How to hang a mirror cabinet over tiled plasterboard with metal stud behind?

Question

Hello everybody, I have been doing a research for a few days and still not quite sure what to use to hang a mirror cabinet (about 20kg and 750mm width) on a tiled plasterboard with metal stud behind.

From another discussion, it looks like I will need a self tapping screw or toggle anchors . I prefer to use self tapping screw (smaller hole) and wondering

- Do I need to use wall plugs as well?

- I can only use one stud which appears to be in the middle. Would that be enough? 2 screws top and bottom.

- If I need screws on the corners where there is no stud, which type of screws should I get.

- Should I just use toggle anchors?

Thank you everybody.

EricL · Answer

Hello @Fila

Thank you for posting a photo of your bathroom wall. If the steel stud is in the middle of the proposed cabinet mirror, I suggest putting two of the toggle screws in the middle where the stud is, one at the top and one at the bottom of the cabinet. To secure it even further I recommend installing a screw in each corner of the cabinet. Keep in mind that each toggle screw is rated for 55kg. each, I'm quite sure that the screws will be able to hold the weight of the cabinet.

To drill through the tile, I recommend using the QEP 8mm Diamond Tile Drill Bit. Once you've gone through the tile you can use an ordinary drill bit to drill through the plaster board. In order to keep drilling through the steel make sure that your drill bit is rated for steel use as well.

My number one tip is to measure everything before you begin drilling through the wall and cabinet. Please note to mark your cabinet with a pencil so that you can see exactly where you'll need to be drilling.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your mirror installation.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Fila · Answer

Hello @EricL  I have not purchased the mirror cabinet yet but it will be something like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/mondella-rococo-750mm-white-mirrored-2-door-shaving-cabinet_p0036551

I would like to replace the mirror in the photo. The wall is painted tiles (did that over 10 years ago with a recommendation from bunnings staff). There is a stud pretty much in the middle behind this mirror then another one on the left but the cabinet is smaller and I don't think it will reach.

Do you have any recommendation on the light above it too?

Thank you very much for your help.

EricL · Answer

Hello @Fila

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about hanging a mirror.

I suggest having a quick look at this guide - How to hang just about anything by @Adam_W. If you were to use a toggle such as the Tox M6 Flip Toggle Bolt two of these would be enough to hold the mirror on the wall without having to use the metal stud.

It will be necessary to drill through tile tile then the plaster in order to reach the steel stud. I would still recommend using the toggle bolt in that scenario as it will provide the best possible anchor.

To give us a better idea of the hooks behind your mirror would it be possible for you to post a few photos of the back of the mirror? Can you also please post a photo of the wall where you propose to hang the mirror? This will give us a better idea of what it looks like. We can then make suggestions on how to proceed.

Here are some discussions that might help:

* How to hang heavy mirror on plasterboard wall? by @tom142 
 
* How to hang a heavy mirror? by @Kriss 
 
* How to hang mirror on tiled wall by @katebnz

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric