Hanging cabinets on walls with old plaster and thin metal studs can be tricky. The plaster can crumble and the studs may not provide enough support for cabinet screws. However, with the right techniques and materials, you can securely mount cabinets on these walls.
Assessing the Wall Structure
Before selecting screws, it’s important to understand the structure of the wall you are mounting to. Here are some things to check:
- Plaster thickness – Old plaster walls are usually 3/4″ to 1″ thick. Thicker plaster is better for holding screws.
- Lath type – Older homes have wood or metal mesh lath behind the plaster. Solid wood lath provides more support.
- Stud size – Metal studs in older homes are usually 1/2″ or 3/4″. 3/4″ studs are better for screws.
- Stud spacing – Standard spacing is 16″ or 24″ on center. Wider spaced studs provide less support.
- Plaster soundness – Tap on the wall and listen for hollow or crumbling areas. Solid plaster has a dull thud.
Understanding the specifics of your wall will guide the best screw choice and installation method.
Choosing the Right Screws
For hanging cabinets on old plaster and thin metal studs, here are the best screws to use:
Toggle Bolts
Toggle bolts grip the wall from the inside and can hold a lot of weight on hollow walls. Choose wide, heavy-duty toggles rated for your cabinet load.
Hilti Screws
These hardened steel screws can penetrate metal studs without pre-drilling. Hilti brand is ideal, but similar self-drilling, self-tapping screws also work well.
Cabinet Hanger Screw Anchors
Special anchors distribute weight across hollow walls. Brands like Monkey Bars or Snaptoggles work on old plaster walls. Use anchors rated for cabinet weight.
Hollow Wall Anchors
Expanding plastic anchors grip inside plaster walls. Look for high-strength, wide-flange anchors rated for your cabinet load.
Lag Bolts
If studs are exposed, lag bolts securely fasten cabinets directly to studs, avoiding the plaster.
For heavy upper cabinets, a combination of toggle bolts and lag bolts is best. Talk to your hardware specialist about the right screw size and weight rating.
Installing Cabinets on Old Plaster
Here are some tips for safely and securely installing cabinets on old plaster walls:
- Drill pilot holes in studs for lag bolts to avoid cracking plaster.
- Use a stud finder to mark stud locations for lag bolts.
- For hollow wall anchors, drill slightly undersized holes. Do not over-drill plaster.
- Tighten anchors and toggles according to product specs to ensure full expansion.
- Follow manufacturer instructions to avoid over-tightening and cracking plaster.
- Use washers to prevent toggle bolts from pulling through plaster.
- Stagger the location of hollow wall anchors to distribute weight.
- Install upper cabinets first so they rest on lower cabinets for added support.
Go slow and check for cracking or crumbling as you install screws. Stop and adjust if plaster shows distress. Follow all safety precautions when working on ladders or steps.
Hanging Cabinet Best Practices
Here are some additional tips for a safe and secure cabinet installation:
- Make sure screws hit wood studs whenever possible. This provides the most strength.
- Level and pre-drill holes for lag bolts into studs to prevent cracking and splitting.
- Use fender washers to distribute load on hollow wall anchors.
- Alternate different anchor types to spread weight across studs.
- Allow plaster to fully cure for 7-10 days after drilling before loading cabinets.
- Verify anchors are tightened correctly per product specifications.
- Use sturdy, tall ladders or scaffolding to safely reach upper cabinets.
- Have helpers to hold cabinets in place while fastening.
- Load heavier items on lower shelves to prevent sagging and collapse.
With the right screws and some careful installation techniques, you can definitely hang cabinets on old plaster walls and thin metal studs. Just remember to assess the wall structure, choose suitable fasteners, size screws appropriately, and follow all safety practices during installation. Take it slowly and double check your work to ensure a secure result.
FAQ about Hanging Cabinets on Old Plaster Walls
Can I use drywall screws on old plaster walls?
Drywall screws do not provide enough strength for the weight of cabinets. They are also more likely to crack old brittle plaster. Use specialized screws designed for gripping hollow walls.
How do I locate studs behind plaster walls?
Use a high-quality electronic stud finder calibrated for plaster walls. Or, gently drill small pilot holes to probe for studs. Mark locations lightly in pencil so anchors avoid stud edges.
Should I re-plaster before installing cabinets?
Re-plastering provides a solid surface to fasten into. But for small jobs it’s usually easier to use anchors designed for old plaster. Repair any major cracks or holes first.
Can I hang wall cabinets directly on plaster alone?
Wall cabinets should always be mounted into studs or use hollow wall anchors. Hanging directly on plaster risks pulling large chunks off the wall when weighted.
How much weight can toggle bolts hold?
Heavy-duty toggle bolts sized 1/4″ or 3/8″ diameter can hold 200 lbs or more per anchor when installed correctly. Use the size and quantity recommended for your cabinet weight.
What size screws should I use for metal studs?
For thin 20-25 gauge metal studs, self-tapping screws sized #10 or 3/16″ work best. Use coarse-thread screws at least 1 1/4″ to 1 1/2″ long for sufficient grip.
Conclusion
Mounting cabinets on old plaster and metal studs brings unique challenges. With diligent planning and the right screws like toggle bolts and hilti screws, the job can be done successfully. Always assess the existing wall structure first when choosing fasteners. Follow all safety practices working at heights. Take your time securing cabinets to avoid cracking fragile plaster. With careful installation, your cabinets will be securely hung to admire and enjoy for many years.