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

Hello everyone, I am planning to install several IKEA Metod wall cabinets on a drywall (plasterboard) wall. Since these cabinets are quite heavy and drywall walls are not very strong, I am looking for a secure mounting method. I am especially interested in which anchors or fasteners are best suited, how to distribute the load optimally, and whether additional reinforcement inside the wall is necessary. I am also wondering if it makes sense to add extra battens or wooden panels behind the drywall to stabilize the structure. Does anyone have experience with this situation and can provide practical advice or a step-by-step guide? Thank you!

Use metal drywall anchors (hollow wall anchors) that are specifically designed for drywall. Additionally, secure the cabinets at multiple points, not just at the top. Distribute the load evenly. If possible, screw into the wall studs.

Hello Praviggo, when installing IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall, caution is definitely necessary because drywall sheets themselves do not support much weight. First, it's important to check whether there are wooden or metal studs behind the drywall. Ideally, the screws should be anchored directly into these studs. If you cannot reach any studs, you should use special cavity anchors designed for the space behind the drywall.

An additional tip is to mount a sturdy wooden board (for example, OSB or plywood, about 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick) on the wall, fixed with several anchors. You can then attach the Metod cabinet carriers to this board, which distributes the weight over a larger surface. This also helps to better manage the load points of the cabinets.

Also, keep in mind the maximum weight of the cabinet including its contents, and choose screws and anchors accordingly. When in doubt, it’s safer to use strong original anchors or toggle bolts.

In addition to the previous information: It is really helpful to precisely measure the location of the wall studs before installation. A reliable stud and cable detector can be very useful for this. Especially with drywall panels, which are often only 12.5 mm (0.5 inches) thick, you need to distribute the load carefully to prevent wall cabinets from tearing or the fastenings from coming loose.

If no wall studs are found, a systematic approach is recommended, where you install a wooden rail levelled horizontally, secured with several strong hollow wall anchors. You then mount the Metod supports on this rail. This method holds much better than using single attachment points.

Finally: Make sure to screw the Metod supports not only into the cabinet back panel but to use all the fastening points correctly.

I can completely understand Praviggo’s concern, as I faced the same challenge a few months ago. At first, I was quite uncertain because the wall seemed too thin to support the heavy kitchen wall cabinets. It helped me a lot to consider reinforcing the drywall with wood – in my case, I installed a thin wooden batten horizontally behind the wall and secured it with cavity anchors.

I can relate to the worry about whether it will hold, but it really worked well, and I now feel more confident. A tip: patience is important, and it’s better to double-check everything – once you drill the first hole, it’s not easy to make corrections.

Hey Praviggo,

I would also go for some reinforcement like that. A bit of wood, a few good anchors – and the cabinets won’t come loose 😉

If you ever have something heavy or bulky inside the cabinets, this way you’re on the safe side. From my experience: attach a batten (preferably spruce or pine) level on the wall and then hang the cabinets on it. It makes everything more stable and doesn’t look much different.

P.S. Don’t skimp on the quality of the screws!