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

Hello everyone, I am currently facing the challenge of mounting Ikea Metod wall cabinets on a drywall partition. My wall is a standard double-sided gypsum board stud wall without any visible wooden framework at the mounting height.

I am mainly interested in how to securely fasten the wall cabinets so that they can support the full weight of both the cabinets and their contents without damaging the drywall or causing the fixings to fail. Which types of anchors are best suited for this? Are metal anchors enough, or are special cavity anchors necessary?

I would also like to know the best way to distribute the load and whether it makes sense to install additional reinforcements inside the wall.

Thanks in advance for any tips or sharing of experiences!

Basically, when mounting Ikea Metod wall cabinets on drywall, the fasteners must be anchored in a load-bearing substrate, ideally into the supporting wooden or metal studs behind the drywall.

If these are not accessible, it is recommended to use approved cavity anchors specifically designed for drywall, such as metal expanding anchors or toggle bolts.

It is important to distribute the load over multiple anchors—not just two or three, but preferably four to six, depending on the cabinet size and weight. This reduces point loads.

Additional reinforcement by inserting a wooden batten behind the drywall before installation can help better support the load, if possible.

Regarding wall cabinet installation on drywall, here is a brief guide that might help:

- Step 1: Use a stud finder to locate the metal or wooden studs behind the drywall.
- Step 2: Where studs are located, drill pilot holes and secure the cabinet directly with wood screws. This is the most stable solution.
- Step 3: If studs are not present or accessible, use special hollow wall anchors that expand behind the drywall panel (e.g., toggle bolts or metal drywall anchors).
- Step 4: Distribute the anchors evenly across the cabinet’s mounting surface, using at least four to six attachment points to evenly distribute the load.
- Step 5: Ideally, reinforce the wall from the inside (e.g., by installing a wooden batten) if renovation is possible.

Common mistakes include using too few anchors or anchors that are not strong enough.

Always screw into the studs; otherwise, there is no chance for long-term stability. Metal anchors are acceptable, but only for light loads.

GIPAPO schrieb:
Always screw into the studs, otherwise there is no chance for lasting stability.

I can confirm that. Do not use anchors in drywall without support, unless they are special hollow wall anchors.

Maunon schrieb:
Which types of anchors are best suited for this? Are metal anchors sufficient or are special hollow wall anchors necessary?

To add: standard metal expansion anchors for solid elements are not suitable, as they do not provide sufficient holding strength on drywall panels. Better options are toggle bolts or hollow wall anchors with a larger expansion area. Nylon toggle anchors are often adequate as well, provided the load is properly distributed and not exceeded.