The Maximum Weight for Overhead Kitchen Cabinets

Manufacturer Guidelines

• All manufacturers have a weight capacity for their cabinets. Some cabinets are specifically made to withstand heavy weight, such as industrial cabinets. To find the weight limit of cabinets, refer to the user’s guide or installation instructions. Manufacturers often design cabinets to withstand much higher weight capacities than required for any normal kitchen space.

Installation

• Although cabinets have a maximum weight capacity, only proper installation will ensure the cabinets live up to their weight capacity. Cabinet installation typically requires at least two people and a variety of tools and equipment to ensure the cabinets are secured to the walls properly.

Quality

• Higher-quality cabinets generally have a higher weight capacity. Even low-cost cabinets such as those manufactured with particleboard or other composite materials can withstand up to 50 lbs of weight in them. Although all cabinets are built to withstand high weight capacities relative to their structure, lower-quality shelves and doors oftentimes warp, loosen or even disintegrate.

Considerations

• If manufacturer guidelines are not available, attempt to find the manufacturer or type of materials used to construct the cabinets and shelving units inside the cabinets. High-quality cabinets often have the manufacturer’s information on the inside of one of the cabinet doors. Contact the manufacturer or authorized retailer to find basic information regarding the cabinets’ weight capacity. Consider putting no more than 30 lbs. in each cabinet if the cabinets are low-quality.