ᐅ How can I securely fix BILLY shelves to tiled floors?

Hello everyone,

I am currently working on securing several BILLY shelves from IKEA in my kitchen on a tiled floor. Since I know that tiles are particularly delicate, I want to avoid cracking or damaging them while drilling. My question is: How can I safely fasten BILLY shelves on tiled floors so that the shelves stand firmly, do not tip over, and the tiles remain as undamaged as possible?

I am interested not only in the type of anchors or screws to use but also in tips on the best drilling techniques (e.g., drill bit type, slow speed, protective measures).

Recommendations on whether special wall fasteners or base plates might help are also very welcome. Thanks in advance!

Hello nofela,

I understand your concern well; tiles can be easily damaged when drilling.

Here are some basic tips for securely mounting BILLY shelves on tiles:

1. Use the hammer drill mode only when drilling into the wall behind the tiles, but never directly on the tile surface. It’s better to use a standard drill bit for tiles (ceramic or masonry bit without hammer).

2. Place a piece of painter’s tape over the drilling spot – it prevents the drill bit from slipping.

3. Use a low drill speed and apply controlled pressure.

4. For the anchors, special tile anchors or metal expansion anchors are recommended. They distribute the load better than plastic anchors alone.

5. If possible, try to stabilize the shelves additionally with wall brackets that are attached to the wall.

nofela schrieb:
wie man beim Bohren am besten vorgeht (z. B. Bohrertyp, langsame Geschwindigkeit, Schutzmaßnahmen)

I hope this helps you for now 🙂 Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Hello nofela,

I’m happy to provide a step-by-step guide to help you safely drill into tiles and secure your BILLY shelf.

1. Preparation:
- Measure precisely where the shelf will be placed and mark the drilling points.
- Apply painter’s tape on the drilling spots to prevent the drill bit from slipping.

2. Drilling:
- Use a tile drill bit or a hammer drill bit, depending on the type of tile.
- Set the drill to a low speed.
- Position the drill bit carefully and apply steady, gentle pressure.
- Reduce the speed further when drilling through the tile surface.

3. Wall plugs and screws:
- Metal expansion anchors or special tile anchors are recommended.
- Make sure the length of the wall plugs matches the thickness of the wall.

4. Installation:
- First secure the BILLY shelf to the wall, then set it upright.
- Consider using additional brackets and floor leveling if needed.

Common mistakes:
- Using too high a drill speed, causing the tiles to slip or crack.
- Using standard plastic anchors that do not provide adequate support.

For stability, it’s also advisable to fix the shelf to the wall to minimize the risk of tipping.

Good luck!

Hi nofela,

I had exactly the same problem with my BILLY in the kitchen. My tip: If you’re worried about cracking the tiles, you can also use 3M Outdoor Power Tape or similar high-performance double-sided tapes to help stabilize the shelf – of course, not as the sole fixing method, but as additional support.

Keatondra schrieb:
Place a piece of painter’s tape over the drilling spot – it prevents the drill bit from slipping.

That’s worth its weight in gold; it worked perfectly for me! And very important: drill patiently, don’t apply too much pressure.

Also: put the shelf on thick felt pads or similar floor protectors so the tile floor doesn’t get damaged by the weight. That also helps prevent slipping.

Hope this helps you out a bit 😉

Simply drill carefully with a tile drill bit, use painter’s tape as protection, then secure with expansion anchors and appropriate screws. Don’t forget wall brackets to ensure the BILLY stands firmly.

Good morning,

here is a brief guide for mounting BILLY shelves on tiles:

1. Check the material: diamond or carbide drill bits work best for tiles.
2. Drill protection: painter’s tape or adhesive strips help prevent slipping.
3. Drilling technique: drill slowly and without hammering.
4. Choose anchors: use only anchors suitable for tiles; standard anchors may lose grip.
5. Installation: attach the shelf to the wall first, then place it on the floor (not the other way around).

A common mistake is using a rotary hammer on tiles – this should definitely be avoided.

Additionally, adjustable feet on the shelf can help level it on uneven floors, improving stability.

LOGEMIN schrieb:
Make sure to adjust the anchor length to the wall thickness.

Exactly, otherwise the fastening will be loose.

I hope this helps clarify things a bit.