ᐅ Ikea Besta – How can I securely mount it to drywall (plasterboard) walls?
Created on: 26 Sep 2022 08:14
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Bopo36
Hello everyone, I am planning to install an Ikea Besta system on a drywall and want to make sure everything is stable and durable. My drywall consists of double-layered 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) gypsum boards, with standard wooden studs spaced 60 cm (24 inches) apart behind them. My specific question is: How can I securely attach the Besta shelving unit to the drywall without damaging the wall or risking the shelf falling down? Which anchors or fastening methods would you recommend, especially for a wall cabinet version that will bear greater weight? I would appreciate any advice on materials, screw lengths, and mounting strategies, as I have read that many regular anchors are not sufficient. Thanks in advance!
Palenar schrieb:
The screw length should penetrate at least 60 mm (2.4 inches) into the supporting material, in addition to the thickness of the drywall panel. Thanks, Palenar, that really helps! I have a follow-up question: My drywall is 2 layers of 12.5 mm (0.5 inches) each, so 25 mm (1 inch) thick. Would an 80 mm (3.1 inches) screw be sufficient for the wooden studs to be safe? And is it enough to install the anchors only along the outer perforation points at the sides, or should I distribute more fixing points behind the back panel? The unit will be about 1.60 m (5.25 feet) wide.
Bopo36 schrieb:
My drywall is 2 layers of 12.5 mm, so 25 mm (1 inch) thick. Would an 80 mm (3 inch) screw be safe for the wooden studs? Yes, an 80 mm (3 inch) screw is ideal because it will penetrate about 55 mm (2¼ inch) into the wooden stud after passing through the 25 mm (1 inch) drywall. Important: pre-drill and make sure your screw goes at least 50 mm (2 inches) into the wood to ensure proper load-bearing capacity.
Bopo36 schrieb:
Is it enough to install the wall plugs only at the outer hole points along the sides, or should I distribute more fixing points behind the back wall? Generally, more fixing points are better, especially for a width of 1.60 m (5 feet 3 inches). This distributes the load better and reduces twisting or wobbling. I recommend at least the two outer fixings plus one or two additional points in the middle. If the wooden studs are spaced 60 cm (24 inches) apart, you can place screws into every stud.
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JEREMIAH3827 Sep 2022 10:02I understand well how important it is to securely hang your Besta, Bopo36. Especially with drywall, it’s sometimes uncertain whether everything will hold. Last time, I made sure the screws were set deep enough—particularly because I wanted to put a larger number of books on my shelf. My advice: take it step by step and carefully work your way through pre-drilling and anchor installation. This way, you’ll have less stress and end up with a truly secure result!
Bopo36 schrieb:
Is it sufficient to mount the anchors only at the outer hole points along the sides, or should I distribute more mounting points behind the back panel? More mounting points, definitely! I fixed my Besta to the wall with 5 points – it holds even when placing larger boxes on it multiple times. Better to play it safe and make sure the unit is securely fastened. Good luck, you can do it! 💪
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Marlenepa28 Sep 2022 09:48Bopo36 schrieb:
My drywall consists of two layers of 12.5 mm each, so 25 mm thick. Is an 80 mm screw long enough to be safe for the wooden studs? Yes, for double 12.5 mm sheets, 80 mm screws are suitable. Make sure the screws are not only the right length but also designed for wood, such as Torx screws. This significantly improves the holding strength. And as already recommended, drive the screws well into the studs that carry the main load. Good luck!
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