasingly common in construction over the past few decades. Often made from galvanized steel, metal studs offer many advantages over their wood counterparts:

They are completely resistant to termites, rot, mold, and fire.
They are dimensionally stable and won’t warp or twist over time.
They provide excellent structural strength and rigidity.
They are lightweight and easy to transport and install.

However, metal studs also have some disadvantages when it comes to mounting cabinets and other fixtures:

Lack of screw-holding ability – Screws can easily pull out of the thin gauge metal if not anchored properly.
No backing surface – There is no thick wood backing to drive long screws into like with 2×4 wood studs.
Spacing differences – Metal studs are usually spaced 16 inches on center rather than the typical 24 inches for wood studs.

These factors mean you can’t simply screw cabinets into the studs alone. Special fasteners and reinforcement must be added to securely support the weight of the cabinets and their contents over time.

Proper planning and preparation are needed to ensure the cabinets mount tightly and don’t work loose or pull away from the walls. Let’s look at the supplies you’ll need and the step-by-step process for a safe, durable installation.

Tools and Materials Needed for Mounting to Metal Studs

Before beginning the installation, assemble all the necessary materials and tools:

Fasteners

Self-tapping metal screws (#8 or #10) – For attaching mounting strips and brackets directly into the metal studs. Length will depend on thickness of strips.
Toggle bolts – Installed in drywall between studs to support heavier upper cabinets or stud-free spans.
Hollow wall anchors – Plastic anchors insert into drywall to provide attachment points for screws. Better grip than screws alone.
Wood screws (2 1⁄2″ to 3″) – For attaching cabinets to wood mounting strips.

Hardware

Wall mounting strips – Minimum 3⁄4″ thick hardwood strips to provide sturdy attachment surface for upper cabinets.
Metal support brackets – L-brackets or corner gussets for additional reinforcement of base cabinets.
Framing studs – Short metal or wood studs to build out frame boxes at installation locations.
Track shelving – Provides adjustable support for cabinet bases. Fastens into studs.
Hanging rail – Mounted to wall studs to hang upper cabinets directly from.

Tools

Stud finder – Essential for locating studs behind drywall. Must detect metal and wood.
Drill/drivers – Cordless drill with Phillips and drill bits. Impact driver optional but highly recommended for screws.
Hole saw set – For drilling large holes through mounting strips to accommodate plumbing.
Jigsaw – For cutting notches in wood mounting strips around obstructions.
Level – A must for ensuring cabinets mount plumb and true. Laser level ideal for mounting rails.
Tape measure – Critical for accurate measurements when marking stud locations.
Pencil – For marking cutting lines and stud center points on strips and walls.
Safety equipment – Safety glasses, ear protection, gloves, etc.

With the proper selection of fasteners, hardware, tools, and safety gear accounted for, we can now move on to the mounting process itself.

Attaching Wall Mounting Strips to Metal Studs

Wall mounting strips provide an integral solid wood backing surface to attach upper cabinets to. This allows you to drive long wood screws into a material that grips much better than metal alone.

Here are the steps for fastening strips at cabinet height directly into the wall studs:

1. Locate and Mark Studs

Use a high-quality stud finder designed for both metal and wood studs. Verify stud finder marks with an awl or finish nail poked into the drywall.
Mark the center of each stud at the desired mounting height (typically 54″ or so from floor to under-cabinet strip).
Mark two studs wherever an upper cabinet will be installed to fully support the weight.

2. Cut Strips to Length

Measure the distance between the outer edges of the two marked studs.
Cut a hardwood mounting strip (2×4 lumber works well) to this length.
Make sure ends of the strip will align with stud center marks.

3. Pre-drill Strip Holes

Mark where the screws will go into the center of the studs along the length of the strip. Allow 2″ minimum from the edge of the strip.
Pre-drill clearance holes in the strip at the marked screw locations. Drill slightly wider than screw diameter.

4. Attach Strip to Studs

Hold strip in position aligned with stud marks. Use painter’s tape to temporarily hold in place if needed.
Drill pilot holes for screws through the pre-drilled strip holes into the studs.
Drive 4-5 self-tapping metal screws at least 1 1⁄2″ long through strip and into EACH stud.
Check level and adjust strip as needed. Drill and insert screws in additional studs.

5. Repeat Steps for All Cabinet Locations

Follow this same process to mount strips securely into multiple studs wherever upper cabinets will be installed.

Installing Wall Support Rail for Hanging Cabinets

An alternative to wall strips is installing a hanging rail bracket. This gets fastened directly into multiple studs and provides a continuous mounting surface to suspend upper cabinets from.

Here is how to properly mount a sturdy support rail on metal studs:

1. Mark Stud Locations at Desired Height

Locate and mark the center of every stud where the rail will be installed.
Account for any openings or obstructions when determining the overall length to span.

2. Pre-Drill Bracket Holes

Based on the width of the studs and spacing, pre-drill holes in the support rail bracket.
Holes should align with the marked stud center points.
Make sure screws will engage the studs when inserted through the holes.

3. Mount Bracket to Studs

Use self-tapping screws at least 1 1⁄2″ long to attach the bracket directly into each stud.
Make sure bracket is level side to side. Use shims if necessary for a consistent mounting surface height.
For longer spans, use an intermediate support clip in the center of the run.

4. Repeat for Any Additional Required Runs

Use the same process to install support rails wherever needed to hang multiple upper cabinet groupings.

The hanging cabinets can now be securely suspended from the support rail using integrated hardware on the upper cabinet backs.

Building Out Framing Around Base Cabinets

Unlike upper cabinets which can be hung from strips or rails, base cabinets need extensive reinforcement and support to mount soundly on metal stud walls.

The two recommended options are:

Constructing a sturdy 2×4 wood framework anchored into the studs for the cabinets to attach to.
Using adjustable metal tracks fastened into the studs to support and level the cabinet bases.

Let’s look at both of these approaches:

Building a Wood Framework

Here are the steps to frame out an enclosure for base cabinets on a metal stud wall:

1. Mark Stud Locations on the Floor and Wall

Locate and mark the center point of every stud where the base cabinets will sit.
Transfer those marks down to the floor.

2. Cut Sole Plate and Top Plate to Length

Measure the overall distance along the wall between the outer floor marks.
Cut a 2×4 to this length for the sole plate and another for the top plate.

3. Cut Vertical Studs

Determine the required height for the framing from floor to top plate. Typical height is 34 1⁄2”.
Cut 2×4 studs to this length. You need one for each mark on the floor and wall.

4. Assemble Frame Box

Screw sole plate into floor at marks using concrete screws.
Stand up studs on marks and screw into sole plate.
Attach top plate to studs completing the frame.

5. Install Corner Brackets

Attach metal corner brackets or wood gussets with screws to reinforce the frame at inside corners.

The strong completed frame gives plenty of attachment points to screw the cabinets securely in place.

Using Adjustable Metal Track

Adjustable metal hanging track systems provide an alternative to wood framing for supporting base cabinetry. Here are the installation steps:

1. Mark Stud Centers on Floor and Wall

Locate and mark studs centers along installation area. Mark corresponding points on floor.

2. Mount Track to Studs

Hold track aligned under marks and pre-drill screw holes.
Use at least 2 screws per stud to firmly attach the track into the studs.

3. Install Cabinet Hanging Cleats

Screw cabinet hanging cleats securely into the bottom rear of the cabinet bases.
Make sure cleats align with the channel in the mounting track.

4. Hang Cabinets and Level

Lift cabinets into place supported by the cleats resting in the track channel.
Add shims if necessary to level the cabinet bases.

The track system provides flexibility for later alignment adjustments if needed.

Reinforcing Cabinet Mounting with L-Brackets

For maximum strength and stability, metal L-brackets can be installed to reinforce upper or base cabinets and prevent any shifting or movement over time.

Here’s how to add these structural supports:

1. Position Brackets Inside Cabinet

Place the brackets vertically in the upper corners inside the cabinet carcass.
Make sure they are flush with back wall and side wall.

2. Mark Screw Holes

Trace the bracket pre-drilled screw holes onto the cabinet walls.
Remove bracket and drill pilot holes at marked locations.

3. Attach Brackets to Studs

Use at least 2 screws per bracket to attach them firmly into the nearest studs.
Screws should go through back of cabinet, into bracket, and penetrate the stud.

The L-brackets anchor the cabinet firmly into the stud framing and prevent any pulling away from the wall over time.

Securing Cabinets Together for Stability

Properly fastening adjoining cabinets together helps strengthen the entire installation and prevent isolated movement. Here are two recommended methods:

Through the Wall with Bolts

Drill a hole through the side walls of neighboring cabinets.
Insert a long bolt with washers on both ends.
Use matching nuts to tighten.

With Drawer Lock Screws

Install slide-in drawer locks on joining cabinet fronts.
Tighten lock screw to clamp cabinets tightly together.

Take the time to securely interlock all base and wall cabinet units together for maximum stability on the metal stud wall.

Critical Tips for Proper Metal Stud Installation

Follow these best practices throughout the mounting process:

Use a quality stud finder designed for both wood AND metal studs. Verify with finish nail.
Pre-drill holes for screws in strips and brackets to prevent cracking lumber.
Use extra long self-tapping screws (2 1⁄2″ to 3″) for optimal stud penetration.
Confirm screws engage studs by the resistance felt when driving them in.
Use washers under screw heads to prevent pull through.
Mount at least 2 screws per stud into strips and brackets for strength.
Make sure strips and brackets are perfectly level. Shim if necessary.
Attach corner gussets and L-brackets whenever possible for reinforcement.
Interlock all neighboring cabinets together with bolts or drawer slide locks.

Thorough planning and meticulous installation following these metal stud mounting techniques will result in a permanently secure and solid cabinet assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many common questions come up when installing kitchen cabinets on metal stud walls. Let’s review some key concerns and answers:

Can I Attach Cabinets Directly to Metal Studs?

Attaching cabinets solely into the metal studs is not advised. The thin gauge provides very little wood screw holding strength. Strips, rails, tracks, or framing should be used to create a suitable mounting surface.

What About Using Toggle Bolts to Mount Cabinets?

Toggle bolts inserted into holes drilled into the drywall between studs can provide additional anchor points. However, they should only supplement other fastening methods into studs, not replace them entirely.

How Do I Deal with Electrical Boxes and Plumbing in the Wall?

Notch out holes in strips and rails as needed to accommodate outlets and pipes in the wall. Position hangers and framing to leave access.

Can I Use Metal Studs Instead of Wood for Building Out Frames?

Yes, short metal stud sections can be substituted to create the framework boxes. Use metal corner gussets instead of wood blocks for reinforcement.

Should I Still Screw Into Studs If Using Hanging Rail or Track?

Absolutely. Long screws into studs should always supplement the rails and tracks for maximum vertical load-bearing strength.

What Type of Screws Work Best in Metal Studs?

Self-tapping coarse thread screws specially designed for use in sheet metal provide the best grip. Avoid fine thread wood screws which can strip out more easily.

What Thickness of Mounting Strips Should I Use?

3⁄4 inch thick boards are ideal for hanging strips. This gives enough wood depth for strong screw holds. 1×3 and 2×4 boards work well.

Conclusion

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal stud walls presents some unique challenges compared to wood framing. But with the right combination of specialized fasteners, sturdy mounting strips and rails, framed enclosures, and reinforcement brackets, your cabinets can be securely supported.

Careful planning and precision installation are key. Finding the stud locations, transferring marks accurately, pre-drilling holes, using long screws designed for metal, and interlocking cabinets are all critical steps. Following the techniques outlined above will result in a safe, permanently mounted kitchen cabinet system capable of handling heavy use and lifetime loading.