Installing cabinets in a home with metal studs requires some special considerations compared to installing cabinets in wood frame construction. Metal studs are increasingly common in modern residential and commercial buildings because they offer structural strength while taking up less space than traditional wood framing. However, securing cabinets properly to metal studs takes a few extra steps.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the entire process of installing cabinets on metal stud walls, from preparing the studs to mounting the cabinets securely. Follow these best practices and tips to end up with sturdy, level cabinets that will last for years to come.
Preparing the Metal Studs for Cabinet Installation
Before mounting any cabinets, the first step is ensuring the metal studs themselves are ready to provide a solid foundation. Here are the key steps:
Add Additional Studs Where Needed
Check the existing metal stud layout and add supplementary studs wherever cabinets will be installed. This provides extra stability and more screw/anchor points to keep the cabinets sturdy. The general rule of thumb is to have studs spaced:
- Every 12 inches (30 cm) behind base cabinets
- Every 24 inches (60 cm) behind wall cabinets
Make sure to match the gauge and specs of the existing metal studs when adding new ones. Screw them securely to the top and bottom tracks.
Block Between Studs
For extra strength, use pieces of 2×4 wood to block off the sections between each stud where the cabinets will mount. Cut blocks to fit snugly from top to bottom and screw into place with self-tapping metal screws.
Use Stud Extenders at Edges
For studs at the edges of cabinet runs, attach stud extenders to widen the mounting surface. This gives you more area to anchor the cabinets directly into the metal framing.
Add Horizontal Blocking
Cut 2×4 wood blocking to fit snugly between studs underneath where the wall cabinets will be installed. Secure with self-tapping metal screws through the studs.
Check for Plumb and Level
Before installation, make sure the metal studs are perfectly plumb and any added blocking is level. Use a high-quality level tool to verify. Adjust studs as needed by loosening track screws, plumbing the studs with shims, and re-securing the tracks.
Proper plumb and level in the framing is critical to getting your cabinets aligned correctly. Take the time up front to get this right before mounting the cabinets.
Preparing the Area for Cabinet Installation
With the studs and blocking ready, prep the overall area with these steps:
Install Backing Material
Secure plywood or OSB sheathing over the entire area where cabinets will be mounted. Screw into the studs and blocking every 6 inches around the perimeter and every 12 inches in the field. This gives your cabinets a solid surface to screw into anywhere.
Add Shims
Use tapered wood shims to fill any gaps wider than 1/4 inch between the backing material and studs. This prevents bulges behind the cabinetry.
Prime and Paint the Wall
Applying primer and paint now makes the area ready for cabinet installation. Be sure to use high quality primer rated for metal that provides maximum adhesion.
Mark Stud Locations
Finally, measure and mark stud center locations right on the painted backing material. This acts as a handy guide when securing the cabinets to find the studs.
How to Secure Cabinets to Metal Studs
With everything prepared, it’s time to actually mount the cabinets to the metal framing. Use the following steps for a rock-solid installation:
#1: Level and Shim the Cabinets
Start by setting the cabinets in place and taking your time shimming them plumb, true, and level. Use tapered wood shims at the base and near the top behind the nailers or mounting strips.
Check the cabinet fronts for plumb and the tops for level in all directions. Make minor adjustments as needed until each cabinet is perfect.
#2: Drill Pilot Holes
With the cabinets shimmed securely, use a hammer drill and carbide drill bit to bore through the cabinet backs or nailers into the studs. Pilot holes should be slightly smaller than your screw diameter.
Drill into every marked stud, at least every 12 inches across the length of the cabinets.
#3: Drive Screws Securely
Switch to a screwdriver bit and drive 3”-3.5” hardened, self-tapping cabinet screws through the pilot holes and into the metal framing. Sink each screw head flush with the cabinet frame or nailers.
Driving screws at every stud provides maximum strength to withstand the weight and daily use without loosening over time.
#4: Angle-Screw the End Studs
At the start and end of cabinet runs, angle screws from the outer cabinet sides back into the side studs. This pulls the cabinet flush and prevents shifting away from the wall.
#5: Secure Trim Pieces
For filler trim pieces at ends or vertical spaces between cabinets, use short screws sized to go just through the trim and drywall, but not into the studs. This allows natural expansion and contraction of the trim lumber.
#6: Caulk Seams
Once everything is securely mounted, run a quality paintable caulk along the cabinets seams and lightly along the tops and bottoms. Smooth with a damp finger for a pro finish. Let dry completely.
Now you can install countertops, finish plumbing and electrical, and move on to interior fittings and fixtures. Taking the time to properly secure the cabinets to metal studs makes the rest of the project go smoothly.
Tips for Installing Upper Wall Cabinets
The same general installation process applies for mounting upper cabinets to metal studs. Here are some additional tips:
- Locate and mark studs at the desired height for accurate placement of wall cabinets.
- Build a ledger board secured horizontally to the studs to support the cabinet bottoms.
- Use cleats or L-brackets to firmly attach the cabinet backs and prevent tipping when loaded.
- Consider using steel-reinforced wall anchors rated for the cabinet weight at non-stud locations. This provides extra security between studs.
- Make sure screw heads are countersunk into wall cabinets so drawer glides have clearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While cabinet installation on metal studs is straightforward with the right techniques, here are some common mistakes that can compromise strength or alignment:
- Not adding adequate blocking – this provides critical extra support.
- Failing to shim carefully and check for level. Rushed shimming leads to crooked cabinets.
- Using drywall screws that don’t grip metal framing. Always use self-tapping cabinet installation screws.
- Neglecting to angle screws into end studs. This can allow the cabinets to shift and separate.
- Over-tightening screws into wood trim pieces. Allow for normal lumber movement.
- Drilling screws without piloting first. Pilot holes prevent stripping screw holes.
- Mounting upper cabinets just to drywall without hitting studs. Depending on weight, this risks eventual failure.
Avoiding these simple mistakes will ensure your cabinets mount tightly and withstand years of service.
FAQs About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Should I use lag bolts instead of screws?
No, lag bolts are overkill and don’t improve holding strength. Self-tapping cabinet screws are designed to grip tightly and remain secure permanently. Go with the proper screws sized for your cabinet thickness.
Do I need to hit every single stud?
You should screw into every stud whenever possible for maximum strength. However, if you miss a stud, hardened wall anchors rated for the cabinet load can work. But try to screw into studs for all primary mounting points.
Can I mount right into steel track instead of studs?
No, the tracks are not meant to support that type of weight or shear force. The tracks are only designed to hold the studs, so always screw directly into the vertical steel studs themselves when possible.
Should I take special corrosion precautions?
In most residential applications, the cabinet screws will be fine without additional treatment. However, in wet areas, outdoors, or other corrosive environments, consider coating screws with a corrosion-resistant material or using stainless steel screws.
Can I use an impact driver to install the screws?
Yes, you can use an impact driver, as long as you be careful not to over-tighten the screws. Adjust the torque setting and pressure to sink screws without stripping them. Don’t rely just on full power impacting.
Conclusion
Installing kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or other cabinets onto metal stud framing is best done by following standard cabinet installation methods while accounting for the unique properties of working with metal. With an understanding of how to prepare both the studs and mounting area, and paying attention to properly shimming, screwing into studs, and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve results that are just as durable as wood-frame construction.
Taking the time to do it right will mean you get to enjoy the benefits of strong, perfectly aligned cabinets installed on metal stud walls that will serve your family and home for many years.