Hello everyone,
I want to securely mount some Malm shelves from IKEA on the wall in my apartment. Since these are relatively large and heavy shelves, the stability of the installation is especially important to me. I have a drywall with wood studs behind it. I am unsure which anchors to use and how to ensure the shelf will not eventually pull away from the wall.
Could you please explain step by step how to best install the shelves? Which screws and anchors are recommended, especially for drywall? Is there anything special to consider regarding alignment and load distribution?
I look forward to your tips and experiences!
I want to securely mount some Malm shelves from IKEA on the wall in my apartment. Since these are relatively large and heavy shelves, the stability of the installation is especially important to me. I have a drywall with wood studs behind it. I am unsure which anchors to use and how to ensure the shelf will not eventually pull away from the wall.
Could you please explain step by step how to best install the shelves? Which screws and anchors are recommended, especially for drywall? Is there anything special to consider regarding alignment and load distribution?
I look forward to your tips and experiences!
Katau schrieb:
If you plan several shelves stacked on top of each other, make sure the bottom row carries the main load and the ones above are only supportedThat makes sense. I actually planned to install the shelves individually in different locations, not stacked. Is there still a difference between using three screws or two screws for the relatively low weight of a single shelf, or are two screws per shelf sufficient?
Also, what about fastening the shelf brackets? The MALM shelves have small holes for screws. Should I use these directly, or would it be better to use additional special brackets for wall mounting?
Hello,
if the weight is relatively light and you attach the shelf directly to the wooden studs, two screws per shelf are usually sufficient. The quality of the screws and drilling into solid areas are important.
Regarding the brackets: it makes sense to use the original holes since the shelf is designed for them. If you have additional metal brackets or supports, you can increase stability, but this is not strictly necessary for MALM shelves as long as the wall mounting is done properly.
Also, make sure to use screws with a sufficient diameter, at least 5 mm (0.2 inches). If possible, use screws that are galvanized to prevent rusting.
if the weight is relatively light and you attach the shelf directly to the wooden studs, two screws per shelf are usually sufficient. The quality of the screws and drilling into solid areas are important.
Regarding the brackets: it makes sense to use the original holes since the shelf is designed for them. If you have additional metal brackets or supports, you can increase stability, but this is not strictly necessary for MALM shelves as long as the wall mounting is done properly.
Also, make sure to use screws with a sufficient diameter, at least 5 mm (0.2 inches). If possible, use screws that are galvanized to prevent rusting.
Roninkla schrieb:
It makes sense to use the original holesThat reassures me. I was worried the shelf might be unstable without additional brackets.
One more question: I’ve heard it’s important to check the wall for moisture before drilling, in case there are cables or pipes behind it. How do you handle this when installing MALM shelves? I want to avoid any surprises behind the wall.
keomo schrieb:
I heard that you should check the wall for moisture before drilling in case there are cables or pipes behind it.That's true, but the most important thing is a thorough cable and pipe detector. Most devices can detect electrical wiring and water pipes. Additionally, you can carefully check for solid areas or cavities using a long nail. Moisture meters usually only help with damp walls, not with locating pipes.
Also, if available, consulting your floor plan or building plans can be very helpful.
This way, you can ensure that water pipes are not damaged in particular. Electrical wiring can also be dangerous—so definitely use a voltage tester.
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