Installing cabinets onto metal stud framing requires some special considerations compared to installing onto wood studs. With proper planning and materials, you can securely mount your cabinets onto metal framing. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install cabinets onto metal stud framing.
Overview of Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Metal studs are increasingly common in modern construction. Though strong, the thin flanges of metal studs don’t provide enough thickness for standard cabinet fasteners. Special fasteners and techniques are required to securely mount cabinets.
The basic process includes:
- Identifying the metal studs
- Marking locations for cabinet attachment
- Obtaining appropriate fasteners and materials
- Attaching horizontally spanning supports
- Using toggles, molly bolts, or sheet metal screws to fasten cabinets
- Securing cabinets together and to walls
Proper planning is key. Take time to map out stud locations and plan cabinet placement and attachments. Having the right fasteners and supports on hand will make the process go smoothly.
Locating and Marking Metal Studs
The first step is finding exactly where your metal studs are located. Use a stud finder specifically made for detecting metal studs. Mark the location of each stud using painters tape or another easily removable method.
Also mark where the edges of your cabinets will be mounted. Map out any plumbing or electrical that may interfere. Know the exact points where you will attach the cabinet sides or backs to the studs.
Attachment Materials Needed for Metal Studs
Standard wall cabinets have a hanging rail along the top which attaches to a support. Due to the thinner flange of metal studs, specialized fasteners are required:
- Toggler brand toggle bolts – Allows secure attachment onto the flange of metal studs. Provides holding strength of up to 500 lbs each.
- Molly bolts – Uses a metal sleeve insert that expands behind the wall material when tightened. Good for heavier cabinets.
- Self-drilling sheet metal screws – Simple to use and cost effective. Provides less holding strength than toggles or molly bolts.
You will also need horizontals supports or boards to mount the cabinet rails to such as:
- Wood blocking – 2x lumber spanning horizontally between studs.
- Metal bridging – Special metal channels that attach across studs.
Mounting Horizontal Supports to Metal Studs
Since you can only attach cabinets at the stud locations, you need to first create horizontal supports:
- Cut 2x lumber supports to fit snugly between the studs where cabinets will be installed.
- Use molly bolts or self-tapping sheet metal screws to securely anchor the blocking every 12-16 inches.
- Alternatively, use special metal bridging designed for stud spaces. Follow manufacturer instructions for fastening.
- Ensure the support is level end-to-end. Shim if necessary before fastening screws.
- Install supports where base cabinets, upper wall cabinets, and any heavy wall-mounted cabinet will be located.
Mounting Cabinets to Metal Studs
With horizontal supports installed, you can now attach cabinets using specialized fasteners:
- For wall cabinets – Hold the cabinet in place against the wall. Mark the exact stud location on the hanging rail through the holes or slots.
- At each stud location, pre-drill a hole slightly smaller than the toggle diameter.
- Insert the toggle and tighten until snug against the metal stud. Don’t over tighten or strip.
- For intermediate studs, use heavy molly bolts anchored into the blocking supports.
- For base cabinets – Use self-drilling screws through cabinet backs or sides directly into the metal studs.
- Draw plumb lines as guides for keeping cabinets vertically aligned as you fasten them.
- Secure adjacent cabinets together with appropriate fasteners through attached side walls or braces.
Tips for Successful Installation on Metal Studs
- Use extra toggles or molly bolts at shelf standards or other high load areas.
- Allow 1/8″ gap between cabinet sides for expansion and contraction of materials.
- Offset seams between cabinets attached to a common stud.
- Use metal corner gussets or braces when joining two cabinets perpendicular to each other.
- Follow all cabinet manufacturer instructions for required fasteners and load capacities.
Installing onto metal studs takes more preparation and specialized fasteners, but strong and secure mounting can certainly be achieved with good planning and proper materials. Carefully marking locations, using suitable horizontal spans, and utilizing heavy-duty toggles or molly bolts will allow you to safely install cabinets onto metal framing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Can I use standard screws to mount cabinets onto metal studs?
No, standard screws alone do not provide enough holding power in the thin metal flange. Specialized fasteners like toggles, molly bolts, or self-drilling sheet metal screws are required for proper mounting.
What gauge metal studs are best for mounting cabinets?
25 gauge is ideal, although 20 or 22 gauge may be used. Avoid thinner, lighter metal studs which can flex under heavy weight.
Should I use wood blocking even with heavy-duty fasteners?
Yes, wood blocking helps disperse weight along the full length rather than only points. It also strengthens the attachment of adjacent cabinets.
What fasteners should I use to join two cabinets together?
Use angle brackets, drawer locks, or screws through overlapped cabinet ends or braces for joint strength.
Can I hang upper cabinets first, then mark and install lower ones?
It’s best to mark all stud locations first and plan complete cabinet layouts beforehand. Install uppers and lowers together for alignment.
Conclusion
Mounting cabinets onto metal stud framing presents some unique challenges, but is certainly feasible. Specialized fasteners like toggle bolts allow you to hang cabinets securely on metal stud flanges. Supplementing with wood blocking provides additional strength across spans. With proper planning and materials, you can confidently install wall mounted or base cabinets onto metal stud frameworks to provide robust support and positioning for your kitchen or storage needs.