Do cabinets go over drywall?

Author: Dr. Stephon Turcotte  |  Last update: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Installing upper cabinets starts with answering the question: How are kitchen cabinets attached to the wall? Typically, this is done by using a stud finder to locate studs and by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach the cabinet.

Can you hang cabinets on drywall?

If you want to be safe, you can always cut out a section of drywall that will be completely hidden behind the cabinet, install a cross-stud inside the wall, screw the drywall piece back on for a spacer, then install the cabinet to the new cross-piece.

Can cabinets be installed directly to studs?

Yes it will be secure, but you probably want 1x4 or even plywood so the cabinets stay closer to the wall. Best is to cut out drywall section and install plywood blocking across the top flush with drywall.

Should you put plywood or drywall behind kitchen cabinets?

While plywood will hold nails/screws better than sheetrock it's still not as good as going into a stud. Plywood is thin layers of wood glued together. It's very easy for nails to pull out. When I hang kitchen cabinets on new construction or renovations I toenail 2/8s inbetween the studs.

Do you put anything over drywall?

Compound, also called Spackle or mud, is an important item that goes on top of drywall. After hanging and screwing drywall to wall studs, you must apply the compound to the drywall board seams using a 4-inch-wide knife.

How to Hang Cabinets

What goes over top of drywall?

Joint compound, or “mud,” is ideal for filling seams and covering fasteners. For most projects, you'll want a premixed all-purpose joint compound. You'll also need drywall tape, which comes in paper or mesh varieties. Paper tape is generally preferable due to its strength and ability to create the smoothest finish.

What do they put over drywall?

Bed coat: The first coat of joint compound applied over the joints between sheets of drywall for tape embedment. Block coat: The second coat of joint compound that's applied on top of drywall tape.

Do cabinets go in after drywall?

Before installing cabinets, you'll need to make sure that walls and bulkheads are ready for them. Any damage should be patched or repaired, and drywall, primer, and paint should all be applied and thoroughly dry before the cabinets go up.

Should drywall be finished behind cabinets?

To protect the drywall and for a professional finish, we recommend painting behind kitchen cabinets. However, painting behind kitchen cabinets isn't always necessary; it mostly depends on your intents for your home and your personal preferences as it relates to your budget.

Do base cabinets go against the wall?

Do Base Cabinets Get Attached to the Wall? Base cabinets should always be attached to the wall into the stud. This prevents them from accidentally shifting.

How are kitchen cabinets attached to a wall?

Installing upper cabinets starts with answering the question: How are kitchen cabinets attached to the wall? Typically, this is done by using a stud finder to locate studs and by drilling wood screws through drywall to attach the cabinet. This creates a temporary ledger during installation.

Is blocking for cabinets necessary?

You need the blocking in order to properly hang some smaller cabinets. Most 2x4 studs these days are either 16" or 24" on center. So if your are hanging say a 12" thru 21"" wall cabinet...and the design happens to place them in between the studs you have nothing to screw the cabinet to at all.

Can you hang cabinets without studs?

Alternative methods for installing wall cabinets without relying solely on studs include the French cleat system, toggle bolts or Molly bolts, wall anchors, horizontal blocking, cleats or rails, and adhesive mounting. The French cleat system provides secure and adjustable installation.

Do I need to prime drywall behind cabinets?

If you are installing new kitchen cabinets, this is your perfect opportunity to make sure the surface is prepped and in good shape before the new cabinets are installed: repair damaged drywall, and prime all of it (even if it's behind your cabinets).

How to secure base cabinets?

Attach the cabinets to the studs with at least two screws in each mounting rail, while attaching the cabinets to each other with at least four drywall screws. Once all cabinets are securely in place, trim off the exposed shims with a utility knife.

Do cabinets need to be anchored?

The cabinets can be easily bolted down and anchored to the spot — after you've decided on the right outside location. Unless it's determined to be an essential risk control measure, you usually don't have to anchor indoor flammable cabinets.

Is it OK to leave drywall unfinished?

On the other hand, if the drywall is not sealed properly, it won't be able to function as a fire-suppressant. This is the main reason it is against the building code in many areas to have an unfinished drywall.

How do you hide the gap between cabinets and walls?

The three most common ways of filling the gap are using the following materials.
  1. Caulk.
  2. Scribe molding.
  3. Cabinet filler strips.

Do you install flooring before cabinets?

Making the right initial decisions is vital for a successful kitchen remodel. One of the key reasons for installing flooring before cabinets is longevity. Think about future renovations or appliance replacements. Installing the floor first provides a seamless look and makes future changes easier.

Do you need to finish drywall behind cabinets?

Yes, it is recommended to paint the walls behind the kitchen cabinets. It will improve the overall look of your kitchen and can help prevent any damage from moisture or spills. Painting these areas also ensures a more even finish when painting over existing surfaces.

Can you leave cabinets unfinished?

You'll have almost unlimited options when it comes to completing the look of unfinished kitchen cabinets. The first and by far the easiest choice is to leave them in their stark, natural, unfinished state.

Why are my cabinets coming off the wall?

Drywall anchors loosen as cabinets settle. Cabinets were only screwed into drywall instead of locating wall studs. This provides a weak anchor point. Adhesive failed to bond properly or has dried out/deteriorated over time.

What goes on after drywall?

Here's a detailed breakdown of the key steps in the process:
  • Drywall Finishing: Taping, Mud, and Sanding. ...
  • Priming and Painting: The Touch of Color. ...
  • Cabinet Installation and Flooring: A Functional Home Begins to Take Shape. ...
  • Lighting and Electrical Work: Creating the Right Atmosphere.

What is the fluffy stuff behind drywall?

If there's mold on the backside of the sheet rock, you have a liquid water intrusion. If it's only the room side of the wall, it's a condensation issue. This will also give you the opportunity to evaluate the insulation level within the wall.

What happens if you don't tape drywall?

Drywall is not a fan of moisture. When you skip taping, those seams become open invitations for moisture to seep in. This can lead to mold growth, warping, and, in severe cases, structural damage. So, if you enjoy dry walls, keep them dry—tape them up!

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