using old kitchen cabinets for the garage. they have no backs to them. what should i use for the backs, best way to attach it to the cabinets and then to the walls?
thanks

There should be nailers (horizontal 1x's) in the cabinets. Depending on what you have the walls covered with would depend on whether you could install w/o backs. It also depends on your intended purpose for the cabinets. For storage, tools, garden supplies and the like you most likely could get by w/o backs. If you want to use backs then lauan plywood (1/4") would be apprioate. Mounting procedured would depend on the walls of your garage. Drywall then deck/drywall screws 2 to 2-1/2" into the studs. Block or concrete then tap-cons should be used.

Another simple, cheap way to mount cabinets is with a french cleat.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dl1b...320/french+cleat.jpg

You could use a 2 X 4, 1 X 4, 3/4" plywood.

A cheap way to get some backs on those cabinets is to take a look at the box stores and look at the paneling, and also the 1/4 plywood and lauan. There's almost always a damaged piece or 2 that the manager can knock off the price of.
You would be far better off with backs (it strenghtens up the whole box) and really do need that 1 X 4 in the top of the cabinet on the inside.
I use my narrow crown pneumatic staple gun to install the backs and 1X nailer.

Before you mount them, I'd sheet rock the walls. Well at least that is what I did in my garage. It really makes a difference especially if you finish and paint it.

I like Joe's idea of getting damaged paneling from the home center. My local Lowe's puts bundles of damaged goods together for sale at fire sale prices. I wish they wouldn't do that because there is always something in the bundle I don't want. If they'd stick to like for like, such as all pressure treated wood in a bundle instead of mixing PT wood with damaged sheet rock I think they'd do better.

backing: whatever is the best deal today in the back yard at the home center. I would not use Masonite or Marlex, however. OSB is what Masonite wanted to be when (if) it grew up; Masonite is just bark dust and glue. fasteners pull right out of it with any weight load. then just use deck screws to mount to the studs.

I'd use whatever chunks of half inch ply/OSB I had lying around until they were gone, and then buy material for the rest. I've got a power tool cabinet I built of chip-edged melamine shelving (always sand to the scuzwood before gluing) with about a 6-piece back, raised on 2x4 scrap for a base and screwed to the studs. holds it all, including the heavy car tools for front-end work, and no problems. looks quite acceptable for garage stuff.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,

what ever you use for back of the cabinet put some primer and 2 coats of white paint on .it is easier to see what you got in the cabinet.

thanks for that tip