Hanging Cabinets On Metal Studs

Bummie

I have been asked to bid on this job at the local cop shop. They want to hang some cabinets above their desks for storage of paper work and the like. I'm sure there is no backing to screw the cabinets to, other than the metal studs (16" OC) which are covered with ½" drywall.

Is there a way that I can accomplish this without removing the drywall (which I really would like to avoid.... as they are working in these offices) and putting in some backing?? I'm sure they will load these cabinets to the max so I want something that is going to hold a fair amount of weight.

Thanks for you reply.... Bummie

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firemike

I run into this alot in commercial offices. I usually use toggle bolts, making sure the holes I drill for the bolts go through the metal flange of the stud. That way they will hold up to whatever they want to put in them.

If they are heavy guage studs some will use sheet metal screws into the studs, but I prefer toggles, I know they will hold.

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-Mike-

Chris G

If aesthetics isn't an issue, You can mount 3/4"ply 6" wide in strips, (spanning a few studs) onto the drywall. Screw the strips into the studs. And then attach the cabinets to the strips. This spreads out the load. If you want, you could put some adhesive onto your boards as well.

That's what I do for shelving. I guess for cabinets you could mount a larger sheet of ply and have even more fastening points.


So, yeah, just attach a plywood face to the drywall, (bigger than the cabinets to spread load) and mount the cabinets to that. Hope that makes sense. With a little creative finishing it will look fine, or at least better than a cop with gash in his head.

Forry

What looks better than a cop with a gash in his head?? Just kidding. I use toggle bolts, but it's a little tricky getting everything to line up.

catalfanoc

use toggle bolts to hold the plywood on then mount the cabinets to that

skyhook

Hollow wall anchors are easy and use a smaller hole. Some call them expansion bolts.

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Bummie

Thanks for the ideas guys. I like the plywood strip myself. I was kinda leaning that way but wanted to make sure. Don't need any cops pissed off at me!! LOL

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theworx

Have had to mount many binder bins on steel stud walls. Have always cut out a section of drywall (that is hidden by the cabinet) and installed proper blocking and then put the drywall back. That way the cabinets are tight to the wall (like they should be). The drywall you cut out and replace is covered by the cabinet (no taping or painting), you can sleep at night knowing the cabinets are secure, and you have to vacuum a bit when you're done. Have been doing it like this for years without a problem....

Diesel65

Totally agree with above post, I just did the very same thing at the courthouse.
Marked the end lines on the wall, cut the drywall and put in 3/4" plywood, put the drywall back, and taped and just skim coated, no proper finish.

KentWhitten

Ahh, but if you do a good job, maybe if they pull you over for speeding or something, they'll say "hey, you're the guy that did such a wonderful job on our cabinets! You may go"

Teetorbilt

I drill through the studs and use molleys aka expansion bolts/hollow wall fasteners. They are a PITA to get everything lined up properly but will stand up to the test of time. I've litterally hung tons of products doing it my way.

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Chris Johnson

Grabber products makes all the fasteners you need for steel framing, self tappers hold just fine in steel studs. The plywood idea works well, just a little more work. What gauge is the steel stud?

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Chris

offpiste

I have done this trick. If you have access to the top plate, you can cut out a hole and shove in a 2 x 4.