I’ve just finished an article BUILT-IN BASICS by Tony O’Malley from an issue or two ago of FWW. It’s an excellent article and has given me many ideas as I partake on my first built-in installation. It’s unclear to me how he properly fastened the cases to the wall? It did not go all the way to the ceiling and was kept a away (inch or so) from the side walls. That leaves just the back for mounting – is the 1/4″ plywood backing really enough to hold this beast to the wall? I’m building and installing a piece very similar, my exception is instead of a desk in the middle I have a window! Any advice/help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Randy
Replies
I'm sure the cases were built like kitchen cabinets, where nailers are installed in the cabinets. The nailers (my term) are pieces that bridge the gap between the 1/4 inch back panels and the plane where the sides and top end. In kitchen cabinets, the nailers are at the top, where they are attached to the sides and top. Simply screw the cabinets to the studs thru the nailers and voila, they're attached.
You could attach additional nailers mid-carcase if you like, to add stability. In this case I'd put the nailer midway where a shelf will go so that the screws can be hidden by the shelf.
John
I've just worked through a similar problem and decided to use a pair of cleats with 45% angles behind the cabinets, one near the top fastened to the case and the other into the studs of the wall. For my particular situation, I opted not to choose the nailer approach becasue the entire cabinet was open less some shelves and the nailer would have detracted from the look.
Jeffrey
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