Since you are here, I guess you are having problems installing your kitchen cabinets on plasterboard or drywalls.
Fun fact, you are not the only one. Most of my clients with plasterboard walls tried to do it but failed and contacted me instead.
To be honest, it is a bit difficult, but only when you don’t know the proper way. In this guide, I am gonna mention the proper ways and some helpful tips on how to hang kitchen cabinets on plasterboard walls.
It goes like this;
- Gather all the necessary tools and materials. Locate all the studs using a stud finder.
- Measure and mark the outlines. Install the support rails.
- Pre-drill holes in the back of the cabinets.
- Hang the cabinets and secure them to the wall.
- Add some finishing touches, and you are done.
Disclaimer: Stay tuned till the end to find out the detailed process and all the professional tips.
Overview of the project-
| Estimated Cost | Estimated Duration | Skill Level |
| $250 | 5 hours | Beginners |
Table of Contents
Some main facts-
Tools And Materials Needed For Securely Mounting Cabinets On Plasterboard
So, can you hang kitchen cabinets on plasterboard? Anyone with drywalls or plasterboard walls has the same question when trying to hang cabinets.
If you have the same question, the answer is yes! But there’s a condition. You must follow the right method.
Now, you may ask, how to hang wall cabinets on drywall using the right method? The first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary tools and materials in one place. These are;
| Tools & Materials | Usage |
| Stud Finder | To locate the studs inside the stud wall. |
| Measuring Tape | To measure and outline on the wall. |
| Pencil | To draw the outlines on the wall surface. |
| Leveler | To check if everything is leveled or not. |
| Support Rails (Wood Ledger, 1×4 inch) | To add additional support to the hanging cabinets while installing them. |
| Wood Shims | To fill the gaps between the back of the cabinets and the wall. |
| Power Drill | To make the screw holes. |
| Drill Bit | To make holes that are the same size as the screws. |
| Wall Fixings | Wood screws, finish nails, etc to secure the cabinets to the wall. |
| Hollow Wall Anchors | To help the cabinets hold onto the plasterboard wall. |
| A Piece Of Paper | To make the layout of the cabinet wall. |
| Wood Clamps | To help 2-3 wall cabinets or more to hold onto each other. |
| Filler Strips | To fill the extra gap between the last cabinet and the wall. |
| Wall Touch-Up Materials | Patch filler, putty knife, paint, etc to add the finishing touches. |
Go to your local hardware store and buy all these tools and materials before starting. It will save a lot of your time later.
How To Hang Kitchen Cabinets On Plasterboard Walls?
I know you have been waiting for this part. So, without any further due, let’s find out the right way how to hang kitchen cabinets on plasterboard walls diy;
Step 1: Measure & Mark
After you are done gathering all the tools and materials, the first thing you need to do is measure and mark the outlines. If you are wondering how to hang cabinets on plaster walls without studs? Then this step will help you a lot.
Another thing is that if you are planning to install base cabinets, too, install them after the wall cabinets. To measure and install cabinets properly, use your stud finder to locate all the studs in the stud wall. Mark the outlines of the studs.
Measure the height and width of the kitchen wall cabinets and mark accordingly on the kitchen wall.
Pro Tip:
Step 2: Install Support Rails
If you are planning to install the cabinets yourself without any help, I suggest installing support rails first. It will provide additional support and make things easier for you to handle.
All you need to do is place the rails on the kitchen wall and secure them with screws.
Pro Tip:
Step 3: Pre-drill Holes
Pre-drill holes in the back of the cabinets for the screws. You may wonder why drilling holes before attaching the cabinets to the wall. It is because;
Well, pre-drilling holes prevent the plasterboard from cracking when you insert the screws.
Pro Tip:
Step 4: Hang The Cabinets
Use the marks on the wall to guide you as you position the cabinets on the wall. Then, secure the cabinets to the wall using wood screws. For brick walls, use thick anchor bolts.
Attach the rest of the wall cabinets in the same way. Do not use a partition wall tap to hang it as it is not safe at all.
How to hang cabinets on plaster walls without studs? Use anchor bolts such as hollow wall anchors instead of wood screws.
Pro Tip:
Wondering, how to install wall cabinets without studs? Actually, you need to use wall anchors to provide support and secure the cabinets in place for that.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After the installation is over, remove the clamps and support rails. Touch up any spots on the wall.
If you have any unnecessary screw holes, repair the screw holes in kitchen cabinets using wood putty.
If you want to add molding or any decorative pieces, it is time to install them. Make sure to use finished nails to attach them.
Reattach the cabinet doors. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to adjust the cabinet door hinges. It will fix the cabinet doors that overlap.
Install the cabinet knobs and other hardware if you removed them too. And you are done. Seems easy, right? Trust me, this is not just the right way but also the easiest process of how to hang kitchen cupboards on plasterboard walls.
Things To Keep In Mind While Hanging Kitchen Cabinets On Plasterboard Walls
Can you hang cabinets on plasterboard? Though you already know the answer by now, here are some things you should especially keep in mind while hanging the wall cupboards in the kitchen.
- Wall Strength: Plasterboard wall doesn’t have the same strength as a solid wall. That is why I always suggest locating the studs before making the cabinet layout. The studs provide proper support and stability to the cabinets that they need, especially for the heavy cabinets. It will not only help with heavy cabinet installation but also fixing heavy cabinet to plasterboard walls.
Pro Tip: You can use any other type of toggle bolt if you want. But make sure it can hold your kitchen cabinets. This is because different toggle bolts have different weight capacities.
- Pre-Drilling: So, How to hang kitchen cabinets on plasterboard walls without any cracking or splitting? The solution is to pre-drill pilot holes in the back of the cabinets. Do it before hanging the cabinets or inserting the screws.
- Support Rails: Then How do you attach something heavy to a plasterboard wall? The easiest answer would be support rails. These wooden ledgers provide additional support and stability. So, if you are installing the cabinets without any help, these are a must.
- Leveling: Whether you are installing the support rails or the cabinets, always use a leveler to check whether everything is leveled or not. As you know, leveling the support rails makes the cabinets level. But there’s also another way to do that.
Pro Tip: While you are measuring and marking the studs, do it for both horizontal studs and vertical studs.
- Manufacturer’s Instructions: If you want to ensure a proper installation, you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Different kitchen cabinets have different requirements. I can only provide you with a general guideline. If you want to learn about the needs and requirements of your kitchen cabinets, there’s only one place where you will find the right answers. It is the manufacturer’s guide. Follow both the instructions and my guidelines, and you are bound to get amazing results.
- Finishing: If you are thinking about ignoring the finishing touches, think twice. Finishing touches will make your kitchen cabinets look seamless. Now, you make the call whether you want to do that or not.
I know most of these things were already mentioned during the process. However, I wanted you to understand their importance even more.
What Is The Best Fixing For Kitchen Wall Units On Plasterboard?
As you know, plasterboard isn’t as sturdy as a solid wall. So, you must use the best fixings to help the kitchen wall units to hang on the plasterboard walls properly. These fixings are;
Wall Anchors
Are you planning to store heavy plates or other kitchen items inside the cabinets? Good news! Wall anchors are the perfect fix for your kitchen wall unit.
These are heavy-duty screws which are capable of holding heavy cabinets on plaster walls. These are also great for fixing heavy items to plasterboard walls.
Plastic or metal toggle anchors, as well as expansion anchors like hollow wall anchors, are commonly used for this purpose.
Wall Studs
How do you fix a heavy cabinet on a plasterboard wall? Secure the cabinet on the wall studs.
If you want a stable wall unit, attach it directly to the wall studs. The wall studs provide maximum strength and stability.
Combination of Methods
If you are not sure about the stability of your cabinets, use a combination of both methods. In fact, most people do the same thing.
If you are unable to decide which one is the best for your situation, feel free to contact a professional to seek assistance.
Recommended Spacing For Hanging Kitchen Cabinets On Plasterboard Walls
If you want a proper kitchen cabinet installation, there are some measurements for the different spacings that you must follow. These are;
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Are There Any Special Considerations For Installing Upper Cabinets Versus Lower Cabinets On Plasterboard Walls?
Yes! For upper cabinets, you must consider weight distribution, spacing from the ceiling, and accessibility. For lower cabinets, these are weight capacity, spacing from the floor, and base support.
Can Drywall Hold Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes! Drywalls or plasterboard walls can hold kitchen cabinets but only when installed properly.
Should You Put Plywood Or Drywall Behind The Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes! You can definitely put plywood or drywall behind kitchen cabinets.
What Should I Put Between Walls And Cabinets?
You can use filler strips to fill any gaps between the walls and cabinets.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to hang kitchen cabinets on plasterboard walls. The process is quite easy and shouldn’t be taking much time.
However, I will suggest you take enough time and perform all the steps precisely. If you want the best results, you must follow all the pro tips that I mentioned.
So, don’t worry and break a leg!
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