ᐅ How can I securely mount BILLY shelves on smooth walls?

Created on: 6 Oct 2022 09:17
P
paufa
P
paufa
6 Oct 2022 09:17
Hello everyone,

I am planning to install several BILLY shelves on a fairly smooth wall that does not have rough plaster or a textured surface. Since the wall is likely made of drywall with smooth paint, I’m concerned about the stability of the mounting and the load-bearing capacity, especially when the shelves are fully loaded.

My question is: How can I securely fix BILLY shelves to such smooth walls so that they won’t break off or come loose due to weight or vibrations? Are there special wall anchors, fastening techniques, or preparations I should consider?

I would appreciate detailed and practical advice, including recommendations on the right screws and anchors or possible alternatives to direct drilling. Thanks in advance!
E
edisondan
6 Oct 2022 11:44
For securely mounting BILLY shelves on smooth walls, especially drywall, I recommend the following:

1. Use cavity anchors (e.g., expansion or toggle bolts) specifically designed for drywall. These distribute the load over a larger area and provide better support.

2. Before drilling, use a stud finder to check for wooden or metal studs behind the wall. If present, fastening directly to the studs will provide greater stability.

3. Use screws of adequate length that engage deeply enough into the anchors.

4. Also, install the included wall mounting brackets to prevent the shelves from tipping forward.

5. If you expect heavier loads or frequent changes in load, consider using rail systems or special wall anchors that better support the weight.

It is important not to exceed the allowable load of the anchors and to always secure the shelves to the wall.
T
Trate47
6 Oct 2022 14:03
edisondan schrieb:
Use so-called hollow wall anchors (e.g., toggle bolts or expansion anchors) that are specifically designed for drywall.

Exactly! I also mounted my BILLY shelves on smooth walls – with good toggle anchors, they hold very securely, no worries 🙂

One more tip: If you want to be absolutely sure, you can screw small metal brackets underneath the shelves and attach them to the wall as well. This also prevents any annoying wobbling, even if you load them up heavily.

Oh, and be sure to measure everything carefully and use a spirit level before drilling so your shelves won't be crooked 😉 Good luck with the installation!
B
BOSULE
7 Oct 2022 08:22
paufa schrieb:
How can I securely attach BILLY shelves to such smooth walls to prevent them from breaking or detaching from the wall due to weight or vibrations?

To summarize precisely: For smooth walls without a load-bearing substructure, it is recommended to use special drywall anchors. These distribute the load, as mentioned earlier, and minimize the risk of cracks or damage.

Furthermore, the condition of the wall behind the surface is crucial. If you cannot find studs, avoid overloading the bookcases and always secure each fastening with the supplied safety brackets.

Another tip: Make sure to slightly chamfer the drill holes before inserting the anchors to prevent cracking later.

Alternatively, if the wall seems very unstable, you can also use additional furniture anchors that provide extra stabilization by securing the shelf downward or sideways.