Installing cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to installing on wood studs. Metal doesn’t hold screws as well as wood, so you need to use special fasteners and techniques to ensure the cabinets are securely mounted. With the right preparation and materials, installing cabinets on metal studs can be accomplished successfully.

Benefits of Using Metal Studs

Before getting into the installation process, let’s look at why you might be using metal studs in the first place:

Strength – Metal studs are much stronger than wood studs, which allows you to space them further apart. This gives you more flexibility in your layout.
Stability – Metal studs are uniform in size and completely straight. This makes your wall surface smoother and more even for installing cabinets.
Fire resistance – Metal does not burn like wood. Metal stud walls have higher fire ratings and resist the spread of flames.
Versatility – Metal studs allow you to run electrical, plumbing, and HVAC through the stud bay without drilling.
Termite/bug resistance – Bugs and rodents cannot penetrate or damage metal like they can with wood.

So while metal may complicate the cabinet installation a bit, the benefits often make it worth it in the long run.

Things You’ll Need

Make sure you have the following materials on hand before starting:

Self-tapping screws – Special screws that tap and form threads in metal as they are driven in. Standard wood screws will not work.
Hollow wall anchors – Used instead of toggle bolts to mount cabinets directly to the wall.
Washers – Helps distribute force of screws and anchors over wider area. Reduces risk of pulling through.
Wood blocking – Short 2×4 sections to provide solid anchor points for upper cabinets.
Metal stud finder – Locates studs within wall so you can mark locations.
Level – Ensures cabinets are mounted straight and plumb on uneven walls.
Stud shoe – Steel L-bracket used to tie two studs together for reinforcement.
Hanging rail – Mounted to multiple studs to hang upper cabinets on directly.
Pencil/marker – Marks location of studs and cabinet layout on wall.
Tape measure – Accurately measures and marks stud location and layout.
Electric drill – Drives self-tapping screws quickly and efficiently into metal.
Box cutter – Cuts holes for plumbing and electrical outlets in cabinet backs.
Safety equipment – Glasses, ear protection, gloves, etc. when using power tools.

Preparing the Wall

Before installing the cabinets, you need to make sure the metal stud wall is properly prepared:

Locate the Studs

Use a high quality metal stud finder suitable for finding the metal framing through the drywall. Sweep horizontally across the entire area where cabinets will be installed.
Mark the stud locations with pencil or marker. Confirm edges by sweeping vertically as well.
Space the marks 16 inches on center for standard stud spacing. 24 inch spacing is also common.
Double check measurements by poking a finish nail through the drywall at a mark. It should hit solid metal stud.

Add Blocking for Upper Cabinets

Since the area above the base cabinets will not have solid backing, you need to add blocking between studs:

Measure and cut 2×4 blocking into pieces fitting tightly between the studs.
Use self-tapping screws to secure them flat against the studs, about 1 1/2 inches above where top of base cabinets will be.
Blocking provides solid anchoring for rails, cleats, or direct attachment of wall cabinets.

Reinforce Wide Spans

For especially long horizontal spans, use stud shoes to tie two studs together.
Stud shoes have holes allowing them to be screwed flush to both studs, preventing flexing or bowing under weight.
Typically reinforce spans wider than 3-4 feet to provide better support for cabinets.

Check for Plumb and Level

Use a 4 foot level horizontally and vertically on prepared wall surface.
Mark any out of plumb or uneven areas. Later shim outward from studs as needed in those areas to create an even base.
Shim behind drywall in bowing sections to flatten surface.

Installing Wall Cabinets

With your metal stud wall prepped, it’s time to start installing cabinets. We’ll cover wall cabinets first:

Mount Hanging Rail to Studs

Mark stud locations on the horizontal line where bottom of wall cabinets will sit.
Measure and cut metal hanging rail 1 inch shorter than span between outer marks.
Position rail along bottom marks and attach directly into studs using self-tapping screws.
Make sure screws penetrate studs at least 3/4 inch for maximum holding strength.

Hang Cabinets on Rail

Attach cabinet hanging brackets to back of cabinet, centering on the vertical middle.
Lift cabinet into place, tilting back slightly, and fit hanging rail into brackets.
Allow front of cabinet to swing down flush against wall. Cabinet should rest securely on rail.
For wider cabinets spanning multiple studs, use hollow wall anchors into drywall between studs for added support.

Level and Attach Cabinets Together

With cabinet centered on rail, use shims under front edge to level front-to-back.
Check side-to-side level and plumb with level. Shim sides if needed.
Once cabinet is plumb and level, screw into adjacent studs and use clamps to hold adjoining cabinets tight together.
Screw through sides of cabinets into each other to secure entire run.
Finally go back and install trim head screws through shims into studs/blocking. Trim off excess shim.

Installing Base Cabinets

The techniques differ slightly when installing base cabinets on metal studs:

Mark Stud Locations on Wall

Use metal stud finder to locate and mark studs along entire base cabinet run.
Also mark studs immediately left and right of outside corners.

Attach Mounting Cleats to Studs

Cut 2×2 or 2×4 cleats to span at least two stud marks.
Predrill holes to allow wood movement. Attach to studs using self-tapping screws.
Position cleats so top lines up with desired level line for bottom of base cabinet.

Set Cabinets in Place

Lift base cabinet into position on cleats. Back should rest flush on cleats.
For corner cabinets, position tight in corner then attach side panel.
Use shims under cabinet to level and fill any gaps if wall is uneven.

Fasten Cabinets to Studs

Open cabinet doors to access interior sides.
Screw through cabinet side into nearest stud, at least 1 1/2 inches penetration.
For corner cabinets, screw into studs behind side panel as well.
Drill pilot holes to avoid splitting cabinet side when screwing.
Install decorative trim caps to conceal screw heads where visible.

Connect Adjoining Cabinets

With cabinets level and screwed into studs, join them together.
Apply adhesive between cabinet sides then clamp together tightly.
Drill pilot holes and insert screws through sides into adjoining cabinets.
Keep screwing cabinets together, maintaining a flush front face across entire run.
Use filler trim pieces to conceal gaps as needed between uneven cabinets.

Secure to Floor

Once fully joined, secure base cabinets to floor:

Drill holes through cabinet bottoms into floor at stud locations.
Use hollow wall anchors or molly bolts for solid anchoring into floor.
Avoid screws up through subfloor which could poke through finished surface.
Check for level one last time, shimming if needed to adjust height.

Installing Peninsula Cabinets

Peninsula cabinet sections involve installing a run perpendicular to base cabinets:

Locate closest studs at ending base cabinets to anchor peninsula run into.
Attach ledger board securely into studs at end base cabinets.
Position so it lines up with bottom of peninsula cabinets to support them.
Install peninsula cabinets by setting on ledger board first.
Level cabinets and fasten together with clamps/screws through sides like base run.
Finally anchor peninsula cabinets into wall studs, using blocking above if needed.

Installing Corner Cabinets

Here are some tips for working with corner cabinet installations:

Locate studs immediately left and right of corner.
Attach cleats or ledger to studs at proper height to support cabinet.
Set corner cabinet centered into corner and attach to cleats.
Install the adjoining cabinet tight against corner cabinet.
Screw through the side panels of the cabinets into each other.
Use a filler trim strip to cover any gap between cabinet face frames.
Attach legs or panels to extend corner cabinet to floor once leveled.

Installing Sink Base Cabinets

For sink base cabinets:

Position plumbing lines to come up through floor within sink base area.
Set sink base cabinet in place allowing clearance for pipes.
Make cutouts in cabinet bottom or back panel for pipes as needed.
Connect plumbing lines to faucet before attaching countertop.
Anchor sink base into studs and adjoining cabinets like standard base cabinets.
Consider legs or panels to enclose pipes down to floor.

Finishing Touches

Once all cabinets are securely installed, complete the job with these finishing steps:

Install cabinet hardware – handles/knobs, drawer glides, adjustable shelves.
Caulk along tops, sides and base where cabinets meet walls.
Add desired mouldings/trim in any gaps between cabinets and walls/ceiling.
Attach end panels to sides of cabinet runs to finish look.
Touch up any visible screw holes with wood filler and repaint.

And that covers the entire process of successfully installing kitchen, bathroom or any other cabinets on metal stud walls. Just take it step-by-step and make sure your cabinets are securely anchored at every stud location. Let me know if you have any other questions!

FAQs About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs

Q: What size screws should I use to install cabinets on metal studs?

A: Use #8 or #10 size self-tapping screws that are at least 1 1/2 to 2 inches long for the best holding power in metal studs. Pre-drilling pilot holes is recommended to avoid splitting cabinet material.

Q: Should I hit the studs or just screw into the drywall?

A: Always make sure your screws penetrate into an actual stud. Just screwing into the drywall alone does not provide enough anchoring strength to securely mount cabinets long-term.

Q: Do I need special tools for driving screws into metal studs?

A: A regular electric drill/driver works fine, but using sharp drill bits and installing in stages from smaller pilot hole to full screw size helps avoid stripping screw heads. Impact drivers also work well with less risk of stripping.

Q: Can I hang wall cabinets directly on the metal studs?

A: It’s best to use a horizontal mounting strip anchored into multiple studs. This gives full support across entire cabinet bottom rather than just where studs happen to be located.

Q: How do I find the studs behind tile or laminate backsplash?

A: Use a high quality, strong magnet stud finder. The magnetic fields will penetrate the tile/laminate and locate the metal studs. Just mark and confirm with a finish nail.

Q: Do I need to pre-drill pilot holes before screwing into metal studs?

A: Yes, you should always pre-drill clearance holes in metal studs prior to installing screws. This prevents binding, stripping or breaking screws as you drive them in.

Q: Can metal studs be damaged by overtightening screws?

A: Yes, take care not to overtighten screw into metal studs. The stud can be deformed, weakening its holding strength. Tighten screws until snug but not crushed into stud.

Q: Should I still attach adjoining cabinets together even if into metal studs?

A: Yes, attaching cabinets together with clamps, adhesive and screws through the sides is still important for alignment and strength even when anchored into studs.

Q: Is it okay to just screw through the cabinet back into the wall?

A: No, you should always try to screw through cabinet sides or bottom into studs. Screwing through the flimsy cabinet back does not provide reliable long term strength.

I hope these answers help explain some of the most common questions around installing cabinets onto metal stud walls. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

Conclusion

Installing cabinets on metal stud walls takes a few specialized tools, techniques, and fasteners to do it right. But with careful planning and following the proper process, you can end up with cabinets that are extremely solid, secure, and built to last on your metal stud framework. The strength and stability of metal studs actually provides an excellent surface for permanently anchoring your cabinets safely into the wall framing. Just remember to always locate and attach into the actual studs, reinforce long spans, and join components together properly. With these tips in mind, you can successfully install beautiful cabinets that will hold up beautifully on your metal stud walls.

How to Install Cabinets with Metal Studs