ᐅ How do I securely mount Ikea Metod wall cabinets on older building walls?
Created on: 16 Aug 2020 07:46
K
kirate
Hello everyone,
I am facing the challenge of installing Ikea Metod wall cabinets in an older building. The walls are partly solid masonry with plaster, and partly covered with older, less stable layers. I am particularly interested in proven methods and materials to securely and permanently fix the cabinets without causing unnecessary damage to the walls.
What is the best approach, and which types of anchors or other fasteners do you recommend? Are there any special considerations when working with walls in older buildings? I would appreciate tips and experiences, especially if anyone has dealt with similar cases involving Ikea Metod cabinets. Thanks in advance!
I am facing the challenge of installing Ikea Metod wall cabinets in an older building. The walls are partly solid masonry with plaster, and partly covered with older, less stable layers. I am particularly interested in proven methods and materials to securely and permanently fix the cabinets without causing unnecessary damage to the walls.
What is the best approach, and which types of anchors or other fasteners do you recommend? Are there any special considerations when working with walls in older buildings? I would appreciate tips and experiences, especially if anyone has dealt with similar cases involving Ikea Metod cabinets. Thanks in advance!
Hello kirate,
I completely understand your concerns about installing the Metod wall cabinets in an older building – these walls are often charmingly irregular but can definitely be challenging. What gave me a big sense of security was combining good-quality wall anchors with careful drilling.
I chose to use a subframe because it also helped visually when leveling the cabinets later. I fixed the wooden battens to the wall using several metal expansion anchors, which distributes the weight much better across the entire width and avoids point loads.
Although it was a bit more work, it gave me peace of mind—especially with older walls that can sometimes be fragile, I found this approach valuable.
I would advise you to take your time before drilling and have a small spirit level or straight edge ready so everything hangs perfectly straight. Good luck!
I completely understand your concerns about installing the Metod wall cabinets in an older building – these walls are often charmingly irregular but can definitely be challenging. What gave me a big sense of security was combining good-quality wall anchors with careful drilling.
kirate schrieb:
I’m also a bit unsure whether to mount the cabinets directly on the wall or on a wooden subframe
I chose to use a subframe because it also helped visually when leveling the cabinets later. I fixed the wooden battens to the wall using several metal expansion anchors, which distributes the weight much better across the entire width and avoids point loads.
Although it was a bit more work, it gave me peace of mind—especially with older walls that can sometimes be fragile, I found this approach valuable.
I would advise you to take your time before drilling and have a small spirit level or straight edge ready so everything hangs perfectly straight. Good luck!
Tudogo schrieb:
If the plaster seems crumbly, first check with a long drill bit whether you are hitting solid masonry.I will do that, thank you.
elgla schrieb:
I fixed the wooden battens to the wall using several metal expansion plugs, which distributes the weight much better across the entire width and prevents point loads.That is probably the safest way. Thanks for making that clear.
I have another question: The Metod systems have a special cabinet suspension that allows you to mount the cabinets laterally and adjust their height. What is the best way to connect these hangers to the substructure? Should you screw them in directly, or do you need special hanging rails?
If anyone has already done this, I would greatly appreciate any advice.
Hello everyone,
I have also attached the Metod system to older building walls using a wooden substructure. My approach was as follows:
- First, I fixed a horizontal wooden batten (e.g., spruce, 40x60 mm (1.6x2.4 inches)) to the wall using heavy-duty anchors. Make sure to use at least three anchors, depending on the length of the battens.
- The Ikea Metod wall cabinets have a metal rail on the back that attaches to the wall batten.
- You can screw this metal rail directly into the wooden batten with suitable screws; this holds very well and allows for precise alignment.
- Be careful when drilling the anchor holes in the wall; do not let the plaster chip off under any circumstances.
- You can fine-tune the height later using the cabinet hangers, which are adjustable for this purpose.
I never screw the cabinets directly to the wall, especially with older construction walls, because the risk of insufficient support or plaster damage is too high. Using the wooden batten as a substructure distributes the load better and gives you more flexibility during installation.
I hope this answers your question.
I have also attached the Metod system to older building walls using a wooden substructure. My approach was as follows:
- First, I fixed a horizontal wooden batten (e.g., spruce, 40x60 mm (1.6x2.4 inches)) to the wall using heavy-duty anchors. Make sure to use at least three anchors, depending on the length of the battens.
- The Ikea Metod wall cabinets have a metal rail on the back that attaches to the wall batten.
- You can screw this metal rail directly into the wooden batten with suitable screws; this holds very well and allows for precise alignment.
- Be careful when drilling the anchor holes in the wall; do not let the plaster chip off under any circumstances.
- You can fine-tune the height later using the cabinet hangers, which are adjustable for this purpose.
I never screw the cabinets directly to the wall, especially with older construction walls, because the risk of insufficient support or plaster damage is too high. Using the wooden batten as a substructure distributes the load better and gives you more flexibility during installation.
I hope this answers your question.
Hi kirate and everyone reading,
Just wanted to quickly join in – using a wooden batten as a base is definitely a proven trick. It sometimes feels almost too simple, but the thing is: more surface area support means less stress on the wall.
Here’s another tip: before inserting the wall plug (anchor), gently smooth the holes with fine sandpaper to avoid sharp edges that could crack the plaster. If the wall is a bit crumbly, applying some construction adhesive inside the hole before inserting the plug can strengthen the hold.
And don’t worry—if you’re careful while drilling and use the right plugs, the mounting will be rock solid!
Good luck with the installation—I bet after hanging your first cabinet, you’ll feel like a pro.
Just wanted to quickly join in – using a wooden batten as a base is definitely a proven trick. It sometimes feels almost too simple, but the thing is: more surface area support means less stress on the wall.
Here’s another tip: before inserting the wall plug (anchor), gently smooth the holes with fine sandpaper to avoid sharp edges that could crack the plaster. If the wall is a bit crumbly, applying some construction adhesive inside the hole before inserting the plug can strengthen the hold.
And don’t worry—if you’re careful while drilling and use the right plugs, the mounting will be rock solid!
Good luck with the installation—I bet after hanging your first cabinet, you’ll feel like a pro.
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