Can we install wooden cabinets on a 1950's wall built 24" on center?

Vbk27839041
by Vbk27839041
We would prefer not to have to take down all our kitchen wall to add cripple studs, but would like to replace our old rusted metal cabinets with larger modern cabinets.

  7 answers
  • KattywhampusLOL KattywhampusLOL on Sep 04, 2017

    Good Afternoon Vbkerr, I have been looking for a definitive answer for you but keep finding opposing answers. I am so sorry. The two most knowledgable sources that I have respect for at on opposite sides of the fence on this, and here are their views on the topic:

    http://www.builderonline.com/building/dear-builders-engineer-studs-at-24-inch-spacing_o

    https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/stud-spacing

    The following link, however may be my NEW favortie and respected "professors" of home repair because there is suh fine explanation about 24 inch vs 16 inch studs. Based on information given throughout the very interesting article, I would go with good materials (not something like plywood) and follow what is said, using 24 inch spacing ;)

    Good Luck and thanks for using HOMETALK for answers :)

  • Sharon Sharon on Sep 04, 2017

    You will just have to search for a cabinet supplier who can order the right width for your cupboard designs. I believe Ikea as them that width, and Houzz had some too.

  • William William on Sep 04, 2017

    No problem at all. When hanging the cabinets try to screw in as many studs as you can. Any areas to can't hit a stud use toggle bolts to anchor the cabinets. The nursing home I worked for had metal stud walls by code. No way to hang cabinets without using toggle bolts. Also once you start demo on the walls you would need to rebuild the walls at 16" center to meet code.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Sep 05, 2017

    My husband is a carpenter, and it would take forever to explain. Go to a kitchen remodel store or Homedepot or Lowe's They can help you with this project, just explain what you want, and they can help you to buy the right materials. Good Luck!

  • Cabinets get hung all the time with 24" OC (which is code allowed)

    Generally we take off all the doors & screw them all together & then hang them


    In a perfect world though & to make sure all cabinets have at least 2 points of contact on the top & bottom we like to see / install blocking for them. To do as a retrofit, you simply snap a few lines staying just at the very top edge of the cabinet & never below the bottom edge, add the filler blocks (generally 2x8 though 2x6 is fine) & then add drywall back with a tape coat added

  • Rod27467671 Rod27467671 on Sep 05, 2017

    Two alternatives:

    1. Build custom cabinets with substantial (3/4" plywood) backs. (These are recommended for heavy storage like extensive ceramic collections and bulk provisions when placed in the upper cabinets.)

    2. If the depth between your upper and lower cabinet faces (the amount of open counter surface) will tolerate it; then run a 1" batten across the studs - and hang the upper cabinets from that.


    I assume you do not have a problem anchoring the base (lower) cabinets as they bear on the floor and can further be stabilized through the splash back attachment and concealed clips under the counter top.

  • Vbk27839041 Vbk27839041 on Sep 05, 2017

    Thank you for the info.!