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

Hello everyone,

I am planning to mount several IKEA Metod wall cabinets on a drywall surface in my apartment. I understand that this is more challenging than mounting on a solid wall due to the nature of the surface. My question is: How can I safely and securely install IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall without the screws pulling out or causing damage to the wall?

I am looking for a long-lasting solution that can reliably support the weight of the cabinets including their contents. The cabinets weigh between 20 and 30 kg (44 and 66 lbs) depending on the size, plus dishes and other items.

What mounting materials are best suited for this (e.g., special anchors or plugs)? Do I absolutely have to fix the screws into the wooden or metal studs behind the drywall, or are there alternative methods?

I would appreciate any advice on preparation, choice of materials, and the proper process for drilling and fastening.

Thank you in advance!

I am always amazed at how people think they can just attach heavy furniture directly to drywall. Honestly, without secure fastening into the studs, such wall cabinets are doomed to fail—no matter which so-called "high-tech anchors" are used.

Just as a thought: additional weight and force change with daily use—every small vibration takes its toll on the structure. Sure, there are brand sites and forums with alternative installation methods, but when in doubt, the rule is: anchor only into the studs, otherwise the wall will eventually give way.

So why not just be safe?

Hey Simonla!

You can definitely do this! 🙂 I recently installed Metod wall cabinets on drywall myself and can tell you from experience: wood studs are really invaluable! If you manage to locate the exact wood or metal studs underneath, the cabinets will hold great!

I used a standard stud finder for this and then installed toggle bolts with wide spreaders – these are really great if you don’t hit the stud exactly, but of course it’s best to fasten directly into the stud whenever possible.

Don’t get discouraged; with the right preparation, it will work perfectly! Good luck!!!

For the secure installation of IKEA Metod wall cabinets on drywall, the following should be considered:

- Primarily, it is recommended to fasten directly into the underlying wood or metal studs, which are usually spaced 60 cm (24 inches) apart.
- A reliable stud finder helps to precisely locate the studs for accurate alignment.
- For fixings that do not directly hit a stud, special drywall anchors with high load capacity should be used, such as toggle bolts or metal spring toggle anchors.
- IKEA’s installation instructions emphasize that studs or suitable reinforcements should always be used as fastening points when mounting on drywall to ensure permanent load-bearing capacity.

Note: The structural strength of drywall alone is not sufficient for the permanent support of heavy wall cabinets.

So, technology is one thing, but the whole dowel thing has its charm too – almost like a little DIY adventure! 😄

I also mounted my Metod cabinets on a drywall and trust toggle bolts. These fasteners spread out behind the wall like a small gripping arm and hold the cabinet firmly in place. Certainly not rocket science, but it still feels secure.

And hey, the best part is: once you hang a cabinet properly, you can be sure it will hold next time as well. Because those little toggle bolts? They really are lifesavers. 😎

Hello Simonla,

your detailed question about safely mounting Metod wall cabinets on drywall is, in my opinion, very important because many people make mistakes with this topic that can lead to damage later on.

Here is a detailed procedure and some tips:

- First, make sure to precisely locate the position of the wooden or metal studs behind the drywall using a high-quality stud finder (not the cheaper models).
- If possible, align the cabinets so that the mounting holes line up exactly with the studs.
- Pre-drill holes at the marked points with an appropriate drill bit (typically 6 mm (1/4 inch) for standard wood screws).
- Use the following fastening materials:
- For the studs: 5 x 60 mm (3/8 x 2 1/4 inch) hardened steel screws
- For existing drywall surfaces without studs: solid metal toggle bolts capable of supporting the weight are mandatory; spring toggle bolts are a second option.

- Important: Avoid drilling only into the drywall itself, as it cannot reliably hold the load.
- When mounting, ensure the screws are driven in with sufficient torque but without over-tightening to prevent damage to the material.
- After installation, test the load capacity before loading by applying light pressure to the cabinets and checking if anything loosens.

A question: How wide is the wall and is the material wooden studs or metal studs? This information helps to recommend the best fastening technique.