ᐅ How do you properly secure Malm furniture to wooden and concrete walls?

Created on: 4 Jul 2015 08:23
M
Moruru
Hello everyone,

I plan to mount Malm dressers from the IKEA range on my walls. I am facing the challenge that part of the walls are made of solid concrete, while the other part is timber stud construction with drywall panels.

My question is: What are the best fixing methods for securely and permanently attaching Malm furniture to these two very different wall types? Which anchors and screws should I use for concrete, and how should I proceed with the timber stud walls to ensure the furniture hangs firmly without damaging the wall? Any advice on additional steps, such as pre-drilling or using special mounting rails, would also be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!
L
LOPAU
4 Jul 2015 13:45
For precise installation: When working with concrete walls, first drill a hole with a hammer drill using an appropriate diameter (usually 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 inches)), then insert a suitable anchor – for example, a metal expansion anchor. The screw expands the anchor, providing a strong hold.

For timber stud walls, it is recommended to drive screws, if accessible, directly into the wood studs rather than just into the drywall or plasterboard. Pre-drilling is important to prevent the wood from splitting.

If the studs are not positioned exactly where needed, additional mounting battens can be installed. These ensure a secure attachment.
R
RETRAVIS
5 Jul 2015 08:17
The safety of mounting Malm furniture is indeed a crucial topic.

Concrete, as a wall material, is generally very strong, so high-quality metal expansion anchors or chemical anchors are suitable, especially when heavy loads are involved or if there are children in the household. Chemical anchors provide maximum holding power but are somewhat more complex to install.

For timber stud walls, load distribution must be considered: fastening directly into the studs using wood screws ensures secure support. Drywall alone is not load-bearing. If the stud is not ideally positioned, it is advisable to install additional reinforcements behind the wall covering.

Carefully measure the stud positions with a detector before installation. The wall mounting brackets from IKEA are recommended as an additional safety measure.
K
kyledeo
5 Jul 2015 10:26
Always use anchors that fit the drill hole size for concrete walls – do not drill a hole that is too large or too small. In wood stud walls, screw directly into the wood. Check whether a level has been used to ensure everything is properly aligned.
M
Moruru
5 Jul 2015 14:48
LOPAU schrieb:
If the posts are not positioned exactly in the right place, additional mounting battens can be installed.

I am interested in more details: What materials would be recommended for such mounting battens? Should they be fixed to the wall first, or can they simply be screwed to the back of the furniture so that the furniture can then be hung on the wall?

Also, I would like to know if for cavity walls with drywall panels and timber studs, a combination of cavity anchors and wood screws would be appropriate? Or would that rather be a compromise that reduces stability?
M
Muso4
6 Jul 2015 07:33
Moruru schrieb:
Is it advisable to use a combination of cavity anchors and wood screws for cavity walls with drywall and wooden studs?

I would approach such 'hybrid solutions' with caution. The result is often only partially effective. Either you insert the anchor into the drywall and risk an insecure hold, or you hit the stud and fasten the screw firmly for a truly stable connection.

I would recommend using mounting strips made of hardwood or plywood – these can distribute the load well. It is important to attach them solidly to the studs so they act as a sturdy support.