I'm building some cabinets to go below my TV, but I realized that the original height I planned (sitting on a 2x4 frame) makes them only 28" tall, which feels too low. I'm now considering wall mounting them about a foot off the ground, raising the height to 36". The cabinets are each 2' square, and the entire setup will weigh around 250lbs without doors. The wall is an exterior one. I'm debating whether I can safely wall mount them and which method would be best: using Z-Clips, French cleats, or direct screwing into the studs? I've heard Z-Clips can hold about 120lbs if I use two per cabinet, while French cleats might offer a stronger hold if I'm able to secure them properly. I'm also worried about how direct screwing could complicate leveling. Any advice?
2 Answers
Z-Clips are a great choice if you're looking for ease of installation and good weight support! Two clips per cabinet should do the trick since they can each support up to 120lbs. Just make sure to secure them well to the studs! Also, if you're concerned about leveling, consider making a template to help you mark where they should go before you start screwing things in. It's a lot easier that way!
French cleats are actually easier to level than you think! If you use one long cleat, just make sure to mark the height accurately, start with a screw in one end, then go to the other end and level it out before securing the middle screws. And if you go the laser level route, it'll definitely make things smoother. It sounds like you've got a solid plan! Just ensure everything is level before you start adding weight to it.