ᐅ How do I install Ikea Metod wall cabinets on drywall (plasterboard) walls?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to install some Ikea Metod wall cabinets in my kitchen on drywall. Since the walls are made of plasterboard, likely supported by metal studs or wooden framing behind, I am unsure how to securely fasten the cabinets so that they can hold the weight permanently without the risk of coming loose.

My specific questions:
- What kind of fasteners (e.g., type of anchors) are suitable for safely mounting Metod wall cabinets on drywall (also known as plasterboard or gypsum board)?
- Is it worthwhile to install a wooden batten behind the drywall to screw into?
- Are there any special tips or recommendations regarding weight distribution or pre-drilling?
- Is it necessary to hit the metal studs behind the drywall, or are high-quality hollow wall anchors sufficient?

I have some basic DIY knowledge but want to avoid any risks since the cabinets will be heavy. I would greatly appreciate any helpful advice, experiences, or warnings about possible pitfalls.

Best regards

For drywall panels, heavy-duty or metal toggle anchors are necessary; otherwise, they are not sufficient to support the weight.

If possible, install and screw into a wooden batten substructure behind the drywall. Metal studs are difficult to hit and not as stable for attaching cabinets.

Pre-drilling is essential; otherwise, the drywall will crack when screwing in.

For the secure installation of Ikea Metod wall cabinets on drywall partitions, I recommend the following:

- First, use a metal detector or stud finder to accurately locate the metal studs behind the drywall.
- Ideally, cabinet fixings should be attached directly to load-bearing elements such as wooden or metal studs. Metal studs are less strong than wood, so additional reinforcement is advisable.
- If there are no load-bearing studs behind the fixing points, special heavy-duty drywall anchors (e.g., metal toggle anchors or hollow-wall metal anchors) are recommended.
- Adding a wooden battens behind the drywall allows for a stable, long-lasting attachment. This should be installed inside the wall before mounting.
- Fixing points should be spaced so that the weight of the cabinets is distributed as evenly as possible.
- Avoid attaching the cabinets solely to the drywall without additional reinforcement.

Please note that drywall partitions in drywall construction cannot support high loads without reinforcement.

Hey, that sounds like an exciting project! I’ve been in the same situation and can tell you: go for it! 🙂 The important thing is not to just use standard wall plugs.

pinDavid schrieb:

For drywall, heavy-duty or metal toggle anchors are necessary; otherwise, they won’t support the weight.

That’s exactly what I did, and it works great! Make sure to screw the screws in properly and follow Ikea’s hanging instructions carefully.

If you can install wooden backing behind, it adds extra security – which gives you peace of mind, especially once the cabinets are fully loaded! Good luck with the installation; it’s going to look great!

For additional information:

A systematic approach is recommended.

- Use a reliable stud finder to precisely locate wooden or metal studs.
- With metal profiles, screws directly fastened to them can provide some load-bearing capacity; however, caution is needed since metal studs are thin and can easily deform.
- Adding a wooden battens—such as an 18-20 mm (0.7-0.8 inch) thick tongue-and-groove board behind the drywall—creates a solid mounting base.
- Quick-install metal anchors with high load capacity are an alternative when no substructure is available. Manufacturer specifications and load ratings must be strictly followed.
- When pre-drilling, ensure the drill bit is not oversized to properly tension the anchor.

Due to the combined weight of the Ikea Metod wall cabinets and the material properties of the drywall, I recommend using reinforced fastenings and, if in doubt, adding extra reinforcements.