screw sizes for hanging cabinets

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bruce-ter

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May 31, 2009
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My bathroom project is continuing at it's very slow pace.  Getting ready to hang the vanity and lower linen cabinets.  I am wondering what size screw I should be using?  The cabinets are basically wall hung 2 foot cubes, both with stone countertop, the vanity will have a largish porcelain vessel sink.  Assuming four screws each is about right but I haven't done this before so I am asking for advice.
Thanks
Bruce
 
No drywall screws. If you use bugle head use metal cabinet washers. The units sound like they will be heavy. I would use flat head or deck rated screws depending on size and stone thickness/weight. Add up your thicknesses and add min 1.25 for holding into studs.
 
I would go with GRK's #10 2 1/2" screws.  If the cabinet is truly hanging and not supported by feet or base then you will have to re enforce the back of the cabinet to carry the weight accounting for the cantilever
 
hi bruce.

i assume the wall is 3 inch or 4 inch studs.

i would normally use 8 gauge, 3 inch/75mm screws. quantity of 4 should be fine.

regards, justin
 
If I'm reading your post correctly, you are hanging cabinets with stone tops and no floor support.  Here's what I do in these cases:

I hang the vanity base much the same as a wall cabinet.  (4) 8 x 3" pan head cabinet screws in studs will be fine for the cabinet carcase.  But you still need to carry the weight of the stone.  I add 2 (or more as needed), 12" x 12" (or larger) 3/8" thick  'L' brackets to the back wall of the cabinet at the stud location to carry the stone load, and prevent future sagging. 

Remember, you need to carry the cabinet, the stone, AND the folks who tend to lean on a vanity cabinet more than any other, as they gaze lovingly at themselves in the mirror.

I've installed wall hung vanities with 300# plus stone tops with no problems using this system.  I always try to over-build wall hung bases, the constant drag of gravity is tough for even the most robust of carcases.

Dan
 
Thanks guys,
The back of the vanity cabinet is 3/4 ply in a dado with the entire carcass keyed together, I think with the right size screws this cabinet will support itself, counter, and sink OK.  A little concerned on the 'linen' cabinet since it is a 1/2 inch back in a 3/4 rabbet, I can't get myself to trust the glue joint to hold the weight; fighting the urge to add an epoxy fillet around the back.
Bruce
 
I use #10 washer head 3"screws to mount cabinets to wall.As for floating vanity,I will also suggest  to reinforce with L brackets.
I usually mount the bracket to the back of the cabinet and to the side.(on the inside of course)
About 2-3 years ago i did a job like that.The vanity was about 5' long.There was a wall on the left but open on the right,so i just had to deal with that side.
Put the bracket on,then the top went on and it felt really strong.A few days later i had to go back to that job to do some finish up and i walk into the bathroom where that vanity was installed and there was a painter standing on the vanity,on the right side!!!  That's a lot of weight!    I am good!! 8)
 
As long as you can possibly get! No worries if they come out on the other side of the wall, just bent them over  [eek] [big grin]

Just kidding of course.

I usually use something around 8x3"
 
Fastcap Powerhead screws are great for cabinets.  They have a large, flat head, and extreme holding potential.

Joe
 
I am a little uncertain exactly what we doing with the L brackets.  Are we putting them inside the cabinet, almost like an internal shelf bracket?
Bruce
 
Exactly Bruce.  They help to carry the load of the stone.  If you were installing a floor mounted cabinet, there would be no need for the brackets

Dan
 
Used some GRK 8x3 screws.  Looked for L-brackets but couldn't find anything that I was comfortable using or trying to modify.  Of course I had the problem of the corner cabinet going into a corner that is a different 90 degree than the cabinet, my wife is totally OK with the gap so I guess it is OK.  The whole process went much, much better than I expected, so thanks guys.

While at the hardware store I saw the GRK display, stood in front for a second or two, then an employee stepped up and told me I found what I was looking for, then asked what my project was.  He told me about some other companies that wanted them to put in a display, but he said they had a failure rate which is something the GRK line does not have.  Then he told me about ....

If anyone reading this ends up in Bellingham, Washington, make some time to stop in at Hardware Sales.  It took almost two years for me to get co-worker Dave to stop there.  "Hate to admit it, but I started to get aroused." was his first comment.

Thanks again,
Bruce
 
Be careful not to screw into any plumbing.  I've done this in the past, embarrassing.  But I usually use 3" deck screws, or washer screws,  and the l bracket idea sounds great for the weight of the stone. 
 
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