Although it might seem simple, hanging a shelf on a plasterboard wall involves some know-how to ensure proper execution. Since drywall, commonly referred to as plasterboard, isn’t as durable as solid walls, being cautious is essential to preventing any accidents.
It’s critical to comprehend the shelf’s weight and the items you plan to place on it before you begin. Shelves can be supported by plasterboard, but only if the right fasteners are used and the weight is distributed appropriately. By doing this, you can prevent your shelf from collapsing or causing damage to the wall.
We’ll lead you through the process of safely hanging a shelf on a plasterboard wall in this tutorial. These pointers will assist you in getting a strong and dependable outcome, regardless of whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or simply need a workable solution for extra storage space.
Step | Description |
1 | Mark the spot where you want to hang the shelf. |
2 | Find the studs behind the plasterboard using a stud finder. |
3 | Drill pilot holes into the studs where the shelf will be mounted. |
4 | Insert wall anchors if the screws won’t hit a stud. |
5 | Secure the shelf brackets to the wall using screws. |
6 | Attach the shelf to the brackets and ensure it’s level. |
- Methods for attaching light objects to plasterboard
- Method No. 1
- Method #2
- Installation of decorative shelves and paintings
- Up to 10 kilograms
- Up to 30 kilograms
- Video on the topic
- How to hang shelves on a drywall wall
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- How to hang a picture on a wall made of plasterboard, brick, wood or concrete?
- How to hang a shelf on drywall
Methods for attaching light objects to plasterboard
Regular self-tapping screws are utilized for installations that don’t result in a significant load. There are two ways to make the fix.
Method No. 1
The most basic technology
- Determine the area on which you plan to hang the object.
- Based on the frame diagram, you need to find the nearest rack profiles and jumpers. In the absence of a detailed plan, you can use a large magnet.
- If possible, adjust the position of the element on the surface. It is desirable that one of the two fastening points falls on the lathing part.
- For fixing, special screws are used, which are selected depending on the frame material.
While tapping can be used to find a wooden beam beneath drywall, it is more difficult to do so.
Method #2
Although this method is not difficult, the desired outcome is not always guaranteed. Algorithm of action:
- A hole slightly smaller than the selected screw shaft is drilled in the surface.
- The space is filled with elastic putty.
- After the solution has set a little, the screw is carefully screwed in.
- If a small area near the surface is open, then it is slightly coated.
- After the mixture has completely dried, a light object can be fixed to the plasterboard sheet.
It is acknowledged that this approach cannot guarantee that the element will stay in place in the event of an impact.
Note: A great substitute is to use a dowel-nail, whose sleeve is selected based on the thickness of the sheet. Another choice is to build a standalone seat out of a wooden dowel.
Although it may seem difficult, hanging a shelf on a plasterboard wall can be done securely and simply with the correct tools and methods. The secret is to use fasteners that are strong enough to support the weight of the shelf and whatever you intend to put on it. This post will walk you through each step, from selecting the appropriate fasteners to positioning and fastening the shelf correctly to make sure it stays in place firmly without causing damage to your wall.
Installation of decorative shelves and paintings
Special fastening devices should be used to hang heavier objects.
Up to 10 kilograms
Using a "butterfly" would be the best course of action with such a load on the plasterboard surface. This alternative is a dowel made of a screw with a thread and a plastic sleeve with two spread legs on the rod.
The product is secured in accordance with the schematic:
- A suitable drill for a screwdriver or drill is selected according to the size of the sleeve.
- Mounting points are marked.
- The tool nozzle is directed strictly perpendicularly. The resulting hole should be smooth, without deformation of the edges. To exclude such damage, you need to correctly set the power of the drill.
- The legs of the plastic element are straightened, the sleeve is carefully inserted. It is not recommended to press hard, because the gypsum board can be damaged.
- To completely sink the product, a hammer is used, since there are two protrusions at the neck that fix the position of the part.
- A screw is screwed in. Due to this, the paws rest against the sheet on the back.
You can hang a mirror or picture once all the mounting points have been installed.
Up to 30 kilograms
It is advised to use a special dowel called a Driva to fasten large objects that can weigh up to 25–30 kg per fixation point. Although it has a similar design to the previous iteration, the plastic component is shaped like a "snail." The component has a thread on the exterior of the body and a sharp tip. The fixing screw is a unique screw.
When fastening a shelf or other object, the following algorithm is followed:
- Installation points are marked, holes with a diameter of 6 mm are drilled. It is taken into account that the seat must be exactly perpendicular to the surface.
- After preparation, you need to screw on the plastic elements. This will require some effort, because the thread of the "snail" cuts into the structure. A screwdriver will significantly facilitate the process. The neck of the dowel should be almost in the same plane with the wall.
- Depending on the fastening device of the item being hung, installation occurs by installing and tightening the screw.
It is noted that Driva is separated into several categories: plastic options are advised for plasterboard bases, as metal options do not offer dependable installation on such a surface.
Although it may appear difficult, hanging a shelf on a plasterboard wall is entirely possible given the correct equipment and methods. Selecting the appropriate fasteners, such as toggle bolts or wall anchors, that can support the weight of the shelf and its contents is crucial.
Sturdy and dependable storage can be made by marking the locations precisely, drilling the holes, and firmly attaching the shelf. Just take your time to make sure that everything is supported and level.
These instructions will help you prevent any accidents and maintain the excellent condition of your plasterboard wall, regardless of whether you’re hanging a lightweight display shelf or something more substantial.