ᐅ How do I install IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall (plasterboard) walls?
Created on: 26 Jun 2019 10:23
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Praviggo
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!
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cassandra27 Jun 2019 13:03Regarding drywall and wall cabinets: the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the wall is crucial. Drywall panels have low inherent strength, so ideally, the load should be supported by the metal or wooden studs behind them.
Toggle anchors (e.g., metal toggle bolts or wide-flange toggle anchors) are acceptable for point load fastenings; however, I recommend distributing the load over a larger area. A continuous wooden board (at least 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick) behind the drywall can serve as a load distributor. This board must be securely fixed with several strong anchors or screws.
All fasteners should be verified for load capacity and appropriate length to ensure secure anchoring in the substrate. Screws that are too short or unsuitable anchors can cause pull-out failures.
In summary: the current best practice for installing IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall is to combine load distribution via a wooden board, fastening to studs (if possible), and using high-quality toggle anchors.
Toggle anchors (e.g., metal toggle bolts or wide-flange toggle anchors) are acceptable for point load fastenings; however, I recommend distributing the load over a larger area. A continuous wooden board (at least 18 mm (0.7 inches) thick) behind the drywall can serve as a load distributor. This board must be securely fixed with several strong anchors or screws.
All fasteners should be verified for load capacity and appropriate length to ensure secure anchoring in the substrate. Screws that are too short or unsuitable anchors can cause pull-out failures.
In summary: the current best practice for installing IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall is to combine load distribution via a wooden board, fastening to studs (if possible), and using high-quality toggle anchors.
NISAN schrieb:
I can relate well to Praviggo’s concern, as I faced the same challenge a few months ago.Good to hear, NISAN.
One additional tip from me: before installing the cabinets, make sure to precisely level everything with a spirit level, no matter how stable the wall seems. A wall-mounted cabinet that is installed crooked will gradually become more misaligned, even on a stable wall, and the door will no longer close properly.
If the wall does give way, double-check whether the anchors are truly strong enough. When in doubt, opt for heavy-duty anchors.
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