Question:
Any recommendations on the type of screws I should use to mount a
utility cabinet to steel studs? I'm looking at purchasing a cabinet
with dimensions 54"Wx24"Hx12"D for this project. I plan on mounting
the cabinet over my washer and dryer approximately 5' above the garage
floor. It will be storage for my laundry detergents, cleaners,
garden variety pesticides...etc. The screws will definitely have to
be durable enough to support the weight of the cabinet and said
contents.
Answer:
In my opinion, you will have no trouble hanging the cabinet to the studs,
assuming the cabinet has a back and is therefore stiff and able to spread
the load across the whole area. But you need more screws than you would
need if you had wood studs. In particular, I would put three screws per
stud (say, top, middle and bottom). If the cabinet does not have much in
the way of screw support built in (there should be a strip across the inside
top back, but maybe that is all), in addition put a ledger under the
cabinet, wide enough to take two screws per stud. And DON'T use coarse
thread drywall screws, use fine thread, intended for steel studs. The
coarse ones are for wood. And don't penetrate the stud more than the 3/4"
recommended by the other poster.
