Hello everyone,
I have several IKEA Malm dressers that I would like to securely attach to the wall to prevent tipping accidents. I am aware that IKEA includes anti-tip devices, but in my older building (older walls, partly drywall and partly solid construction), I have concerns about whether these devices are sufficient and how to best fasten them.
Questions I have:
- What fastening methods are generally recommended for Malm furniture to securely fix them to different types of walls?
- Are there specific anchors or screws that are better suited for drywall compared to concrete?
- What do you think about additional safety measures like brackets or metal supports behind the furniture?
I want to proceed as safely as possible without unnecessarily affecting the appearance. I would appreciate factual, detailed advice, including any experience you may have. Thanks!
I have several IKEA Malm dressers that I would like to securely attach to the wall to prevent tipping accidents. I am aware that IKEA includes anti-tip devices, but in my older building (older walls, partly drywall and partly solid construction), I have concerns about whether these devices are sufficient and how to best fasten them.
Questions I have:
- What fastening methods are generally recommended for Malm furniture to securely fix them to different types of walls?
- Are there specific anchors or screws that are better suited for drywall compared to concrete?
- What do you think about additional safety measures like brackets or metal supports behind the furniture?
I want to proceed as safely as possible without unnecessarily affecting the appearance. I would appreciate factual, detailed advice, including any experience you may have. Thanks!
PLOMA schrieb:
If there are wooden studs behind, you should make sure to recess the screws into them.I want to highlight this comment because drywall is often underestimated.
Ideally, you locate the wooden or metal studs behind the drywall to fasten into them. If that’s not possible, cavity anchors are an option, but their load capacity is limited and may not be ideal in households with active children.
bupar schrieb:
The safety of the fastening always comes before the appearanceI agree – less visible fastenings are of little use if they don’t ensure safety.
That brings me to a question for the thread starter: Do you have tools available to locate studs, or is that difficult with your wall construction?
Thanks for the input, BAUEVA.
I have a basic stud finder that usually detects wood and metal quite reliably. I will definitely use it before drilling. Let’s see if I find any wooden studs behind.
If not, it sounds like for drywall (plasterboard) I should at least use metal toggle anchors for the upper fasteners and drive the screws directly into the solid part behind the drywall for the lower ones, right?
Are there established methods for optimally distributing the load when fastening into both solid walls and drywall? Or is it better to concentrate all fastenings on the solid wall side?
I have a basic stud finder that usually detects wood and metal quite reliably. I will definitely use it before drilling. Let’s see if I find any wooden studs behind.
If not, it sounds like for drywall (plasterboard) I should at least use metal toggle anchors for the upper fasteners and drive the screws directly into the solid part behind the drywall for the lower ones, right?
Are there established methods for optimally distributing the load when fastening into both solid walls and drywall? Or is it better to concentrate all fastenings on the solid wall side?
Good questions!
In your situation, I recommend transferring the load as much as possible to the solid wall. If the dresser is placed directly against the solid wall, you can also attach the anti-tip device there.
Mounting through drywall is always only a supplementary measure when no better anchoring is possible. A screw that goes through drywall into solid walls usually provides a secure connection, as long as the screw is long enough to grip the solid material.
For load distribution: it’s best to secure directly into the solid wall with long screws. The tipping forces should be transferred through the upper attachment point—the lower ones mainly serve to stabilize.
Alternatively, cross brackets can be used that rest on both the solid wall and the dresser, providing additional stability.
With small children, it’s essential to ensure anti-tip protection; if necessary, attach additional metal brackets at the upper rear side of the dresser.
In your situation, I recommend transferring the load as much as possible to the solid wall. If the dresser is placed directly against the solid wall, you can also attach the anti-tip device there.
Mounting through drywall is always only a supplementary measure when no better anchoring is possible. A screw that goes through drywall into solid walls usually provides a secure connection, as long as the screw is long enough to grip the solid material.
For load distribution: it’s best to secure directly into the solid wall with long screws. The tipping forces should be transferred through the upper attachment point—the lower ones mainly serve to stabilize.
Alternatively, cross brackets can be used that rest on both the solid wall and the dresser, providing additional stability.
With small children, it’s essential to ensure anti-tip protection; if necessary, attach additional metal brackets at the upper rear side of the dresser.
barle schrieb:
mounting the dresser to the solid wall using a boardThis is an interesting option since the board essentially acts as a load distributor.
However, it is questionable whether the board is visually acceptable or if it changes the room too much.
Does anyone here have experience with how a mounting frame behind the dresser affects stability?
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