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

Hello everyone, I have a problem with securing my Billy shelves on very smooth walls, such as polished concrete or plaster surfaces without noticeable texture. My goal is to fix the shelves securely and permanently so that they do not come loose over time or cause safety cracks. Does anyone have experience with special anchors or adhesive solutions for such smooth substrates? What should I specifically consider when drilling and choosing the fasteners? Any recommendations on material combinations or step-by-step tips are welcome.

It is best to use heavy-duty anchors or metal expansion anchors; explosive anchors are also a good choice. Important: Drill a pilot hole first, then insert the anchor and tighten the screw.

For smooth plaster, you should also avoid nylon anchors, as they usually do not hold well. Instead, use plastic expansion anchors with a large bearing surface or hammer-driven anchors. Avoid cheap products.

Maxtau schrieb:
It’s best to use heavy-duty anchors or metal expansion anchors; explosive anchors are also good.

Thanks, that already sounds helpful. What about drilling? Do I need special drill bits to avoid damaging the smooth surface? And how deep should the drill go into the wall if I’m not exactly sure how thick the plaster underneath is?

For drilling into smooth walls, I recommend using a high-quality masonry drill bit with a diameter matching the wall plug. The drilling depth should be about 5 cm (2 inches) deeper than the length of the plug to remove dust and ensure a secure fit. Avoid using too high drill speeds to protect the wall surface.

Additionally, a vacuum cleaner can be helpful to keep the hole free of dust, otherwise the plug will not hold securely. For very smooth surfaces that may not be strong enough, you can also use mounting adhesive or special adhesive pads as a supplement, such as a high-strength construction adhesive.

For smooth walls, it is better to avoid using universal anchors. Metal anchors with an expansion mechanism or chemical anchors provide better holding power. Blow out the drill hole beforehand and avoid overtightening the screws.