ᐅ Are there any tips for installing IKEA PLATSA units in older apartment buildings?

Hello everyone, I am currently planning to install the IKEA Platsa system in my older apartment and have come across some challenges that I want to examine more closely beforehand. My main issue is the often uneven wall surfaces and partly crumbly plaster, which complicate the secure mounting of the PLATSA units to the walls. Additionally, the fact that many older walls are made from different materials such as plaster, stone, and sometimes wood paneling makes the installation less straightforward.

My question is therefore: Are there any practical, proven tips or methods specifically for older apartments when installing IKEA PLATSA that ensure the units are stable and durable without damaging the historic building fabric? I am also interested in whether particular types of wall plugs, mounting kits, or alternative fastening techniques are recommended.

I look forward to any experiences, advice, or additional questions to approach this topic comprehensively.

For older walls, you should definitely use cavity anchors, as they are strong and cause less damage to the plaster.

First, check the wall for dust and loose material. If it crumbles, it is better to level the area with a patching compound.

Old buildings and PLATSA installation – there are several important points to consider. Generally, I recommend first conducting a thorough analysis of the wall structure. Many old building walls consist of load-bearing masonry (e.g., brick), but sometimes only old plaster on wooden battens, which is not load-bearing.

Important for installation:
- Test with a small drill bit to check the stability of the material behind the surface.
- Use special heavy-duty anchors suitable for uneven substrates (e.g., metal expansion anchors or chemical anchors).
- If plaster areas crumble, it is advisable to repair and reinforce them before installation, ideally using a primer or restoration plaster.
- For wood-clad walls, screws can sometimes be driven directly into the wooden battens, but first check the exact position of the battens with a fiberglass scanner.

Regarding IKEA PLATSA: The modular units are heavy when fully loaded, so especially for taller configurations, always ensure wall mounting with sufficient bearing surface and appropriate anchors. This also includes using screws of the correct length to anchor deeply enough into the masonry.

An additional question: Is the wall already wallpapered or painted? Sometimes mounting screws can slip through thick wallpaper or old paint layers, causing poor grip. If you want, you can lightly sand the wall surface beforehand.

Feel free to provide feedback on the exact wall types you have, so I can give more specific advice.

I had exactly the same problem installing PLATSA in my old apartment. The uneven walls and loose plaster spots make it difficult. My tips:

- First, remove all crumbling plaster corners with a putty knife.
- Clean the wall thoroughly to prevent anchors from falling out.
- For heavy items in older buildings, use metal or chemical anchors, which hold better than regular plastic anchors.
- If possible, attach heavy shelves or cabinets to load-bearing walls rather than drywall or wood panels.
- Drill slowly to avoid cracks.

Especially in older buildings, it also helps to distribute the load across multiple points, so use more anchors than recommended on the package instructions. What I also did: inserted small wooden wedges between the wall and cabinet pieces to adjust the gap, since the wall wasn’t completely straight.

If you like, I’d be happy to help you choose the right type of anchor or screws.

Palenar schrieb:
Please feel free to specify exactly which wall types you have, so I can provide more precise advice.

Thank you for the detailed post! That already helps me a lot. In my case, the walls are thick clay plaster on brickwork, partly with some weathered lime plaster. The old plaster is slightly cracked in places but not loose or crumbling. The surface has not yet been wallpapered or painted.

Do you have any specific tips regarding clay plaster that I should be aware of? Also, are chemical anchors a good choice here, or better than metal expansion anchors? I have little experience drilling into clay plaster and naturally want to work as cleanly and durably as possible.

dinfu schrieb:
My walls consist specifically of thick clay plaster on brick masonry, partially with some weathered lime plaster.

Clay plaster is a highly vapor-permeable material, so you should handle fastening materials with appropriate care. Chemical anchors are suitable because they distribute the load over a larger area and are gentler than expansion anchors. However, make sure the drilled holes are clean and dust-free so the resin can bond properly.

Additionally, I recommend treating cracked lime plaster with a stabilizing primer or bonding agent beforehand. This prevents the substrate from crumbling further while drilling.

For mounting the PLATSA elements:
- Use longer screws that penetrate deep into the masonry, not just the plaster.
- Drill slowly and without hammer action to avoid damaging the clay plaster.
- Before tightening fully, check how the anchor holds and whether everything is secure.

If you want to assess the wall’s stability on site, a simple chisel or tap test can help avoid putting excessive stress on individual areas.