The Best Way to Attach a Cabinet to Cinder Block

Metal Anchors

• Unlike installing cabinets on drywall over a wood frame, you need special hardware for hanging cabinets on cinder block walls. Metal sleeve anchors can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. Metal sleeve anchors are graded based on load capacity, so you will need to know the weight of the cabinets, then double that number. For example, if your cabinets weigh about 150 pounds altogether, get metal sleeve anchors that can bear a load of 300 or more pounds. This will account for the cabinets and anything you store in them.

Measuring

• Measuring is one of the most important aspects of hanging cabinets on any surface, whether it's drywall, concrete, wood or cinder blocks. All of your lines must be perfectly straight, so use a carpenter's level to ensure that all of your markings are level. Uneven cabinets can put more stress on a single wall anchor, which can damage the wall, cabinets and anchor.

Drilling

• Since you'll be drilling through cinder blocks, you need a masonry bit for your drill. Wall anchor sleeves vary in size depending on their load capacity, so you will need to consult the packaging to see what bit size you will need. Once the bit is in the drill, make holes for the anchors using the measurements you made earlier. Once these holes are made, make corresponding holes on the backs of the cabinets with a wood bit.

Working with a Partner

• Cabinets are heavy and they must be held in place while someone installs them. Ideally, you should work with two additional people, one on either side of you, while you hang the cabinets on the wall to ensure that the cabinets are aligned with the lines you made during the measuring process. When working with others, all you will need to worry about is installing the anchors through the holes in the cabinet and the cinder block wall, as your helpers will be holding the cabinets in position for you. The anchor sleeves should be tapped in place through the cabinet holes and into the cinder blocks using a rubber mallet. Then the anchors can be installed with a washer and a nut.