I'm a fan of the Ikea Sektion suspension rail system since it keeps cabinets level and allows for easy adjustments. However, I'm curious if there are similar systems for cabinets from other brands. Do most people just mount cabinets straight onto studs, or are there other options available? Also, is there any reason the Sektion rail couldn't be used with cabinets that aren't from Ikea?
3 Answers
One interesting thing about Ikea is that they cater to a rental market where you take your cabinets with you when you move. In some places like Germany, apartments come bare, which means Ikea’s designs are really convenient for that. It’s a totally different approach than what many non-Ikea brands do.
Some folks use French cleats for upper cabinets, but keep in mind those cabinets need to be designed for it. For lower cabinets, most people just screw them into the studs directly. If you're planning a full kitchen reno, you could add blocking in the walls for more flexible mounting heights. And for leveling, I highly recommend the EZ Level cabinet feet. They make installation a lot easier, even if they are a bit pricey at about $17 a pair.
Makes sense, thanks!
Have you ever heard of French cleats? They're actually a great alternative for hanging cabinets! You can find both metal and wooden versions online. They’ve been around for ages, and they do a fantastic job of keeping things level, just like the Sektion rail.
Oh cool, I didn't know there was a term for that. So the Sektion rail is basically just a metal French cleat?
That is interesting! Gosh, moving cabinets from apartment to apartment sounds like a pain!