Installing cabinets on metal studs requires some special considerations compared to mounting on wood studs. Metal doesn’t hold screws as well, so you need to use specialized fasteners and techniques to ensure your cabinets are securely installed. With the right preparation and materials, mounting cabinets on metal studs can be straightforward.
Benefits of Using Metal Studs
Before getting into the specifics of installing cabinets on metal studs, let’s look at why you might use metal in the first place:
- Sturdy – Metal studs are very strong and rigid. They don’t bend or flex like wood studs. This makes them well-suited for cabinets since you want a stable base.
- Thinner profile – Metal studs take up less space than 2×4 wood studs, leaving more room for insulation and allowing thinner walls. This gives you a bit more wiggle room when planning cabinet layouts.
- Versatile – Metal studs are a great choice if you want to get creative with curved walls or unique cabinet designs. They are easier to bend and shape compared to wood.
- Termite/mold resistant – Metal studs won’t rot or become damaged from pests or moisture like wood can. This is one less thing to worry about behind the walls.
- Fire resistant – Metal is non-combustible. For kitchens or other areas where fire is a concern, metal studs offer an extra level of safety.
- Consistent quality – Metal studs are factory made to exact specifications so each one will be identical. Wood stud quality can vary greatly.
Now that we’ve looked at the benefits of metal studs, let’s get into the specifics of mounting cabinets properly.
Cabinet Installation Considerations with Metal Studs
Installing cabinets on metal studs is possible, but differs from working with wood studs in a few key ways:
Screws Hold Less Securely
The biggest challenge with metal studs is that screws don’t grip into the hard smooth metal as well as they do in wood. Normal coarse thread wood screws usually won’t work. You need special screws designed for use with metal.
Studs Don’t Allow For Direct Anchor Screws
With wood studs, you can drive long lag screws directly into the studs behind the cabinet to reinforce the connection. This isn’t possible with metal since you can’t anchor through the thin metal material. Other indirect reinforcement methods are needed.
More Solid Backing Support May Be Needed
For heavy upper cabinets like kitchen wall cabinets, extra bracing may be required on metal studs. The studs alone may not provide enough support depending on the thickness, so be prepared to add backing.
Use Appropriate Fasteners and Anchors
Do not use standard coarse wood screws to mount cabinets onto metal studs. The threads will not grip properly leading to loose cabinets. Use self-tapping pan head screws specifically designed for fastening into metal. Appropriate plastic plug anchors are also a must for drywall attachment.
Check Manufacturer Instructions
Always consult the cabinet manufacturer’s instructions. Some cabinets include special fasteners or have specific mounting requirements over metal studs that must be followed. Don’t make any assumptions.
By keeping these factors in mind and following best practices, you can end up with cabinet installations over metal that are just as stable and secure as over wood studs.
Materials Needed for Mounting Cabinets on Metal Studs
To properly fasten cabinets to metal studs, you need the right materials. Here are the essential hardware items and fasteners I recommend having on hand:
- Self-tapping pan head screws – These have sharp pointed tips and coarse threads meant for penetration and grip on metal. Length depends on thickness of cabinet back.
- Plastic wall anchors – Plastic plugs that expand in drywall to securely anchor screws. Necessary for fastening through drywall into studs.
- Fender/toggle bolts – Used to attach cabinets directly to hollow metal studs when no backing support exists. Allows for strong threaded nut connection.
- Backup plates – Used to reinforce upper cabinets by spreading force over more studs. Helps prevent sagging over time.
- Specialty cabinet screws – If specified by manufacturer, get any recommended specialty screw types like lag bolts or hanger bolts. Check instructions.
- Washers – Use oversized 1/2″ washers under bolt heads to prevent pulling through drywall.
- Stud finder – Essential for locating studs behind drywall. Get one designed for use on both wood and metal.
- Level – Important for checking cabinets are mounted plumb and level during installation.
Having these supplies on hand will make the installation process much smoother. Don’t try to cut corners with improper fasteners – it’s not worth the headaches down the road.
How to Locate Metal Studs
Before starting installation, the first critical step is locating all the metal studs that will support the cabinets. This takes a good stud finder designed for use on metal.
Here are some tips for accurately finding metal studs:
- Use an appropriate stud finder – A magnetic stud finder or one designed specifically for metal will be much more reliable than a basic electronic stud finder.
- Move slowly and take multiple passes – Move the stud finder across the wall slowly to ensure it has time to detect the stud. Make multiple passes up and down the wall to double check all possible stud locations.
- Look for repetitive spacing – Metal studs are installed on 16″ or 24″ centers. Mark the stud locations and look for this consistent spacing pattern.
- Check around corners – Make sure to keep locating studs as you round corners to map out the entire installation area. Don’t assume they will align perfectly.
- Watch for electrical boxes – Outlets are often mounted directly on studs. But again, don’t just assume – verify with stud finder.
- Mark studs clearly – Use painters tape or another easily removable method to mark stud center points. Avoid permanent markers.
- Remember studs may not be plumb – Don’t assume studs are perfectly vertical. Re-check each one individually when installing cabinets.
Locating and marking studs accurately takes time but is worth the effort. Rushing this step can lead to shoddy cabinet installations.
Mounting Base Cabinets to Metal Studs
With the studs mapped out, you can now start installing the base cabinets by fastening them securely to the metal studs. Follow these best practices:
1. Position Cabinet
- Place cabinet in desired final location.
- Use shims underneath to adjust for any unevenness in floor.
- Check it is level side-to-side and front-to-back. Adjust shims if needed.
2. Locate Studs
- Based on your marks, confirm the exact center of studs behind installation points.
- Re-check with stud finder to validate their position before drilling or screwing.
3. Drill Pilot Holes
- Using a 1/8″ drill bit, drill pilot holes through the cabinet back at each stud location.
- Drill through just the cabinet back material, not the drywall.
- Pilot holes prevent splitting of cabinet back when screws are installed.
4. Attach to Studs Securely
- Use #10 or #12 pan head self-tapping screws, 2-1/2″ to 3″ in length depending on cabinet back thickness.
- Drive screws through pilot holes firmly into metal studs at each point marked.
- Don’t overtighten – let the self-tapping screws cut their own threads.
5. Secure to Floor
- Angle screws through side trim pieces into floor to prevent cabinet from shifting left or right.
- Countersink screw heads so they don’t obstruct cabinet gables or drawers.
6. Attach Adjoining Cabinets
- Once cabinet is secured to studs, attach adjoining cabinets using screws through overlapping side gables or hang rails.
Repeat these steps to mount any additional base cabinets, taking care to make sure they are all properly aligned and fastened securely to studs.
Installing Wall Cabinets on Metal Studs
Wall cabinet installation takes a few extra steps to ensure adequate support on metal studs:
Allow for Uneven Studs
Don’t assume studs are perfectly plumb. Use a level on each individual stud to account for any variance at screw locations. Adjust mounting as needed.
Attach Backing Support Board
For heavy upper cabinets, first fasten a length of plywood across a span of studs to reinforce backing. Then mount cabinet to plywood.
Use Appropriate Wall Anchors
Drill holes and install plastic wall anchors at any drywall fastening points before driving screws. This keeps the cabinet firmly anchored.
Consider Filler Strips
Small filler strips positioned behind cabinets can compensate for studs that don’t align cleanly with cabinet ends or corners.
Use Backup Plates for Wider Spans
For very heavy cabinets or span widths exceeding 30″, use perforated metal backup plates attached across several studs.
Allow Proper Screw Clearances
Leave 1/4″ clearance between wall and screw heads so cabinets can hinge open properly without hitting drywall.
Mount into Studs Where Possible
Always try to align at least some cabinet screws with stud locations even if using drywall anchors. This provides maximum strength.
With proper planning and installation, wall cabinets can be mounted over metal studs just as sturdily as wood studs. Take things slow and double check everything.
How to Attach Cabinets Directly to Metal Studs
For maximum strength, attaching cabinets directly through the drywall into the metal studs is ideal. Here are some tips:
- Carefully measure and mark stud center locations on the drywall. Confirm with stud finder.
- Use self-tapping pan head screws at least 1/2″ longer than the drywall thickness.
- Drill pilot holes through the drywall into the studs to guide screws.
- Drive screws through cabinet backs directly into metal studs at marked locations.
- Use plastic wall anchors at any points not aligned with a stud.
- Consider pre-drilling smaller pilot holes in the metal studs if screws spin before gripping.
Attaching through the drywall into studs helps stiffen the connection significantly. The screws thread firmly into studs, while the plastic anchors expand for solid drywall anchoring at other points.
Reinforcing Cabinets with Toggles or Bolt-Through Anchors
For installing cabinets on hollow metal studs, use either:
- Toggle bolts – Pivot and lock into place on the backside of the wall cavity when tightened. Great holding power.
- Bolt-through anchors – Use existing holes in cabinet backs to insert long bolts through the stud into a steel anchor plate on the backside.
These anchors provide a reinforced threaded nut connection point on the stud interior even with no solid backing surface. This prevents sagging or loosening over time.
Carefully drill holes through the wall at stud locations so bolts can pass through the stud easily. Measure multiple times to get hole positions accurate.
Adding Back Plates for Wider Spans
Upper kitchen cabinets with wide spans greater than 24″ to 30″ across multiple studs often require additional support. Fortunately, back plates provide a simple solution.
These perforated metal plates attach across several studs to stiffen the entire mounting surface:
- Position the plate with flanges facing out and screw firmly into each stud.
- Then mount the cabinets on top of the plate through the holes.
- Use fender washers so screw heads don’t pull through the hole edges.
Back plates distribute the cabinet load over multiple studs rather than concentrating forces on the outer edges. This prevents sagging or loosening over time. They are easy to install and offer inexpensive insurance.
How to Securely Join Cabinet Sections
When installing cabinet runs with multiple sections, use proper techniques to create solid connections:
Reinforce with Concealed Brackets
- Position specialty metal cabinet hanging brackets between adjoining cabinets.
- Mount them high enough to be concealed by face frame overhang.
- Joining cabinets this way keeps the line rigid and prevents gaps from developing.
Screw Gables Together
- Where cabinet sides meet, pre-drill and screw through gable frames using 2″ screws.
- This joins the boxes solidly so they act as one continuous unit.
Utilize Integrated Joining Features
- Many modern ready-to-assemble cabinet lines include built-in gable joining features.
- The cabinet edges interlock tightly using integral hooks, tabs, magnets or channels.
- Take advantage of these factory joining options for the strongest connections.
Joining cabinets properly is important on any material, but especially over metal studs that offer less forgiveness. Take the extra time to connect cabinets right.
Troubleshooting Tips for Mounting Cabinets on Metal Studs
Despite best efforts, you may still encounter some problems when installing cabinets over metal studs:
Cabinet Doesn’t Sit Flat on Wall
- Check for uneven studs using a level on each one. Shim gaps behind cabinets to compensate.
- Make sure mounting screws draw cabinet fully tight and flat to wall. Do not overtighten.
Studs Move When Driving Screws
- This can happen with very thin gauge metal studs. Consider using plastic wall anchors at more points to securely anchor the studs.
- Pre-drilling smaller pilot holes in studs can also help prevent movement when driving screws.
Can’t Align Screw Locations with Studs
- Use suitable hollow wall anchors like toggle bolts to create secure mounting points anywhere along the stud.
- Small filler strips added behind cabinet can also shift it over slightly to match up screw locations.
Screws Loosen Over Time
- Use locking nuts, thread locking adhesive or rubber backed washers under screw heads to help prevent loosening.
- Periodically check and re-tighten any problem screws that become loose.
With attention to detail during installation and proper use of materials, mounting cabinets onto metal studs can result in a very solid, long-lasting finished product that looks great.
FAQs About Installing Cabinets on Metal Studs
Can I use standard wood screws on metal studs?
No. Regular coarse thread wood screws do not grip effectively in metal. Use self-tapping pan head screws specifically designed for steel and metal applications. The sharper, grippier threads provide more holding power.
What length screws should I use in metal studs?
For base cabinets, use at least 2-1/2″ to 3″ screws to ensure adequate penetration through cabinet backs and into the stud. For wall cabinets, 3″ screws should work for most single layer drywall installations. Go longer if necessary.
Do I need to pre-drill holes in metal studs?
It depends on the hardness and thickness of the metal. Pre-drilling smaller 1/8″ pilot holes may be required for very thin or high gauge studs to prevent screws from wandering before catching. Test on a scrap piece of stud first.
Can I mount heavy upper cabinets directly to metal studs alone?
It’s often a good idea to first install an adequate horizontal spanning support like a board or metal back plate. This helps distribute the weight properly over multiple studs and prevents sagging.
How do I mount cabinets on non-standard 24″ spaced metal studs?
Use toggle bolts or snap toggles inserted through the drywall at regular intervals anywhere along a stud. These don’t require finding actual stud centers like screws, and work on any spacing.
Should I mount lower and upper cabinets differently on metal studs?
The methods are generally similar, but upper wall cabinets usually require more supplemental reinforcement like back plates or broader spanning across studs. Gravity takes a toll over time on undersupported upper cabinets.
Can I hang wall mounted glass cabinet doors on metal studs?
Yes, but use hollow wall anchors designed for heavy loads. Pre-drill appropriately sized holes through the wall at stud locations so anchors pass through cleanly. This provides maximum holding strength.
Conclusion
Mounting cabinets onto metal studs comes with some unique considerations compared to wood framing. But by using the right specialty fasteners and proper installation techniques, your cabinets can end up just as sturdy and secure.
The key is taking your time to ensure every cabinet gets adequately fastened into the metal stud framework behind the wall. Don’t take shortcuts – use appropriate screws and anchors at each stud location. Reinforce wider spans as needed.
Following the steps outlined in this guide will allow you to safely install beautiful cabinets over metal studs that will last for years to come. Just utilize the proper materials, check for plumb studs, and fasten everything together securely.
With good planning and workmanship, metal studs can be an excellent base for mounting sturdy cabinets for any room. You’ll end up with a visually seamless finished product that looks fantastic.