How to Gang Cabinets on Metal Studs - Outdoor Cabinets

Installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring the cabinets are securely fastened and level. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through all the steps needed to successfully hang cabinets on metal framing.

Overview of Mounting Cabinets on Metal Studs

Metal studs are increasingly common in modern construction, providing strength and fire resistance. However, the thin gauge of the metal and lack of solid anchoring surface make installing cabinets more challenging.

Here are some of the main things to keep in mind:

Locating studs – Use a stud finder suitable for metal. Verify stud location and spacing.
Blocking – Add wood blocking between studs for secure fastening.
Fasteners – Self-tapping screws designed for metal studs are required.
Reinforcement – Shim cabinets for a rigid mounting surface.
Leveling – Use care when leveling to avoid knocking studs out of alignment.

With proper planning and preparation, you can end up with a solid cabinet installation that looks great and will last.

Locating and Marking Metal Studs

Locating the metal studs is the first key step before hanging any cabinets. Here are some tips for accurately finding and marking the studs:

Use a stud finder that is designed for detecting metal rather than ones made only for wood. The density of the metal requires a different sensing technology.
Verify with magnets. Place rare earth magnets on the wall surface to double check the stud finder results. Magnets will adhere to the screws or metal studs.
Account for deflection of the studs. Press firmly on each stud to confirm its exact center.
Mark the center of each stud accurately, extending the line from floor to ceiling.
Map all studs on the entire wall where cabinets will be installed. Don’t assume consistent 16″ spacing.
Use a level to draw plumb vertical lines for a reference.

Accurately locating and marking the studs will make mounting the cabinets much easier and avoid unwanted surprises.

Adding Blocking Between Metal Studs

For securely mounting cabinets on metal studs, blocking made of wood should be added between the studs wherever a cabinet will be attached.

Here are guidelines on adding blocking:

Cut 2×4 lumber to fit snugly between the studs – usually 14.5″.
Attach blocking flush with the stud face, not set back.
Pre-drill clearance holes in the blocking to allow easy screw attachment to the stud.
Stagger blocks on adjacent studs for rigidity.
Place blocking to align with cabinet mounting rails and weight loads.
Double up blocking for especially heavy upper cabinets like stove hoods.

Adding proper blocks between the metal studs provides a solid wood surface to drive screws into for supporting the cabinets.

Cabinet Reinforcement and Preparation

Since metal stud walls have some minor flexibility, it is important to reinforce the cabinets prior to mounting to create a rigid surface for attachment.

Here are some tips for cabinet reinforcement:

Apply corner gussets or metal right angle brackets to the top and bottom corners in the cabinet interior.
Install horizontal bracing near the top and bottom of the cabinet box.
Double up the mounting rails on the cabinet back for extra strength.
Pre-drill clearance holes in the cabinet back at screw locations.
Number cabinets to match the wall stud locations before mounting.

Taking these preparation steps will help prevent any shifting or distortion of the cabinets after installation.

Choosing the Right Fasteners

Using the proper fasteners designed for metal studs is imperative for a strong and secure mount. Here are the key factors to consider:

Self-tapping screws – These have cutting threads that bore into the metal stud. Required for direct stud attachment.
Appropriate length – Long enough to penetrate stud by at least 3/4″. Too long risks poking through.
Coarse thread for maximum holding power. Fine threads can strip in metal.
Proper drill bit – Match size to screw shank, not the threads. Pre-drilling is mandatory.
Use washers – Helps distribute load on stud for better hold.

Proper metal-to-metal fasteners like self-drilling screws are critical for a cabinet installation as solid as if done on wood.

Leveling and Mounting the Cabinets

With the studs marked, blocking added, and appropriate fasteners selected, you’re ready to mount the cabinets level and secure.

Follow these tips for the installation process:

Shim under cabinets for a stable base if the floor is uneven.
Lift and hold cabinets in place, with at least two people for upper cabinets.
Pre-drill holes in the cabinet mounting rail at marked stud locations.
Attach one upper corner first to establish level and plumb.
Partially drive screws in the top and bottom rails on adjoining studs.
Check level front to back and side to side before driving screws tight.
Alternate drilling and driving remaining screws to draw cabinet tight and level.
Avoid over-tightening screws to prevent stud distortion.

Take your time during installation to ensure the cabinets wind up perfectly level and securely mounted.

Shimming Tips and Techniques

Quality shimming is essential to provide a flat, stable mounting surface and to account for any wall irregularities on metal studs.

Here are some best practices for shimming:

Use cedar shims for their sturdiness and moisture resistance.
Pre-cut various thickness shims for easy use.
Shim near the top and bottom of cabinets, not just midway.
Stack multiple shims as needed to completely fill gaps.
Make sure shims are flush to the stud face, with no overhang.
Drive shims tight with a hammer for maximum stability.
Re-check level after adding shims and adjust as needed.
Trim excess shim length after screwing the cabinet tight.

Taking the time to properly shim will prevent cabinets from shifting or developing gaps over time.

How to Attach Cabinets Together

Once the base cabinets are securely mounted to the studs, you can join them together to create a unified row.

Here is the process:

Clamp cabinets side-by-side with the face frames aligned flush.
Pre-drill through the stiles at the joint location.
Attach with cabinet screws sized for your face frame thickness.
Avoid over-tightening screws to prevent stripping or cracks.
Plug screw holes with matching wood filler for a seamless joint.
Repeat steps for adjoining cabinets until the row is complete.

Taking care when joining cabinets will provide a strong connection and prevent uneven gaps between cabinets.

Installing Filler Strips and Side Panels

Once the cabinet frames are mounted, filler strips and side panels can be added to create an enclosed, integrated look:

Measure space between cabinet and wall for filler width.
Cut filler strip and test fit before fastening permanently.
Attach filler to cabinet side first, then screw to wall stud.
Cut side panels to match cabinet front frame height.
Slide panels into place in panel grooves in cabinet frames.
Adjust if needed for perfectly flush alignment.

Properly sized and installed filler strips and side panels finish off the cabinetry installation nicely.

Achieving a Solid Attachment

Mounting cabinets securely on metal studs relies on a solid attachment at multiple points across each cabinet. Here are some tips:

Spread screws evenly across the length of wall cabinets.
Place screws near top and bottom of tall cabinets.
Use multiple screws per stud, not just one.
Stagger screws to opposite sides of studs.
Attach adjacent cabinets together for greater rigidity.
Avoid over-tightening screws in metal studs.

Taking steps to distribute screws and attach each cabinet across multiple studs will maximize strength.

Hanging Wall Cabinets on Metal Studs

Wall cabinets require careful installation practices for safely mounting above your head on metal studs.

Here are some recommendations:

Use a ledger board securely fastened to the studs to support cabinets.
Attach cabinets to at least two studs for stability.
Have helpers hold cabinet in place while fastening.
Use long cabinet screws that will reach the studs.
Partially drive screws in top and bottom first, then check level.
Use shims to plumb the cabinet and reduce strain on screws.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for hanging rail systems.

Taking safety precautions and fully engaging the studs will result in strong, level mounting of wall cabinets.

Potential Errors to Avoid

There are also some common mistakes that should be avoided when installing kitchen cabinets on metal studs:

Not using self-tapping screws on metal.
Overtightening screws leading to compressed or warped studs.
Not pre-drilling holes for screws.
Missing studs with screws causing loose cabinets.
Screws not penetrating studs by at least 3/4 inch.
Not reinforcing cabinets leading to racking after mounting.
Improper leveling resulting in misaligned countertops or cabinets.

Being aware of these potential errors will help avoid unnecessary problems or rework down the road.

FAQs About Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs

Some frequently asked questions about mounting kitchen cabinets to metal studs include:

Can I hang cabinets directly on metal studs?

While possible, it is not recommended. The metal is thin and screws can tear out easily. Blocking between the studs provides a more secure wood surface for attaching the cabinets.

What kind of screws should be used on metal studs?

Self-tapping metal screws are required. They have cutting threads designed to drill into and grip on the metal. Standard wood screws will not hold well.

Do I need special tools for driving screws into metal studs?

You’ll want to use drill bits specifically designed for metal rather than standard wood drill bits. Variable speed drills also help control the screw speed. Impact drivers are not recommended as they can damage the hardware connections.

Can I rely on just the cabinet hanging rail to support wall cabinets?

For metal stud walls, it is best not to depend solely on wall hanging rail systems. The rails should be attached firmly to blocked studs for the strongest support.

How much blocking is needed between metal studs?

As a minimum guideline, any stud that a cabinet will be attached to should have blocking added. For wider cabinets, blocking on adjacent studs helps spread the load.

Conclusion

Hanging kitchen cabinets on metal stud walls is certainly achievable with proper planning, preparation, tools, and installation techniques. Accurately locating the studs, adding robust blocking, reinforcing the cabinets, and using compatible fasteners are key to success. Carefully driving screws into the reinforced studs to create a level, rigid mount will lead to a long-lasting quality installation. Follow the recommendations provided, take your time, and avoid common mistakes, and you can expect great results installing cabinets on metal stud framing.