Installing cabinets on a metal wall requires some special considerations compared to installing on drywall. Metal walls are quite sturdy and can support cabinet weight, but attaching cabinets securely and getting a nice finished look takes some planning and effort. Following proper techniques for mounting, pre-drilling holes, using self-tapping screws, and sealing around cabinets will result in a quality installation.
Benefits of Installing Cabinets on Metal Walls
There are several advantages to having metal walls rather than drywall for your cabinet installation:
- Strength – Metal walls are incredibly sturdy and can easily handle the weight load of wall-mounted cabinets, even heavily-loaded cabinets like pantries.
- Durability – Metal walls won’t crack or crumble like drywall can when driving in screws to hang cabinets. The edges around cutouts are less likely to fray or crumble too.
- Moisture-resistance – Metal surfaces like galvanized steel or aluminum will withstand moisture much better than drywall or wood. This makes them ideal around sinks, appliances that produce steam, and in bathrooms.
- Fire-resistance – Metal is non-combustible and contains fires much better than drywall. This added safety is ideal for kitchens.
- Pest-resistance – Rodents and insects cannot easily chew through or burrow into metal like they can with wood or drywall. The smooth surface deters nesting and hiding.
With proper installation techniques, you can take advantage of these benefits and get a long-lasting, quality cabinet mount.
Challenges of Installing on Metal
While the strength of metal walls is an advantage, it can also make installation more difficult:
- It’s hard to cut clean openings in metal for cabinet footprints.
- Drilling mounting holes in metal requires an industrial drill and specialty bits.
- It’s tricky to get mounting hardware to grip tightly in smooth metal.
- Metal lacks the softness and flexibility of drywall for slightly imperfect cabinet alignments.
- The hardness of the surface shows imperfections like gaps, unaligned edges, etc.
With extra care taken during measuring, cutting, drilling, and mounting, these challenges can be overcome for a flawless finished look.
Tools Needed
Installing cabinets on a metal wall requires heavy-duty tools capable of cutting through and drilling into steel:
- Tin snips – Sturdy hand-held shears for making cuts in the metal wall. Go slow and take multiple passes for clean cuts.
- Electric drill – A powerful drill of 10 amps or more with adjustable clutch is best for steel drilling. Variable speed helps too.
- Step bits – These cone-shaped bits gradually increase in diameter to bore different-sized holes in metal.
- Self-tapping screws – Specialty screws that can tap and form threads in metal as they’re driven in.
- Hammer – A heavy ball-peen hammer helps seat mounting hardware and break apart cut edges.
- Metal file – For smoothing cut edges and small adjustments to openings.
- Stud finder – A must for locating potential blocking behind the wall.
- Level – Helps keep cabinets mounted straight and properly aligned.
Gather these before starting any metal wall cabinet installation. Safety glasses and gloves are also a good idea when working with metal.
Preparing the Metal Wall
Careful preparation is key to a smooth installation:
Gather Dimensions
- Measure the available space on the wall thoroughly.
- Have the exact cabinet dimensions handy as well.
- Make sure adequate clearance is available for cabinet doors and drawers to open once installed.
Look for Blocking
- Use a stud finder to detect potential blocking behind the installation area.
- Blocking placed between studs can obstruct cabinet fittings.
- Use a rare earth magnet slid over the wall to double check for unseen blocking screws.
Mark the Studs
- Locate all the studs using the stud finder and mark them off.
- Studs provide strong anchoring points for mounting screws.
Mark Cutout Lines
- Following cabinet dimensions, carefully measure and mark lines for the cabinet cutout footprint.
- Use a square and level to get perfectly straight lines.
- Double check all measurements before cutting!
Thorough preparation gets the wall ready for clean and properly aligned cabinet installation.
Cutting Out the Wall Openings
Use the following steps to neatly cut openings in the metal wall for installing cabinets:
Put on Safety Gear
- Wear gloves and eye protection when using power tools on metal.
- A mask is also a good idea to avoid inhaling metal dust.
Start Cuts with Heavy Pressure
- Let the tin snips bite into the metal with extra pressure when starting a cut.
- Keep blade aligned straight as you start.
Take Small Bites
- Don’t try to cut too much at once. Go slowly with small 1-2 inch bites.
- Small cuts are easier to keep straight than long cuts.
Cut Different Directions
- Make multiple incremental cuts rather than one long one.
- Cut bottom and sides first, then complete top cross cut.
- Minimizes risk of snips sliding off line.
File Edges Smooth
- Use a metal file to smooth any rough edges or burrs left from cutting.
- File the edges at a 45 degree inward angle for safety.
Clean even cuts make mounting cabinets easier and ultimately give a better finished look. Avoid any jagged edges.
Drilling Holes in the Metal Wall
Making holes in the wall for cabinet mounting takes the right touch:
Use a Step Bit
- Step bits are ideal for boring mounting holes in metal.
- Their tapering steps allow incremental hole sizing.
- Lubricate with oil when drilling to avoid overheating metal.
Start with Pilot Hole
- Drill a small pilot hole first with a 1/8” bit.
- This allows the step bit to center itself when enlarging the hole.
Take it Slow
- Advance the step bit gradually with steady pressure.
- Don’t force the drill or rush the process.
Make Perpendicular Holes
- Hold drill perpendicular to wall when boring holes.
- Holes drilled at angles won’t align properly with cabinet brackets.
- Use a level to double check hole angles if needed.
Properly aligning and drilling cabinet mounting holes is crucial for getting things level and secured tightly.
Choosing the Right Mounting Hardware
Mounting cabinets to a sturdy metal wall requires hardware that can grip tightly when driven in:
Self-Tapping Screws
- Use self-tapping screws specifically designed for metal.
- They carve out threads in the metal as they’re installed.
Fender Washers
- Use oversized fender washers under screw heads.
- They provide extra surface area for tightening hardware against the metal.
Lock Washers
- Pair screws with lock washers to prevent loosening.
- Their tab digs into metal to hold screws tighter.
Wood Screws for Studs
- Use regular wood screws at stud locations.
- The threads bite securely into wood blocking inside the wall.
The right mounting hardware is essential for a cabinet installation that stays sturdy and securely attached.
Mounting the Cabinets
Follow these tips for securely mounting cabinets to a metal wall:
Attach Mounting Rails
- First screw cabinet’s mounting rails onto the wall studs if possible.
- Getting these aligned provides base to then hang the cabinets on.
Use Shims If Needed
- Shims can help fill small wall gaps behind cabinets if present.
- Ensure rails mount flush despite imperfections.
Pre-Drill Rail Holes
- Drill pilot holes before driving screws into rails to prevent cracking.
- Rail holes only need to be large enough for screw shanks.
Level as You Go
- Use a level frequently to keep the mounting rails aligned.
- Check for level side-to-side and front-to-back. Adjust rails as needed.
Hang Cabinets onto Rails
- With rails aligned and secured, hang cabinet boxes onto them.
- The rails should fit into rear notches and help hold position.
- Some minor adjustment can still be made side-to-side when fastening.
Take it slow and double check for level during the mounting process. Getting the initial rails perfectly aligned is key.
Completing the Installation
The final steps help complete the installation neatly:
Pre-Drill Cabinet Holes
- Drill small pilot holes before driving screws into cabinet sides and bottoms.
- This prevents cracking particle board or melamine interiors.
Caulk Edge Gaps
- Fill any visible seam gaps with caulk to look more finished.
- Caulk also seals the edges to prevent moisture intrusion.
Install Decorative Trim
- Adhesive or screw-on trim pieces can hide cut edges of metal.
- Chrome bars or color-matched trim gives a built-in custom look.
Clean Up Metal Shavings
- Thoroughly vacuum up all metal debris from cutting and drilling.
- Use a tack cloth to wipe cabinet edges before installing doors and drawers.
Taking these finishing steps makes the installed cabinets look fully integrated rather than just hung on a metal wall. The caulk and trim really complete the built-in look.
Tips for Maintaining Metal Wall Cabinets
Once your cabinets are expertly installed, follow these tips to keep them looking great:
- Use soft cleaners and avoid abrasives to prevent scratching metal walls.
- Immediately dry any spills or moisture to prevent rusting around sinks.
- Periodically check and tighten mounting screws to prevent loosening over time.
- Adjust or replace any cabinet doors that become misaligned to maintain proper fit.
- Take care not to dent metal walls when moving furniture or heavier items around.
With proper care and maintenance, quality cabinets installed on metal walls will last for many years of dependable service.
Common Questions about Installing Cabinets on Metal Walls
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about mounting cabinets on metal walls:
Can I install cabinets directly onto metal studs?
While possible, it’s not advisable. Metal studs lack the thick solid anchoring surface that wood studs provide. Screws are much more likely to loosen over time leading to failed cabinet mounts.
What about using magnets?
Strong rare earth magnets can adhere cabinets to steel walls, but provides a less secure mount than screws into studs. They are more prone to vibrations loosening over time. Screws form a better mechanical attachment.
Do I need special wall anchors?
Specialty anchors exist for mounting to hollow drywall panels, but are generally not needed for solid metal walls. Self-tapping screws driven into the metal itself or wood blocking provide plenty of holding power.
How do I cut openings without metal snips?
A 4-1/2” angle grinder with a thin metal cutoff wheel can substitute for tin snips. Make relief cuts first and go slowly to avoid excessive warping. Be extremely cautious of sparks and metal shards. Wear a full face shield.
What kind of drill bit should I use?
Standard twist bits work okay, but step bits make cleaner, more precise holes in sheet metal. Lubricating the bit with oil makes cutting easier. Cobalt steel bits last longer than standard HSS. Carbide tips are even more durable.
Conclusion
Installing cabinets on metal walls is a very doable project with great benefits, as long as you use the right tools and techniques. Carefully preparing the wall, making clean cuts, drilling proper holes, and securely mounting with specialty screws allows the strength and durability of metal walls to really shine. The key steps are taking measurements accurately, drilling perpendicular holes, mounting into studs, using self-tappers and fender washers, and taking care to keep everything straight, plumb, and level. Finishing touches like caulk and trim then complete the built-in look. With patience and care taken through each installation step, metal walls can provide an incredibly solid mounting surface for your cabinets. The sturdy support and moisture resistance of metal allows cabinets to serve practically and beautifully while withstanding the wear and tear of daily use for many years.