Hello everyone,
I am planning to secure my IKEA Malm dresser to a drywall because I’m worried it might tip over, especially with children in the house. My drywall consists of plasterboard with wooden studs behind it. Now I wonder: what fastening methods are recommended to safely and permanently fix the dresser without damaging the wall or the furniture? Are simple wall plugs enough, or is it better to use special heavy-duty anchors or other solutions?
Additionally, I am interested in whether there are particular points on the furniture where it’s best to place the screws, and if I need to take special precautions for the drywall, for example regarding its load-bearing capacity.
I would really appreciate any tips and experiences!
I am planning to secure my IKEA Malm dresser to a drywall because I’m worried it might tip over, especially with children in the house. My drywall consists of plasterboard with wooden studs behind it. Now I wonder: what fastening methods are recommended to safely and permanently fix the dresser without damaging the wall or the furniture? Are simple wall plugs enough, or is it better to use special heavy-duty anchors or other solutions?
Additionally, I am interested in whether there are particular points on the furniture where it’s best to place the screws, and if I need to take special precautions for the drywall, for example regarding its load-bearing capacity.
I would really appreciate any tips and experiences!
To Danar39:
Screwing directly into the wooden studs provides the best stability. Usually, two points at the top left and right are sufficient. Use wood screws with a diameter of 5-6 mm (0.2-0.24 inches) and a length of 60 mm (2.4 inches). Don’t forget to pre-drill.
There is no need for heavy-duty anchors with stud walls.
Screwing directly into the wooden studs provides the best stability. Usually, two points at the top left and right are sufficient. Use wood screws with a diameter of 5-6 mm (0.2-0.24 inches) and a length of 60 mm (2.4 inches). Don’t forget to pre-drill.
There is no need for heavy-duty anchors with stud walls.
Hello danar39,
I would like to address the safety aspect regarding the drywall partition again. When mounting into the studs, make sure not to drill too wide a hole, as this will reduce the holding strength.
A steady hand while drilling is important, as well as using the correct screw size, as already suggested. I recommend not fully tightening the dresser during the first attachment; instead, have a second person help check the alignment precisely.
If you use multiple fixing points, you can distribute the load better, which increases safety.
Another option is to secure the dresser to the wall using angle brackets if it has a back panel. This way, you avoid drilling holes directly into the dresser itself.
If you want, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how I would do it.
I would like to address the safety aspect regarding the drywall partition again. When mounting into the studs, make sure not to drill too wide a hole, as this will reduce the holding strength.
A steady hand while drilling is important, as well as using the correct screw size, as already suggested. I recommend not fully tightening the dresser during the first attachment; instead, have a second person help check the alignment precisely.
If you use multiple fixing points, you can distribute the load better, which increases safety.
Another option is to secure the dresser to the wall using angle brackets if it has a back panel. This way, you avoid drilling holes directly into the dresser itself.
If you want, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how I would do it.
Filippo schrieb:
If the stud spacing is unusually wide (over 60 cm (24 inches)), it would be advisable to install a suitable wooden board as reinforcement behind the dresser, between the wall and the furniture.That sounds interesting – my stud spacing is actually about 65 cm (26 inches). I hadn’t considered a stiffening board before.
How would you recommend attaching this board? Should I screw it directly to the studs and then fix the dresser to it?
And regarding the back panel of the Malm dresser: As far as I can see, it’s rather thin and made of particleboard. Do I need to be especially careful when screwing in brackets there?
A step-by-step guide would be great if you have the time!
danar39 schrieb:
My stud spacing is actually about 65 cm (26 inches). I hadn’t even considered a reinforcement board.Exactly. With spacing greater than 60 cm (24 inches), a board like that can help distribute the load better.
Here’s how I would proceed:
1. Cut a sturdy wooden board (e.g., an 18 mm (3/4 inch) thick plywood sheet) to the length of the cabinet.
2. Secure the board firmly to the studs with at least 4 screws. This creates a stable base.
3. Screw the back of the cabinet to the wooden board, preferably using longer screws that anchor into the board.
It’s important not to put too much strain on the thin particleboard backing of the Malm. Therefore, use screws with greater spacing or attach them where the backing is a bit stronger (often along the edges or grooves).
For fixing the brackets: you can use small brackets screwed inside at the top of the cabinet, which are then also screwed into the wooden board (or directly into the studs).
If you like, I can provide a brief guide with the main tools and steps, so you have clear instructions for implementation.
Filippo schrieb:
If you want, I can gladly write you a brief guide with the most important tools and work stepsHello Filippo, I would really appreciate that. It would be great if the guide is structured clearly so that it can be easily followed step by step. I have some DIY skills, but having a clear framework to follow is always helpful.
Thanks in advance!
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