ᐅ How can I securely fix IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets to concrete walls?

Created on: 27 Oct 2022 18:03
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dragoljub
Hello everyone, I am currently planning to install IKEA Metod kitchen cabinets in my new apartment. Unfortunately, all the walls are made of solid concrete. Now I am wondering how to securely and optimally fasten the wall cabinets to these concrete walls so that they hold up long-term and there is no risk of accidents. Which types of anchors or screws are best suited for this type of wall, and are there any special tips regarding pre-drilling or other particular aspects I should consider during installation? I would greatly appreciate any experiences or recommendations, as I plan to do the installation myself and want to be absolutely sure.
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FEKAU
27 Oct 2022 20:10
It is important to ensure that metal expansion anchors have sufficient depth in the concrete, with at least 50 mm (2 inches) of embedment. The screws should be at least M6 to provide adequate load capacity. Chemical anchor bolts based on epoxy or vinylester resin are recommended when loads are particularly high or the concrete condition is less than optimal. When drilling, it is advisable to use a rotary hammer with an appropriate concrete drill bit, and the hole must be free of dust before inserting the anchor. As a precaution, it is useful to estimate the load of the installed cabinets in advance and set multiple fastening points accordingly.
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dragoljub
27 Oct 2022 20:42
Thanks in advance to everyone for the tips! I wanted to add that for the Metod cabinets, I plan a wall cabinet height of about 70 cm (28 inches) each and a width between 80 and 100 cm (31 to 39 inches). I estimate the load from dishes and supplies to be up to 25 kg (55 lbs) per cabinet. I was considering whether it makes sense to connect the cabinets to each other in addition to attaching them to the wall in order to achieve better stability. Should I be particularly concerned about the choice of anchors and screws regarding the concrete? Have any of you had experience whether multiple connected fixings combined with additional wall anchoring provide more stability?
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nojaus
27 Oct 2022 21:15
Basically, it is better to attach each cabinet directly to the wall. While connecting the cabinets to each other prevents sideways shifting, the load-bearing capacity must be supported by the wall attachments. Therefore, use more anchors and screws per cabinet rather than relying only on linking them together.
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Joe52
27 Oct 2022 22:03
nojaus schrieb:
Basically, it’s better to fix each cabinet directly to the wall.

I completely agree. At first, I tried a different approach and made the mistake of not distributing the load enough across the wall. It’s really reassuring to know that each cabinet has a secure position fixed to the wall.
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dragoljub
28 Oct 2022 09:05
I have been thinking again about pre-drilling: Do I need special drill bits for concrete, and how deep exactly should I drill? Is there a rule of thumb to ensure that the anchor is neither set too deep nor too shallow? Also, do I absolutely have to use a rotary hammer, or is a powerful hammer drill sufficient? Especially with concrete, the difference between a hammer drill and a rotary hammer is quite significant; currently, I only own a hammer drill.
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Nakar33
28 Oct 2022 11:42
For concrete, SDS drill bits are ideal as they optimize drilling progress and reduce heat buildup. The depth of the drilled hole should be about 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 inches) longer than the length of the anchor to fully insert it and allow some "play" or clearance. The air hole at the end prevents space shortage for the anchor and ensures secure fastening.

A standard hammer drill often cannot drill deeply into concrete effectively because its hammer action is less efficient than that of a rotary hammer. A rotary hammer provides precise impact energy and gentle drilling, which also extends the drill bit’s lifespan and improves hole quality. If you only have a hammer drill, it can work but will take longer and produce more dust and effort. If possible, borrow a rotary hammer to make the work easier.