How to Hang an Overhead Storage Cabinet With No Studs to Secure Them

Finished Wall

• 1

  Open the storage cabinet doors and drill four 3/8-inch holes into the back of the cabinet. Place one hole near each corner of the cabinet. If the cabinet is more than 4-feet wide, drill an additional two holes in the center of the back wall of the cabinet.

• 2

  Lift the cabinet, with the assistance of a helper, and place it against the wall. Place a level on top and adjust the cabinet as necessary until it is level.

• 3

  Trace the mounting holes onto the wall with a pencil. Place the cabinet on the floor out of the way.

• 4

  Drill 3/8-inch holes into the wall at your marks. Assemble the toggle bolts with 5/8-inch flat washers. The flat washers will provide support and hide the holes.

• 5

  Lift the cabinet against the wall and line up the mounting holes in the back of the cabinet with the holes in the wall. Insert the toggle bolts through the mounting holes, while your helper holds the cabinet in place.

• 6

  Push the toggle bolts through until the wings spring open behind the wall. Tighten the bolts evenly with a socket wrench.

Unfinished Wall

• 7

  Measure from the center of one stud to the next stud, where you want to hang the cabinet, with a tape measure. Cut two pieces of pre-punched angle iron to the measurement with a hacksaw.

• 8

  Place one piece of angle iron on the top rear of the cabinet, adjusting the angle so that there is even overhang on each side of the cabinet. Mark mounting holes near on the back of the cabinet near the top corners and in the center, using the holes on the pre-punched angle as a guide.

• 9

  Repeat the process, placing the angle iron under the cabinet. Remove the pre-punch angle iron and drill 1/2-inch holes at your marks on the cabinet.

• 10

  Place the angle iron on the cabinet as before and secure the cabinet to the angle iron with 1/2-inch nuts and bolts. Do not tighten the bolts fully at this time.

• 11

  Lift the cabinet where you want to place it with the assistance of your helper. Hold a level on top of the cabinet, while your helper holds the cabinet in place. Adjust the cabinet as necessary until it is level.

• 12

  Drive 1 1/2 inch wood lags through the hole on the ends of the angle iron and into the studs with a socket bit on a drill.