Mounting cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. Metal does not hold screws as well, so extra care must be taken to ensure the cabinets are securely installed. With the right preparation and materials, metal studs can provide a sturdy base for installing kitchen cabinets or other storage units. Follow this guide for tips on how to safely and effectively mount cabinets to metal stud framing.
Preparing the Wall
Before installing cabinets on metal studs, take time to prepare the framing:
Locate Studs
- Use a stud finder to locate all the metal studs behind the area where cabinets will be installed. Mark the location of each stud.
- Verify stud placement by using a magnet – it will stick to the drywall screws or nails that attached the drywall to the studs.
- If needed, use an awl to poke a small hole in the drywall to confirm the stud location before marking.
Add Blocking Between Studs
- Metal studs are often spaced more widely than wood studs, up to 24 inches apart. Blocking should be added between the studs wherever cabinets will be mounted.
- Cut 2×4 wood blocks to fit snugly between the studs. Screw into place using drywall screws long enough to secure the blocks.
- Blocking provides backing support and more screw points for installing the cabinets securely.
Use Toggles for Added Support
- For extremely heavy cabinets, consider using toggles along with screws to attach to the metal studs.
- Toggles compress when tightened, providing very strong holding power. This helps compensate for metal being less grippy than wood.
- Pay attention to weight ratings and use the appropriately sized toggles.
Cabinet Installation Materials
Use the right fasteners and accessories when mounting to metal studs:
Self-Tapping Screws
- Standard wood screws do not work well on metal. Self-tapping screws are designed to drill and tap their own hole.
- For metal studs, choose self-tapping screws specifically made for fastening to sheet metal. They have sharper threads to grip the smooth metal surface.
- Some options are self-drilling screws with drill tips to start the hole or TEK screws that require pre-drilling.
Washers
- Washers distribute force from the screw head over a wider area. Use fender washers or other large diameter washers.
- For heavy cabinets, placing washers under the screw heads can help prevent the metal from warping or pulling through.
- Use flush mount hangers with built-in washers to better grip metal when hanging wall cabinets.
Lock Washers
- Lock washers add an extra element of security for a vibrating-proof hold. The teeth on the washer grip the surface and prevent loosening.
- Use lock washers in combination with standard flat washers when possible. Place the toothed side against the metal stud.
- Toenailing into the stud edges works best with washers to prevent tear out.
Pre-Drilling Holes
Pre-drilling holes for the cabinet mounting screws is highly recommended when working with metal studs:
- Helps prevent screws from veering off course or damaging the threads
- Allows accurate screw placement in the studs
- Reduces risk of metal warping as screws are tightened
- Produces a cleaner finished look without visible deformations
- Enables pilot holes to be sunk deeper for flush mount applications
Hole Diameter
- For self-tapping screws, the pilot hole diameter should be slightly smaller than the major screw diameter. Check manufacturer specs.
- Clearance hole size for non-tapping screws should be larger – around 85% of the screw diameter.
Hole Depth
- Standard practice is to pre-drill deep enough for 2/3 of the screw length to embed in the metal stud.
- Deeper pilot holes up to the full screw length can be made for flush heads. Add a countersink to recess flat head screws.
- Take care not to puncture through the rear side of the stud when drilling.
Securing to Studs
Follow these best practices when driving screws into metal studs:
Use 2-3 Screws Per Stud
- Spread screws vertically up each stud to provide maximum holding strength.
- For heavy cabinets, use 3-4 screws into every stud covered by the cabinet footprint.
- Aim screws for the center of the studs to hit the strongest point.
Screw Selection Tips
- 8 or #10 sized coarse thread screws work well for most cabinet installations onto metal studs.
- Increase screw size for heavier cabinets or switch to lag bolts. But avoid overly long screws.
- Tighten screws snug but be careful not to strip the metal studs.
Angle Screws when Possible
- Sinking screws straight into the edge of a metal stud provides stronger resistance to pull out forces.
- Toenailing angled screws distributes force into the stud instead of just the surface.
- Minimize end-grain fastening for the most secure mounting. Go at 45 degree angles through stud sides when feasible.
Shimming and Securing Cabinets
Finish off the cabinet installation using sturdy techniques:
- Shim under wall cabinets and bases with wood or metal shims to level and plumb before final screw tightening.
- Make sure cabinet sides are flush against the wall. Bend flanges if needed to contour to uneven walls.
- Use cleats or ledger boards between studs to strengthen spans and provide backing for attachment.
- Secure cabinet sides or Face frames directly into the wall studs whenever possible.
- Reinforce stud connections with appropriate metal angle brackets, corner gussets or L-brackets.
- Apply silicone adhesive caulk around finished cabinets to seal and prevent rattling or vibration noise.
Proper mounting to metal studs relies heavily on screwing and securing patterns. Test fitted cabinets before permanent installing. Taking it slow with pre-drilling and using heavy-duty fasteners will lead to a rock-solid installation.
Wall Cabinet Considerations
Hanging wall cabinets on metal studs presents some extra challenges:
Solid Mounting Backing
- Wall cabinets cannot be hung securely on just drywall over metal studs. Solid mounting backing is required.
- Add horizontal wood blocking secured between multiple studs to provide attachment support.
- Alternatively, use full sheets of thin plywood or MDF tightly screwed into place as an anchoring surface.
Sturdy Hanging Rail
- Mount a strong horizontal hanging rail spanning multiple studs to carry the weight of the cabinets.
- Use a heavy duty rail designed for metal stud use, firmly anchored into studs and blocking.
- Position rail height so cabinets hang flat on wall with side boards fully flush.
Extra Fastener Points
- Supplement the hanging rail system with additional fasteners directly into the studs.
- Angle screws through cabinet corner gussets and side panels into the wall studs for enhanced grip.
- Consider detachable or flip-down legs to share weight load on peninsula cabinets.
Safety Tips
Observing safety precautions is important when working with metal studs:
- Wear eye protection – metal shards from drilling can be razor sharp.
- Use sharp drill bits – dull bits wander and bind, damaging the metal and cabinet.
- Vacuum around work area often to remove metal dust and filings.
- File or sand rough metal edges smooth to prevent cuts and abrasions.
- Take steps to avoid electric shocks – keep drill bits away from hidden wires.
- Use proper lifting techniques and get help moving heavy cabinets to avoid injury.
FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about mounting cabinets to metal studs:
How much weight can metal studs hold?
- Metal studs are very strong but variables affect maximum weight capacity. Well constructed 18-20 gauge studs spaced 16″ apart can typically support 50-70 lbs per linear foot. Closer stud spacing and multiple anchor points increases capacity.
What screws work with metal studs?
- Self-tapping screws specifically designed for fastening to sheet metal work best. Common types are self-drilling and TEK screws. Use #8 or #10 diameter coarse thread screws and make sure length is not excessive.
Should I pre-drill holes for metal studs?
- Pre-drilling holes is highly recommended. This allows holes to be positioned accurately, reduces warping risk, and prevents damage to studs and cabinet materials that can occur from screws dragging or binding against metal.
How do I find studs behind drywall?
- Use a stud finder to locate metal studs. Verify with a magnet, which sticks to the drywall screws/nails. Also use an awl to poke through drywall and confirm stud center. Measure and mark all stud locations.
What is the best way to mount heavy cabinets?
- For heavy cabinets, spread screws over more studs. Add wood blocking between studs for more anchor points. Consider using toggles along with screws driven into the sides of studs at 45 degree angles. Have someone help lift and hold cabinets when fastening.
Conclusion
Mounting cabinets securely to metal stud walls is achievable with special care taken to compensate for the differences from wood framing. Proper preparation of the wall structure, using the right materials like self-tapping screws and washers, pre-drilling holes, distributing screws strategically, and reinforcing with additional hardware like cleats and brackets will result in a sturdy, long-lasting cabinet installation on metal studs. Following the recommendations in this guide will help ensure success working with metal framing.