ᐅ How can Billy shelves be securely mounted on walls in older buildings?

Hello everyone,

I am planning to mount some IKEA Billy shelves on the walls of my older apartment. The problem is that the walls are not solid but plastered and seem quite fragile. Therefore, I want to avoid the shelves falling down or the anchors coming loose over time.

My question is: How can Billy shelves be securely fixed to older plaster walls?

Which anchors and screws are especially suitable for old plaster walls? Are standard expansion anchors sufficient, or should I use special insulation anchors, cavity anchors, or chemical anchors?

Are there any tips regarding pre-drilling, filling holes if necessary, or other preparations that could improve durability?

Also, concerning load distribution – are there specific recommendations on whether to use several small fixing points or fewer larger ones?

I would be very grateful for your experiences and suggestions!

For brittle plaster, special cavity anchors or toggle bolts with metal anchors work best. Drill a hole that is not too large to ensure the anchor holds securely. Having multiple fixing points is better than just a few.

Alternatively, chemical anchors can be used, especially if the wall is quite porous. They provide a secure hold but are somewhat more expensive.

It is important to first carefully assess the wall structure. In older buildings, walls often consist of a plaster layer over bricks. Standard expansion anchors only hold securely if the base material is solid.

Chemical anchors (injection mortar) provide a very strong hold because they bond within the cavity and remain secure even with crumbling plaster.

Additionally, shelves should always be fixed at multiple points to distribute the load. At a minimum, secure them at the top and in the middle, and if possible, also at the bottom.

I had similar issues and often use metal hollow wall anchors. Important: When drilling into old plaster, drill the holes carefully to avoid causing excessive damage.

Thanks in advance for the initial advice.

The plaster is quite old and partly crumbly, but I believe there is solid brick underneath. Would it make sense to first fill the drill hole with some kind of filler (or a gypsum mixture) before inserting the anchor? Or should I use a cavity anchor directly with injection mortar?

The injection mortar method sounds promising, but does it require special tools?

And what would be recommended – with Billy shelves there are often multiple fixing points at the top but not at the bottom, as the shelf unit rests on the floor. Is securing only at the top really sufficient, or is it better to drill additional holes at the bottom? Or could the shelf be additionally fixed to the floor with silicone or adhesive pads to prevent tipping?