Hello everyone, I am planning to install several IKEA Billy bookcases on drywall in my apartment. I am wondering how to secure these shelves as safely and stably as possible without damaging the wall or having the shelves fall down. My main concern is the right materials and techniques—specifically, which types of wall anchors are suitable, how many fixing points should be used, and if there are any special tips for load capacity on drywall. Any advice on mounting height or positioning of the fixings would also be helpful. Thanks in advance for your expert tips!
Just as sifope describes, an additional mounting batten (for example, a strip of hardwood) is often the best solution when wall studs are not available or if you want to mount directly onto surfaces. This batten is secured with several high-quality cavity anchors. After that, you can screw the Billy shelf directly into the batten.
Pay attention to the load capacity of each component. Depending on the type and load, the anchors themselves can support about 20 to 40 kg (44 to 88 lbs) each, so it is better to secure them multiple times and distribute the load.
Also, before using a drill, it is always recommended to use a cable detector to avoid damaging electrical or water pipes.
Pay attention to the load capacity of each component. Depending on the type and load, the anchors themselves can support about 20 to 40 kg (44 to 88 lbs) each, so it is better to secure them multiple times and distribute the load.
Also, before using a drill, it is always recommended to use a cable detector to avoid damaging electrical or water pipes.
M
Mingokhan1 Mar 2024 12:30Thank you for the suggestions. The idea of using a wooden batten sounds very reasonable, especially since I sometimes cannot align with the posts. What would be the best choice of material and dimensions for the batten? And what spacing should be maintained between the anchors when fixing the batten? Is there a recommended guideline?
For a mounting strip, hardwood or a sturdy construction timber cross-section of about 30x40 mm (1.2x1.6 inches) is recommended, alternatively plywood sections can also be used.
The spacing between the anchors should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) to distribute the load effectively and minimize the risk of cracks in the drywall. For the anchors, I recommend metal toggle anchors; then you screw into the strip with standard screws, e.g., 4.5x60 mm (0.18x2.4 inches) Spax screws.
Where possible, align the anchors with the wall studs, as the combination of the wooden strip plus anchors significantly increases the holding strength.
The spacing between the anchors should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) to distribute the load effectively and minimize the risk of cracks in the drywall. For the anchors, I recommend metal toggle anchors; then you screw into the strip with standard screws, e.g., 4.5x60 mm (0.18x2.4 inches) Spax screws.
Where possible, align the anchors with the wall studs, as the combination of the wooden strip plus anchors significantly increases the holding strength.
Mingokhan schrieb:
What would be the best choice for the strip in terms of material and dimensions?You should consider this more carefully depending on how much load the shelf needs to carry.
If you want to store heavy weight, I recommend a spruce or pine strip measuring 40 x 60 mm (1.6 x 2.4 inches). Softwood is often not sufficient, as it may warp.
Dopoki schrieb:
The distance between the wall plugs should be at least 30 cm (12 inches)In my experience, that’s a good rule of thumb, but if the wall is rather fragile, place them closer together. This way, the load is distributed even better.
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