ᐅ What tips are there for mounting Billy bookcases on different types of walls?

Created on: 4 Sep 2018 09:47
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remyfar
Hello everyone,

I am planning to install several IKEA Billy bookcases at home, but I am unsure how to securely fix them depending on the wall type. At my place, there are different kinds of walls – for example, drywall (plasterboard) walls, solid brick or concrete walls, and also wooden walls in the area of the old attic slope.

Therefore, my question is: What tips and methods are there to mount the Billy bookcases stably and securely on these different wall types? I am particularly interested in recommendations for suitable wall plugs, screws, and any special advice related to the specific materials. Experiences about what to avoid are also welcome.

Thanks in advance for your help!
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Bautau
4 Sep 2018 15:47
A supplemental overview:

- Drywall: Use metal anchors such as toggle anchors (e.g., Fischer UX or Spit) with the appropriate load capacity. Plastic expansion anchors are often unsuitable due to their low load-bearing capacity.

- Concrete: Metal hammer anchors; alternatively, chemical anchors with injection mortar can be used for special requirements or porous materials.

- Brick: Typically hammer anchors; for hollow bricks, use cavity anchors.

- Wood: Screws with countersunk heads; pre-drilling is mandatory to protect the material and prevent splitting.

It is important that the screw length is chosen so that it penetrates at least 5 cm (2 inches) into the load-bearing wall core.
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DUKUSU
5 Sep 2018 08:23
This is brilliant! I just attached my Billy shelves to a drywall using toggle anchors 🙂 They are super sturdy and very easy to install.

My tip: make sure to push the anchors in really deep until you hear the locking sound. Then they hold perfectly!

Awesome, now my living room looks much tidier, and I finally have more storage space! 🙂)
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GLAEL
5 Sep 2018 09:12
Drywall = toggle bolts or hollow wall anchors
Concrete/brick = metal hammer drive anchors
Wood = direct fastening with wood screws, pre-drilling is essential.

This usually holds without any issues.
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Gino38
5 Sep 2018 12:04
farli schrieb:
Using injection mortar for installation has advantages with irregular or porous bricks

Very good point. Especially in older buildings with vintage bricks, chemical anchors can sometimes be the more reliable option, as hammer-driven anchors don’t always hold well in porous material.

It’s also worthwhile to assess the wall’s condition beforehand by tapping or drilling. This can help avoid unpleasant surprises.
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parbau
5 Sep 2018 14:35
Franz schrieb:
I think it’s great that you’re asking so specifically about methods—that makes things easier. 🙂

Yes, I agree! That way you really get the right answers instead of general statements.

A little fun on the side: Has anyone ever tried to fix Billy shelves to the wall using only tape? 😉 I don’t think it works very well. Better to use wall plugs; then nothing can go wrong! ;-)
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remyfar
6 Sep 2018 07:49
Thank you very much for all the tips so far! The advice on the appropriate anchors for each wall type has been really helpful.

One quick follow-up question: Has anyone had experience with mounting Billy bookshelves on load-bearing wooden walls with exposed beams? The surface is sometimes uneven, and I’m wondering if longer screws or special washers might help to better distribute the pressure.

A recommendation for screw size and minimum length would also be great. Thanks again!