Installing upper cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. With the right preparation and materials, you can securely fasten your cabinets on metal framing. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to hang upper cabinets on metal studs.
Introduction
Hanging upper cabinets on walls with metal studs is becoming more common as metal framing replaces traditional wood framing in many buildings. While wood studs provide plenty of solid material to screw into, metal studs require a few extra steps to ensure the cabinets are securely mounted.
The main challenges with metal studs are:
- The studs are thinner than wood studs, offering less screwing surface.
- The metal is too thin and may flex when weight is applied, causing cabinets to loosen over time.
- Finding the actual stud location through the drywall requires stud finding tools.
However, with the right preparation and hardware, you can safely hang your upper cabinets on metal stud wall framing.
Things You’ll Need
Before starting the installation, make sure you have the following materials:
- Stud finder suitable for locating metal studs.
- Level – for checking that the cabinets will mount evenly.
- Drill and drill bits – matched to the size of your mounting screws.
- Screws specifically for metal stud use, minimum 2 1⁄2 inches long. Self-tapping and self-drilling screws work best.
- Washers to go under screw heads for added support.
- Solid mounting strips or horizontal furring strips, at least 3⁄4 inch thick if available.
- Cardboard shims for spacing cabinets evenly.
- Your upper kitchen cabinets.
Steps to Hang Cabinets on Metal Studs
Follow these steps to securely mount your upper cabinets onto metal framed walls:
1. Find and Mark the Studs
Use a high quality metal stud finder suitable for identifying metal framing behind drywall. Slowly scan the area where you want to hang the cabinets, marking the stud edges with a pencil as you go.
If possible, verify the stud finder results by making a small hole to expose the studs visually.
Mark the center of each stud to target when drilling pilot holes. Having accurate stud centers is critical.
2. Attach Mounting Strips (Recommended)
While not essential, attaching full length horizontal mounting strips aligned with your stud marks provides extra strength for upper cabinets.
Use at least 3⁄4 inch thick wood or plywood strips. Screw them into the studs using metal self-drilling screws at least 2 1⁄2 inches long.
Make sure every strip reaches at least 3 studs for full stability.
3. Prepare Cabinets for Hanging
Before mounting the cabinets, use a level to mark a clear horizontal line on the wall at the desired height.
On the back of each cabinet, mark the locations that align with your wall studs.
Place cardboard shims under the cabinet at the stud locations to account for any uneven spots on the wall.
4. Drill Pilot Holes
Drill pilot holes into the studs at the marked locations on the cabinet backs. Use a drill bit matched in size to your mounting screws, keeping the holes centered on the stud marks.
Drilling into metal studs takes extra force. Let the bit do the work, avoiding excessive pressure.
If using mounting strips, drill through the strips into the studs behind.
5. Fasten Cabinets to the Studs
Hold cabinets in place against the wall, aligned with your pencil marks.
Drive mounting screws (minimum 2 1⁄2 inch length) through the back of the cabinet into the pre-drilled holes.
Make sure washers are used under the screw heads to prevent them pulling through.
Work systematically from one end of the cabinet to the other, checking for level as you go.
6. Complete the Installation
Once screwed securely into the studs, complete the upper cabinet installation:
- Tighten any hinge screws as needed.
- Adjust adjoining cabinets so sides are flush and plumb.
- Secure cabinets together with fasteners through adjacent cabinet sides.
- Install filler strips and trim pieces for a seamless look.
- Add knobs, handles and shelves to finish.
With careful prep and the right hardware, your upper cabinets will be mounted solidly on metal stud framing. Take extra care when loading the shelves to avoid excessive weight stress.
FAQs About Hanging Cabinets on Metal Studs
How do I find the studs behind drywall?
Use an electronic stud finder designed for detecting metal studs. Scan slowly across the wall and mark edges when signaled. Verify with an awl hole if possible.
What screws should I use for metal studs?
Self-tapping screws at least 2 1⁄2 inches long work best. Look for coarse high thread screws specifically designed for metal.
Why do the cabinets need extra bracing?
Metal studs alone may flex under weight. Adding wood strips or plywood backing helps prevent loosening over time.
What thickness plywood should I use for mounting strips?
3⁄4 inch exterior grade plywood or OSB board will provide sufficient support for upper cabinets on metal studs.
Can I hang cabinets directly on metal studs?
It’s possible but not recommended. Without extra reinforcement, cabinets may eventually loosen. Mounting strips provide added strength.
How much weight can metal studs support?
Properly secured metal framing can support standard upper kitchen cabinets loaded within reasonable weight capacity. Avoid overloaded cabinets directly on studs.
Should I use washers with metal stud screws?
Yes, washers help prevent the screws from pulling through softer cabinet backs. Use oversized washers to reinforce screw points.
Conclusion
Mounting kitchen cabinets onto walls framed with metal studs is best done by adding horizontal mounting strips, finding the exact stud centers, drilling pilot holes, and using specialized metal screws.
While it requires a few extra steps compared to wood studs, your upper cabinets can be perfectly secure on metal framing. Paying attention to the stud locations, reinforcement, and the right hardware will result in a safe and robust installation.
Just take precautions when loading the finished cabinets, beware of excessive weights, and mount any especially heavy items directly into the studs. With care taken during the prep work and mounting process, you can successfully hang your cabinets on metal stud wall framing.