ᐅ What is the safest way to secure BILLY shelves to walls in older buildings?
Created on: 23 Aug 2024 07:32
E
erayko
Hello everyone,
I am planning to install several IKEA Billy bookcases in my older apartment, but I am unsure about the safest way to fix them to the walls. The walls are made of old masonry, partly covered with plaster, and in some areas somewhat crumbly.
My specific question is: Which wall plugs and screws are best suited for mounting Billy bookcases on these types of older masonry walls, and what should I particularly keep in mind when pre-drilling and installing the shelves to ensure the highest possible load-bearing capacity and safety?
I want the shelves to hold securely without damaging the wall due to excessive load or causing the plugs to loosen.
I would also appreciate tips on tools, installation procedures, or the correct positioning of the shelves. Thanks in advance for your expertise!
I am planning to install several IKEA Billy bookcases in my older apartment, but I am unsure about the safest way to fix them to the walls. The walls are made of old masonry, partly covered with plaster, and in some areas somewhat crumbly.
My specific question is: Which wall plugs and screws are best suited for mounting Billy bookcases on these types of older masonry walls, and what should I particularly keep in mind when pre-drilling and installing the shelves to ensure the highest possible load-bearing capacity and safety?
I want the shelves to hold securely without damaging the wall due to excessive load or causing the plugs to loosen.
I would also appreciate tips on tools, installation procedures, or the correct positioning of the shelves. Thanks in advance for your expertise!
erayko schrieb:
Do these also have disadvantages regarding later removal or adjustability of the shelves?Yes, chemical anchors are definitely less flexible. Once cured, they are difficult to remove and often leave noticeable residues. They are very suitable for shelves that are intended to be fixed permanently.
erayko schrieb:
How do expansion anchors compare to regular nylon expansion anchors?Expansion anchors come in various types; some are designed specifically for masonry, others for hollow spaces. For solid walls with stable material, high-quality nylon expansion anchors are sufficient, but for crumbling older walls, metal expansion anchors or heavy-duty anchors are better.
Above all, you should pay close attention to the correct drill hole size – this is crucial for load-bearing capacity.
TEOZAR schrieb:
When drilling, make sure to clean the drill holes thoroughly from dust – this significantly improves the adhesion of the anchors.Absolutely, and I would add that after drilling, it's best to remove the drill dust with a vacuum cleaner or a blower rather than just tapping it out. Otherwise, the anchor often doesn’t hold firmly.
In my experience with my BILLY shelves installed in older buildings, metal long-shank anchors work well, of course combined with the appropriate screws and careful tightening.
Another practical tip: use a spirit level and, if possible, always drill horizontally and to a consistent depth so the load is evenly distributed.
This way, you avoid stresses that could loosen the anchors or screws.
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