ᐅ How can I install Billy shelves in apartments without drilling?
Created on: 20 May 2020 19:07
L
Linean
Hello everyone, I am planning to install my IKEA Billy shelves in my rental apartment, but I want to avoid drilling at all costs since the landlords are very strict and it could cause problems. My question is: How can I securely, stably, and permanently mount Billy shelves in apartments without drilling? I am mainly looking for solutions that reliably fix the shelves in place so they don’t wobble or fall over, and can possibly support some weight. Additionally, any tips on which materials or tools work best for typical rental apartment walls—usually plaster or wallpaper over concrete—would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
I would like to discuss stronger adhesive alternatives that I have personally tested. Alongside the 3M VHB tape, I use staples with strong construction adhesive for the shelves, which can be attached to the side panels without drilling to provide additional stability. For the wall itself, appropriate felt pads or edge protection should definitely be placed between the shelf and the wall to distribute the load evenly and prevent point pressure on sensitive wallpaper. Especially in rental properties, it is essential to consider the landlord’s information and ask for permission in advance before applying any adhesive systems.
One more note on safety: Nominal load capacities for adhesive-based solutions are always given under optimal laboratory conditions. The actual load capacity in northern Germany or humid environments can be significantly lower. Therefore, I strongly recommend setting the maximum load for no-drill Billy-style shelves rather conservatively, at less than 10 kg (22 lbs) per shelf. While this is not much, it is usually sufficient for decorations, light books, or file folders.
Nicksin schrieb:
Drilling holes is often a no-go when renting.Haha, that’s exactly my sense of humor on this topic 😅. For my Billy shelves, I tried self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape – they basically hold well and can be removed quickly if needed. But be careful: once the weight increases, the tape may no longer support the shelf. I always recommend combining hook-and-loop tape with furniture stoppers – this way nothing can tip over and you don’t have to drill any holes.
Mariah schrieb:
I tried self-adhesive hook-and-loop tape for my Billy shelves back then – basically, it holds well and is easy to remove quickly if needed.Exactly! It’s also practical when you move, so you don’t have to worry about damage to the apartment 😊. You just have to keep in mind that this solution is mainly intended for smaller, lightweight shelves. But for all those who don’t usually overload their shelves, it’s a good alternative.
Thank you all for the detailed and helpful answers and tips! In particular, the advice about tension shelving systems, suitable adhesives (like 3M VHB), and cleaning the surface before bonding has been very useful to me. I think a combination of a tension system and weight limitation makes the most sense for my apartment. 🙂
@KAMERON: Thanks for the tip about edge protection – I wouldn’t have thought of that otherwise!
If anyone has experience with specific adhesive brands that are especially suitable for plaster and wallpaper, I would be very grateful. I definitely want to avoid causing a lot of damage when moving out. Thanks again to everyone who took the time!
@KAMERON: Thanks for the tip about edge protection – I wouldn’t have thought of that otherwise!
If anyone has experience with specific adhesive brands that are especially suitable for plaster and wallpaper, I would be very grateful. I definitely want to avoid causing a lot of damage when moving out. Thanks again to everyone who took the time!
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