Hanging cabinets on metal walls can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and materials, it can be a straightforward DIY project. Properly installed, metal wall cabinets provide a sleek, modern look and are very sturdy. This guide will walk you through all the steps needed to safely and effectively hang cabinets on metal walls.
Selecting Cabinets for Metal Walls
When choosing cabinets for metal walls, opt for high-quality cabinets designed to be mounted on a metal stud frame. Look for the following features:
- Sturdy construction – Cabinets should be made from strong materials like wood, MDF, or thermoplastics to hold heavy items without sagging or pulling away from the wall. Avoid flimsy particleboard cabinets.
- Full backs – For strength and stability, cabinet backs should be 1/4″ thick plywood or MDF, not thin hardboard.
- Integrated mounting strips – Quality metal wall cabinets have mounting strips built into the top and bottom of the cabinet box. This provides an extra secure mounting surface.
- Adjustable shelving – Shelves that can be adjusted to different heights allow you to customize the storage space.
- Soft-close doors and drawers – Doors and drawers with soft-close hinges and slides prevent slamming and give a high-end feel.
- Durable finishes – Metal wall cabinets should have a durable melamine, thermoplastic, powder coated, or catalyzed painted finish that resists scratching, staining, and moisture damage.
It’s worth investing in well-constructed cabinets even if they cost a bit more. Flimsy cabinets won’t hold up well on metal walls.
Gathering Materials and Tools
Installing cabinets on metal stud walls requires specific fasteners and tools. Be sure you have the following before getting started:
Fasteners
- Self-tapping metal screws (1 1/4″ to 1 1/2″ lengths) for attaching cabinets to metal studs
- Bolts and toggle nuts for added support attaching to metal studs
- Wood screws (2 1/2″ to 3″) for attaching cabinets together
- Wall anchors if needed for attaching to drywall between studs
Tools
- Stud finder for locating metal studs
- Drill with bits for pilot holes
- Socket wrench for tightening bolts
- Level for checking cabinet alignment
- Screwdriver for installing screws
- Pencil for marking stud locations
Other supplies
- Filler strips for covering gaps between cabinets and walls
- Silicone caulk for sealing around cabinets
Finding and Marking Metal Studs
The key to securely mounting cabinets to metal walls is attaching them to the metal stud framing. Use a stud finder designed for locating metal studs, and mark the location of each stud.
Be sure to mark stud locations across the entire installation area, including inside corners and above/below spaces where cabinets will be installed. Having all the stud marks makes it easier to position the cabinets.
Tip: Double check stud finder marks by using a magnet. Magnets will adhere to drywall screws securing the metal studs.
Planning Cabinet Placement
With the studs marked, map out your desired cabinet configuration using tape or chalk lines. Mark lines for:
- Bottom of wall cabinets
- Top of base cabinets
- Sides of corner cabinets
- Spacing between cabinets
Ensure cabinets will align with at least two studs wherever possible for maximum stability. It’s also ideal to center sinks on studs to provide solid attachment points for plumbing hardware.
Adjust your cabinet layout as needed to align with stud markings. Proper planning at this stage prevents headaches later.
Preparing the Installation Area
Now the fun part – time to get your workspace ready! First, remove any existing cabinets or material on the walls.
Next, clean the walls thoroughly and fill any holes or gaps around pipes or wires with silicone caulk. This helps prevent dust and debris from getting inside cabinet boxes.
Lastly, hold cabinets up to the wall and outline their locations with pencil marks. This gives you a reference point for installation.
Tip: Number cabinets and wall marks with tape to make sure you re-attach each cabinet in the proper spot.
Installing Wall Cabinets First
It’s easiest to start by mounting the upper wall cabinets. They will help support base cabinets as they are installed underneath.
Follow these steps to securely install wall cabinets on metal studs:
- Pre-drill holes through the cabinet back panel and into the marked stud locations. Hole diameter should be slightly smaller than screw diameter.
- Lift the wall cabinet into position and insert mounting screws through pre-drilled holes into metal studs. Tighten securely using a screwdriver or drill.
- Check cabinet alignment with a level. Shim if needed until cabinet is plumb and level.
- Attach neighboring cabinets together using wood screws through side gables or hanging rails. Make sure cabinets are flush.
- For extra strength, install additional toggle bolts through cabinet backs and into metal studs. This prevents cabinets from pulling away from the wall over time.
- Seal any gaps around the cabinets with silicone caulk for a finished look.
Follow this process to mount all wall cabinets, taking care to check each one for level and plumb.
Installing Base Cabinets
With the upper cabinets securely installed, shift focus to the lower cabinets. Use the following steps:
- Position the base cabinet against the wall and pre-drill pilot holes for mounting screws. Make sure holes align with stud markings.
- Insert wood shims between the cabinet top and under the front edge. This helps plumb the cabinet properly.
- Insert mounting screws through pre-drilled holes into metal studs. Tighten screws until snug.
- Check level front-to-back and side-to-side. Add shims if needed to make the cabinet plumb.
- Attach neighboring cabinets together through side gables or frames just like the wall cabinets.
- Consider installing an additional metal L-bracket or Z-clip kit for extra stability.
- Seal around base cabinets with caulk once aligned properly.
Repeat for any remaining base cabinets, verifying each one is plumb and level as you work your way across.
Securing Cabinets Between Studs
For sections of cabinets that don’t align with studs, use hollow wall anchors installed into the drywall for support. Here are some tips:
- Space anchors no more than 12″ apart for adequate strength.
- Choose toggler-style anchors that expand behind the drywall. They are sturdier than basic sleeve anchors.
- Pre-drill clearance holes through the cabinet back slightly bigger than the anchor diameter.
- Follow the specific anchor instructions for installation so they expand properly behind the drywall.
- Don’t depend solely on anchors to hold cabinets up. Make sure some parts align to studs.
Applying Finishing Touches
You did it – the cabinets are up! Put the final polish on the project:
- Install drawer slides, shelves, and cabinet hardware.
- Reinstall any soffits, molding, or trim previously removed.
- Caulk along the tops, bottoms, and sides of cabinets for a clean look.
- Use filler strips to cover any gaps larger than 1/4″.
- Paint or finish filler strips to match your cabinets.
- Clean up cabinet interiors and vacuum up building debris.
- Enjoy your newly transformed space!
Hanging cabinets on metal stud walls takes precision and attention to detail. Follow these steps and take care to properly join cabinets to stud framing, and you’ll have an incredibly strong, durable installation that will last for years to come.
Common Questions about Hanging Cabinets on Metal Walls
Having doubts about certain aspects of installing metal wall cabinets? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How should I fasten the cabinets together?
Use wood screws through cabinet side gables or hanging rails to securely join neighboring cabinets. This provides stability and keeps them aligned.
What should I do if cabinets aren’t flush with each other?
Use L-brackets, filler strips, or additional caulk to fill gaps if cabinet sides don’t sit flush after installation.
What kind of screws should I use to attach cabinets to metal studs?
Use self-tapping metal screws at least 1 1/4″ long. Pre-drill clearance holes 2/3 the diameter of the screw to prevent cracking cabinet backs.
Should I use screws or bolts to hang wall cabinets?
For most applications, self-tapping metal screws installed directly into studs provide plenty of strength. Use toggle bolts for extra support if needed.
How much weight can metal studs hold?
Metal stud framing is very strong – each stud can hold 500-1000 lbs depending on the gauge. Just be sure your fasteners go directly into studs.
How do I ensure cabinets sit flush on uneven walls?
Use tapered wood shims to plumb and level cabinets during installation. Break off thin pieces to make minor adjustments.
What do I do if a cabinet doesn’t align with any studs?
Consider shifting units or use hollow wall anchors such as toggle bolts to anchor cabinets that don’t align with framing.
How far apart should cabinets be fastened to studs?
Aim to attach each cabinet back panel in at least 2-3 places per stud at spacing no more than 16-24″ apart for adequate strength.
Conclusion
Mounting cabinets directly onto metal stud walls creates an incredibly strong, seamless installation compared to using a separate wall cleat system. Just be sure to properly join the cabinets to studs using the right fasteners and techniques. With attention to planning and detail, you can achieve outstanding results as a DIYer.
The information in this guide provides a roadmap to successfully hang cabinets on metal walls in any space. Always focus on safety, and don’t be afraid to get help lifting or fitting cabinets if needed. Your new storage space will provide many years of sturdy performance.