ᐅ IKEA Besta – How can I securely attach it to a drywall partition?

Hello everyone, I recently bought an IKEA Besta shelving unit and would like to securely attach it to a drywall partition. Since I’m unsure about the mounting, especially regarding the strength and load-bearing capacity of the drywall, I’m asking for your advice: Which special anchors, screws, or methods do you recommend to safely and securely install the Besta furniture? It should be able to hold some weight without me worrying that it might eventually fall down. What practical tips can you offer for mounting on gypsum board walls? Thanks in advance for your feedback!

As a general recommendation for drywall partitions supporting heavy furniture like the IKEA Besta, it is best to use special cavity anchors, since standard anchors often do not provide sufficient support. Metal cavity anchors with expansion mechanisms or toggle bolts have proven particularly reliable. It is important that the anchors are matched to the weight and thickness of the drywall. Additionally, ensure that the screws are long enough to engage properly in the anchors. If possible, also check the wall thickness, and for very heavy loads, consider installing a wooden mounting batten behind the wallpaper to better distribute the weight.

For the Besta shelf, I recommend metal hollow wall anchors of at least size M6. Use matching screws with a longer shank, at least 6cm (2.4 inches) long. This ensures the load capacity remains secure without much effort.

For a secure and long-lasting installation, I recommend the following approach:

- First, check whether you are mounting on a freestanding stud wall or a wall with drywall installed on both sides.
- For double-layer drywall panels, assume two layers of 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) thick boards.
- Use metal hollow wall anchors with a minimum diameter of 6 mm (0.24 inch), as these expand behind the drywall and provide a stable hold.
- Screw lengths should be at least 60 mm (2.4 inches), depending on the anchor length.
- Alternatively, if possible, try to screw directly into the wooden studs. I would prefer this, but it can be difficult with furniture.
- Choose the mounting height and fixing points so the load is well distributed.
- For extra safety, use an additional wall bracket, especially if the furniture is tall and heavy.

Common mistakes include screws that are too short, cheap plastic anchors, or screwing directly into the drywall without anchors—this is not stable enough!

I understand that mounting on drywall can feel shaky and insecure – I had the exact same issue with my Besta. It really helps to use the right anchors instead of just the regular nylon anchors from the hardware store. At first, I was worried the wall wouldn’t support the weight, but with metal hollow wall anchors, the shelf now feels stable. When installing your Besta, also be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can easily damage the drywall. My advice: measure precisely how wide and thick the drywall sheets are, and maybe make a simple sketch showing where the anchors will go. This is helpful when planning what to put on the shelf, so you know how to distribute the weight across the mounting points.

Enrico4 schrieb:
In general, I recommend using special cavity anchors for drywall when mounting heavy furniture like the IKEA Besta, as regular anchors often do not provide enough support.

Thank you very much for the quick and precise answer! I have another question: Is it easy to install these metal cavity anchors yourself, or is it better to have a professional do it? Is the deployment of the anchors complicated? I want to make sure the installation is correct and secure.