How to Hang Cabinets on Drywall Without Studs? 5 Methods

Recently updated on May 1st, 2024 at 11:50 am

Hanging cabinets on drywall without studs can be challenging if you do not use the right techniques. The right methods and techniques can help you to easily hang cabinets on drywall without studs.

By keeping this in mind, I found various methods to hang cabinets without studs. In this comprehensive guide, after a detailed search, I share 5 different methods to hang cabinets on drywall with no or limited studs.

Table of Contents

Important Factors:

Before installing cabinets without studs, some important factors are crucial to getting the safe and secure installation of the cabinets. First, ensure that you are going with the right method in the right place or not.

Identify the Weight

Before choosing a method, must identify the weight of your cabinets. Every method is not for every weight of the cabinet. Some methods, like drywall anchors, can be best for lightweight cabinets but not for heavy cabinets.

Examine the Drywall

Before being, check the condition of your drywall. Any existing damage or weaknesses may impact the chosen installation method. Make sure, the drywall is strong enough to hold the weight of the cabinets.

Weight Distribution

The primary challenge in hanging a cabinet on drywall without studs is ensuring the cabinet’s weight is well supported. The more evenly the weight of the cabinet is balanced, the less stress is placed on any one point on the wall.

5 Methods to Hang Cabinets on Drywall Without Studs

Now 5 different methods are explained below to hang cabinets on drywall without studs. Each method varies from the other one based on the weight-holding capacity. If you have identified the weight of your cabinets, It will be easy to find out perfect method.

Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors

A threaded drywall anchor can hold a weight of 75 lbs maximum in a standard 1/2″ drywall. It can be a good option to install lightweight cabinets on drywall.

Mark the position where you planned to hang the cabinet.
Drill pilot holes at the marked points on the wall.
These holes will guide the threaded drywall anchors into place and prevent wall damage.

Insert the Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors through the cabinet and into the wall.
Tight the anchor into the drilled hole by turning it clockwise until secure.
Use the number of drywall anchors according to the weight of the cabinet.

Threaded drywall anchors are specialized fasteners designed for securing objects to drywall without the need for studs. Threaded drywall anchors are easy to install and able to hang cabinets where studs might be inconveniently located.

Self Drilling Toggle Anchors

Self-drilling Toggle Anchors can be another option to hang up to 100 pounds with ease. They provide a secure hold, and self-drilling toggle anchors are often designed to be removable.

Use a level and measuring tape to mark the desired height and spacing for your cabinets.

Position and press the anchor tip slightly into the drywall.
Apply pressure on the anchor until its head is flush with the drywall.
Drill a hole and insert a screw from the cabinet back into the anchor.

Turn it clockwise direction until the cabinet is secured.
The screw will stop when the toggle bar is tight and secure behind drywall.

Compared to some other anchoring methods, self-drilling toggle anchors can cause less damage to the drywall during installation. This can be advantageous if you’re looking for a solution that minimizes repairs and touch-ups after installation.

Strap Toggle Anchors

The Strap Toggle Drywall Anchors are a fantastic option if you want to hang heavy cabinets on drywall without studs. The Toggler Toggle Bolt Drywall Anchor is the best choice which can hold up to 265 lbs in a standard 1/2-in thick drywall.

First, drill a 1/2-inch hole in the drywall.
Now, hold the strap toggle anchor and slide the finger grips in the opposite direction.

This will cause the toggle to straighten out and allow it to be put into the hole.
After inserting it into the drywall, slight it back to straight again behind the drywall.
Now slide the small plate against the drywall to get a firm install.

To remove extra plastic legs, bend them up and down or cut them with a knife.
Drill a hole and insert a screw from the cabinet back into the anchor.
Turn it clockwise direction until the cabinet is secured.

Strap toggle anchors are suitable for use in a wide range of applications, from simple household installations to more complex commercial projects.

French Cleat System

French Cleat System is the best option for hanging cabinets between studs. If it is screwed between 2 studs, it can hold 160-200 pounds of weight.

Cut one strip of plywood for the wall and the other for the cabinet.
Cut a 45-degree beveled edge on each strip.
Attach one strip to the wall using drywall anchors.

Attach the other strip (with the bevel facing downward) to the top back of the cabinet.
Hang the cabinet by interlocking the two plywood pieces, ensuring it sits level.

French Cleat System involves two interlocking pieces: one cleat attached to the wall, and another cleat attached to the back of the item being hung.

Related Post: How To Stack Wall Cabinets To Make Pantry?

Rail Hanging System

A rail hanging system for cabinets is a method of installing cabinets on the wall by using a horizontal rail secured to the wall, onto which the cabinets are then hung.

By using wall anchors, install a metal rail horizontally on the wall.

It’s crucial to ensure that the rail is perfectly level during installation
Attach interconnected brackets or hooks on the back of the cabinet.
Hang the cabinet on the rail, ensuring it’s securely locked in place.

One of the advantages of a rail hanging system is its adjustability. Cabinets can be easily moved along the rail horizontally to achieve the desired spacing or to make adjustments after installation.

Related Post: How to Fill Gap Between Cabinet and Wall?

Final Thought

In this comprehensive guide, you find 5 different methods to hang cabinets on drywall without studs. Each method has a different weight-holding capacity. Choose the method that can hold the weight of the cabinets easily to avoid any damage or loss.

Some of the methods are best for hanging cabinets between studs like the French cleat system, if you have not found the studs in the desired place. I hope this guide will help you in installing cabinets on walls without studs. Good Luck!

FAQs

Can I hang cabinets on drywall without studs?

Hanging cabinets on drywall without studs can be a challenging process but you can do it by using the right tools and techniques. You can use toggle bolts, strap toggle anchors, or a French cleat system to hang the cabinets on drywall securely.

How to hang wall cabinets on drywall?

To hang wall cabinets on drywall first locate the studs in drywall. After that, choose appropriate screws for the cabinets. Now, Pre-drill holes through the cabinet back into the wall studs. Secure the cabinet by screwing it back to the studs.

How to hang cabinets on plaster walls without studs?

You can use heavy-duty wall anchors or strap toggle bolts to bear the weight of cabinets without studs. If the studs are not at the desired place, you can go with a French cleat system. It will work like a bridge between the studs and can hang heavy cabinets.