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

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to install some IKEA Metod wall cabinets in my apartment. Since the wall is drywall (gypsum board), I am unsure how to properly fix the cabinets without overloading the wall or causing damage.

Specifically, I would like to know:
- Which anchors and screws are best suited for drywall walls?
- Are there specific mounting points I should definitely use (e.g., wooden studs or metal profiles behind the drywall)?
- Is it better to install the cabinets individually or in a row?
- Are there any special precautions regarding the weight and its distribution?

I would really appreciate it if you could share your own experience or expert knowledge about solutions that have proven effective.

Thanks in advance!

Hello Meinhard64,

your question about mounting IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall involves several important considerations.

First of all: drywall alone cannot support heavy loads, so it is crucial whether there is a load-bearing structure behind the drywall panel that is visible or accessible (wooden or metal studs). If so, you should definitely screw the cabinets directly into these studs. You can use a stud finder to locate them.

If there are no load-bearing supports, you will need special drywall anchors suitable for wall cabinets—such as metal molly bolts or toggle anchors. These distribute the load better than simple plastic anchors.

Whether to install the cabinets individually or in a row mainly depends on safety and stability: if you can create a stable cross-connection between the cabinets, the load is better spread across multiple mounting points, which can be beneficial when mounting on drywall.

Additionally, you should consider the total weight, including contents, and the attachment points on the wall. If possible, mount on load-bearing beams behind the drywall and reinforce the brackets.

If you like, I can also provide details on the procedure and the best types of anchors to use.

Good luck!

TEOZAR schrieb:
If there are no load-bearing substructures, you need special drywall anchors designed for wall cabinets—such as metal moll anchors or toggle bolts.

I had a similar experience; at first, it wasn’t entirely clear where exactly the cabinets would hang. I was a bit worried that the whole thing might fall down later. What helped me back then was distributing the heavy load across multiple anchors whenever possible, rather than relying on just a few points.

TEOZAR schrieb:
Individual mounting or mounting in a row is mainly a matter of safety and stability

From my experience, I can also say: if you hang the cabinets in a continuous row, you can sometimes connect them to each other so they stabilize one another. This also gives a better feeling of security when mounting on drywall. However, you should never do without load-bearing elements.

In general, it is also important to stay calm and not rush when drilling and installing. I believe that with these kinds of tasks, you benefit a lot from patience and careful work.

Hello Meinhard64,

I would like to go into more detail here because installing IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall (plasterboard) walls is not straightforward and can quickly lead to problems without precise planning.

First, you should determine whether your drywall is mounted on a metal stud frame (usually made of UW/CW profiles) or wooden battens. This is crucial for choosing the appropriate fasteners.

- Fixing to wooden studs:
- Locate suitable points using a simple stud finder.
- It is best to use 6 mm (1/4 inch) galvanized wood screws of the correct length (at least 50 mm (2 inches) embedded into the wood).
- Pre-drilling is usually recommended to prevent the wood from splitting.

- Fixing to metal studs:
- Use sheet metal screws designed for the profile.
- Make sure the profile can support the loads; reinforce if necessary.

- Fixing directly to drywall only:
- I advise against direct fixing because drywall itself has a low load capacity.
- If no supporting frame can be reached, only specialized anchors for hanging loads, such as toggle bolts or metal molly bolts, may be used.
- Load distribution is critical: use multiple fastening points per cabinet, preferably close to the cabinet frames.

For mounting multiple cabinets in a row, I recommend joining them together first, for example by screwing the cabinet sides together. This distributes forces better and reduces the load on the wall. Important: use a spirit level and carefully check the fit of all fasteners during installation.

Additionally, it makes sense to estimate the cabinets’ own weight plus the maximum user load (contents planned). IKEA usually provides maximum load values in the assembly instructions – these must be followed.

A few small tips to finish:
- Take enough time and work step by step.
- Use high-quality anchors and screws.
- If possible, reinforce behind the drywall with additional wooden beams (e.g. installed in front of the wall) to create a secure mounting surface.

I hope this helps! If you can describe the wall structure in more detail, I can offer more specific advice.