With the growing popularity of wall decoration with drywall, the urgency of the problems associated with all kinds of wall items and their fastenings is simultaneously increasing.

How to hang a shelf on drywall

Often, home craftsmen are faced with the task of hanging a lamp, a hanger, a shelf or a TV on a drywall wall. But many of them quite justifiably fear that the wall from drilling and other manipulations will begin to crumble and crumble. Accordingly, all work must be carried out with caution, following the recommendations below.

Is it possible to hang

Such a question can be answered with certainty in the affirmative.

Provided that the drywall is glued or attached to the wall and all the requirements of the technology have been met, then it is permissible to hang shelves or other similar objects in size and weight on such a wall.

What is the maximum weight you can hang on drywall


The maximum load capacity of drywall depends on a number of factors:

  • material quality;
  • reliability of fastening drywall to the wall;
  • dimensions and weight of loaded objects.

According to builders and manufacturers, the maximum weight that drywall fixed to the wall can withstand is 55 kilograms.

You should not focus on such a large figure in your planned work. As a rule, in most cases in practice, a comfortable weight in some situations can be either 15 kg or five.

How to fix a shelf on a plasterboard wall


In general, hanging a shelf on drywall is a very difficult task, which becomes real if the right approach is followed. Properly organized and conducted workflow using appropriate quality materials and proper weight distribution are the key to success in this case.

You can hang shelves on a plasterboard wall using special dowels. Such fasteners can be various kinds, but one of their advantages is that when twisted into the wall, they begin to open, thereby forming a sufficient stop and taking on a significant part of the load.

What will be required


To hang a shelf on a drywall wall you will need:

  • tools for manually or mechanically creating holes in the wall;
  • dowel;
  • screws;
  • heavy objects will require anchor bolts;
  • if necessary, a cementing mixture is used.

Do not forget that a large amount of dust is generated during drilling, especially given the composition of a material such as drywall. You will need to worry about protecting the premises from dust, as well as personal protective equipment when carrying out such work.

How to fix the fixing moment (fastening)

After drilling the holes for the fasteners, dowels are inserted into them, which go against the grain. After that, a screw is inserted into the dowel, for example, with brackets or hooks.

How to Hang a Heavy Shelf on a Plasterboard Wall


You can fix a heavy shelf on a plasterboard wall by mounting it to metal frame using special fasteners. To do this, you need to make a whole list of works:

  • Mounting locations are marked on the wall.
  • Holes are drilled in the designated places, but not only through drywall, but also directly through the profile.
  • Butterfly dowels are inserted into the holes obtained and screws with fasteners mounted on them are twisted.
  • The screws should not be overtightened, the main thing is that they make it possible to withstand the weight of the shelf and the pressure exerted by it on the wall.

How to fix heavy things on a plasterboard wall

Heavy things require maximum load distribution between all support points. Given the fact that it is not recommended to drill a drywall wall in large quantities, there should be a minimum number of fasteners, but at the same time they should provide maximum reliability.


One of the most common mounting options are anchor bolts. Using this method of fastening allows you to provide a strong connection and the shelf will not come off.

To create such a mount, you will need:

  • Working holes are drilled at the locations of future fasteners.
  • Now recessed holes are being made in the monolithic load-bearing wall.
  • The next step is to insert the anchors into the drilled holes.
  • Anchor bolts can be used as fasteners or additional brackets are installed on them.


For small and light objects, Driva dowels are used as an alternative. But this is acceptable for those cases when the drywall is glued, and not held on the frame.

Despite the apparent fragility of such a material as drywall, with the proper approach and compliance with all conditions of work, it demonstrates sufficient strength to hold most pieces of furniture and other objects on the wall surface.

Useful video

Drywall - convenient and practical material for quick leveling and finishing of walls. But sometimes it is successfully used in the creation of entire partitions. In this case, the wall immediately becomes dangerous for hanging heavy objects. Despite a lot of advantages, GKL sheets are still not ready to tolerate interference in their structure and can quickly collapse. But this does not mean that only a medal on a ribbon can be hung on a plasterboard wall. There are options for how to place heavy items.

If you want to hang a heavy object on a plasterboard wall, you need to evaluate several factors. The very tolerance of GCR weight of gravity will not say anything - there are a number of accompanying conditions. It is important to understand that a heavy object can be hung on a plasterboard wall only under the following conditions:

  • The drywall itself is of high quality;
  • The weight of the element to be hung does not exceed 15 kg (even despite the assurances of sellers or forums that drywall can withstand 50 kg);
  • The drywall sheet is securely fixed to the base wall.

If the wall and drywall meet all these requirements, you can proceed to attach the shelf. True, it must be taken into account that the GVL sheet will not withstand ordinary nails. Anchor bolts or a butterfly dowel with screws will come to the rescue.

Instructions for installing a heavy shelf on a wall with GVL

By exerting pressure with its weight on the GVL sheet, the shelf can gradually destroy the structure of the sheet. Therefore, installing a heavy shelf on drywall is not such a simple matter. You can act in several ways. If a butterfly dowel is used, the algorithm of actions is as follows:

  • You need to mark the wall on how the future shelf will be fixed;
  • The holes are drilled with a drill, but you need to drill not only the drywall itself, but also the profile;

  • To fasten the shelf, a butterfly dowel is used - it is inserted into the resulting hole, and then a screw is screwed there;
  • The screw does not need to be tightened too much.

Another option for attaching a heavy object to a GKL wall is to use anchor bolts. In this case, the shelf is not attached to the “layer” of drywall, but with anchor bolts they reach directly to the wall of the room. In this case, you can hang the shelf directly on the anchor bolt, or equip it with a bracket.

GKL slabs are very popular due to the ability to quickly level the bases at a relatively low cost. But if you need to hang a shelf on a plasterboard wall, significant problems can arise. In such a situation, it is necessary to choose the right fasteners depending on the weight of the suspended structure.

Methods for attaching light objects to drywall

If it is necessary to install elements that do not create a serious load, ordinary self-tapping screws are used. There are two fixation options.

Method #1

The simplest technology

  1. The area where the object is planned to be hung is determined.
  2. Based on the frame diagram, you need to find the nearest rack profiles and jumpers. In the absence of a detailed plan, you can use a large magnet.
  3. If possible, the position of the element on the surface is corrected. It is desirable that one of the two fastening points falls on the part of the crate.
  4. For fixing, special screws are used, which are selected depending on the material of the frame.

A self-tapping screw screwed into the wall profile can easily withstand small paintings and other similar items.

discover wooden beam under drywall is more difficult, for this you can apply tapping.

Method #2

This method is not difficult, but does not always guarantee the desired result. Action algorithm:

  1. A hole is drilled in the surface slightly smaller than the shaft of the selected screw.
  2. The space is filled with elastic putty.
  3. After the mortar has set a little, the self-tapping screw is carefully screwed in.
  4. If a small area near the surface is open, then it is slightly greased.
  5. After the final drying of the mixture, a light object can be fixed on a drywall slab.

It is taken into account that this method does not ensure the preservation of the position of the element if it is affected.

On a note! An excellent option is to use a dowel-nail, the sleeve of which is selected according to the thickness of the sheet. An alternative is to create an independent seat from a wooden chopik.


Landing on a mortar, just like the use of conventional dowel-nails, is justified only in case of fixation on a two- or three-layer drywall, but in any case, the maximum for such a suspension is 5-7 kg

Installation of decorative shelves and paintings

Heavier items should be hung using special fasteners.

Up to 10 kilograms

With such a load on the plasterboard surface ideal solution will use "butterfly". This option is a dowel consisting of a plastic sleeve with two spaced legs on the rod and a threaded screw.

The product is attached according to the scheme:

  1. According to the size of the sleeve, a suitable drill for a screwdriver or drill is selected.
  2. Mounting points are marked.
  3. The tool tip is directed strictly perpendicular. The resulting hole should be even, without deformation of the edges. To avoid such damage, you need to correctly set the power of the drill.
  4. The legs of the plastic element are straightened, the sleeve is carefully inserted. It is not recommended to press hard, because the GKL plate may be damaged.
  5. To completely drown the product, a hammer is used, since there are two protrusions at the neck that fix the position of the part.
  6. The screw is screwed in. Due to this, the paws rest against the sheet from the back.

After installing all the mounting points, you can hang a picture or a mirror.


To use the standard "Butterfly" mount in a plasterboard wall, it is necessary to drill a hole with a diameter of 8 mm

Up to 30 kilograms

It is recommended to fasten massive objects that create a load of up to 25-30 kg per fixation point using a special dowel - Driva. Its device is similar to the previous version, but the plastic element has the shape of a "snail". The part is equipped with a sharp tip and a thread located on the surface of the body. A special screw is used for fixing.

The fastening of a shelf or other object is carried out according to the algorithm:

  1. Installation points are outlined, holes with a diameter of 6 mm are drilled. It is taken into account that the seat must be exactly perpendicular to the surface.
  2. After preparation, you need to screw the plastic elements. This will require some effort, because the thread of the "snail" cuts into the structure. A screwdriver will make the process much easier. The neck of the dowel should be almost in the same plane with the wall.
  3. Depending on the fastening device of the object to be hung, installation takes place by installing and tightening the screw.

Mounting scheme for fasteners "Driva"

It is taken into account that Driva is divided into categories: plastic options are recommended for drywall bases, since metal ones do not provide reliable installation into such a surface.

How to fix a heavy shelf or hanger on a plasterboard wall?

Do-it-yourself installation of items that have a significant load is much more difficult. In such a situation, hidden mortgages are preferred. In their absence, it is important to choose the right fixing fittings.

Using Molly

Molly is a fairly popular solution that allows you to hang a shelf for books or dishes, as well as a small cabinet. The fastener consists of a metal sleeve and a screw.

Mounting technology:

  1. It must be ensured that the threaded element is screwed in without problems. A hole is drilled according to the diameter of the main part.
  2. A metal part is carefully hammered into the seat. This fragment has two cloves on the neck, which must be completely recessed into the surface, which will prevent the sleeve from scrolling during installation.
  3. The rest of the mounting points are prepared in the same way.
  4. A washer is put on the screw, the hung object is screwed to the wall. Fixation is achieved due to the fact that with several paws the reverse side opens and abuts against the drywall.

Especially well "Molly" have proven themselves in through fixing to drywall through a metal profile, when the paws of the anchor on the reverse side abut against the body of the metal structure

The last stage of fastening will require little effort. It is taken into account that the object to be mounted must be held until all screws are completely screwed in. If possible, installation is carried out directly through the back wall of the cabinet, if there is a special mortgage for this.

Through anchors

This method provides the greatest reliability if there are concrete or brick walls under the drywall. It is better to use metal options.

Process diagram:

  1. A suitable product is selected. The length is calculated from the slab thickness and frame space data multiplied by two. The fact is that the penetration into the supporting wall cannot be less than the size under the plasterboard.
  2. A hole is drilled in the drywall surface desired diameter, after which a seat is formed at the base. For this, a drill is used.
  3. A metal sleeve is clogged, which should fit flush.
  4. A mounting bolt with a cap or hook is screwed in, onto which the desired item can be attached.

When fixing through drywall to the main bearing wall, a stud 8–12 mm thick is used, while the depth of immersion of the stud into the base should be equal to the distance from the plasterboard to the wall

The desired result is achieved only when right choice fixing product size and precise installation.

Very often the question arises about the arrangement of shelves in the presence of plasterboard walls or partitions. This material is quite strongly subject to destruction, and in connection with this, unnecessary impacts on it are undesirable, especially when it comes to large external loads. When fixing heavy objects to drywall, many factors must be taken into account, since neglect of knowledge about this material can lead to its destruction. Even when drilling holes, the wall can be severely damaged, cracks can appear along its entire length, and even worse, it may not withstand the load at all.

First of all, such a factor is the maximum ability of the panel to withstand the load. For each item it is personal, you can find out about it when buying or look at the packaging.
The second factor is, of course, the method of fixing. Given the ability of the drywall sheet, the characteristics of the load that it can withstand are described for the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe structure. Accordingly, if the fastening is made on one screw, then the design is unlikely to withstand. Therefore, when attaching heavy objects, it is worth using several profiles.

What is this article about

Light shelf fastening

Let's start looking at the impact of loads on drywall materials with the fastening of light shelves, which do not have a big impact on the structure of drywall.
For fastening such shelves, it is enough to use screws. How is the fastening itself on a plasterboard wall. We will analyze it step by step, and then we will deal with the principles of such fastening, its pros and cons. Such a mount is also suitable for attaching hooks to drywall, for example, for towels in the bathroom, the main thing is not to hang heavy jackets on them.

Fastening

The first thing to do is pick up the screws. In particular, it is desirable to fasten with dowels, so the design will be much better and more durable. The store will help you choose the right screws or dowels, telling you about all their properties, what load they can withstand, etc. Why is this method much better and more durable? The dowel opens during installation into the wall, placing emphasis on the walls of the hole, which prevents it from being easily dismantled from the structure.

  1. We make holes in the structure for mounting dowels;
  2. We mount the dowels in the wall;
  3. Using screws, we mount hooks or brackets for the future shelf;
  4. We hang the shelf in the prepared place.

The mounting method is quite simple.

Find a profile in the wall, and equip the dowels in it. Thus, you can be sure of the quality of the structure and its durability.

Advantages and disadvantages

Now it would be worth noting the pros and cons of such a fixation. Let's start non-standard, with the bad:

  • First, of course, this method will not withstand heavy loads (with the exception of fastening in the structure profile);
  • It is undesirable to use it for large areas of the shelf, even with the condition of low weight.

And now a little about the good:

  • It will take quite a bit of time to install it;
  • Thanks to the use of dowels, it is quite durable, with proper use of the shelf.

Related videos

Arrangement of a heavy shelf

How to hang a shelf on a drywall wall with a large impact on the surface, namely with a large shelf weight. Accordingly, the method for a light shelf is not suitable here, because under the influence of a large mass, drywall simply crumbles and cracks, which can lead to complete destruction of the wall structure, as well as to the fall of the shelf. And from this it follows that hanging shelves on drywall should be done in a special way, and let's look at it.

To fix such shelves, a special design will be required, firstly, it will be necessary to mount the structure strictly in the profile of the drywall sheet, and secondly, the use of special fasteners.

Instruction

  1. We drill a hole, completely drilling through the sheet of drywall and the profile to which it is attached (use a magnet to find the location of the profile);
  2. We mount dowels in the prepared holes;
  3. We fix the fastening system with screws. Please note that it is required to tighten the screws to a certain extent so that in the future the wall can withstand the load from the shelf, and also does not deform from the fastening itself.

Please note that the mount is mounted strictly on a horizontal profile.

Pros and cons of this method

As with the previous mount, consider the pros and cons. Let's talk about the benefits first:

  • The main advantage is the ability to withstand heavy loads;
  • Fastenings are individually selected for structures different size, up to the fastening of heavy shelves around the entire perimeter of the wall.

Not a single design is complete without its drawbacks, there are few of them, but still they are.

  • Large expenditures of time and effort during the installation process;
  • With inept operation, and abuse of the structure, it can lead to the complete destruction of the wall.

Fastening with anchor bolts - Reliably!

One of the most popular methods of fastening is the method of anchor bolts. This method is known to almost everyone who works with drywall, but it is used extremely rarely. This design is a fastening directly into the wall through plasterboard sheathing with anchor bolts.

This fastening method is used only if the distance between the wall and the drywall is small!

Step-by-step instruction

  1. A through hole is drilled in the drywall in the place where the drywall rests on the profile;
  2. After, through the already prepared holes, a hole is drilled in the wall;
  3. The anchor is mounted into the wall, through drywall sheet and is clamped.
  4. We use the anchor to fasten the shelf, or we fix a special fastening to it, for example, a bracket.

This mount is the highest quality and strongest.

Features and disadvantages

Features of this method include:

  • Durability;
  • Ability to withstand heavy loads;
  • Practically releases drywall sheet from stress.

But there are also disadvantages, not a single design can do without them:

  • Installation can be carried out only when the structure is built on a metal frame;
  • It is laborious in the arrangement, due to the need to provide holes in drywall, and then in the building panel;
  • The cost is quite high compared to previous methods;
  • With global loads, or an incorrectly selected anchor, it can destroy not only the plasterboard fence, but also the building panel.

How to choose the right mount

Here, of course, there are many controversial issues. But first you need to decide on the weight and size of the shelf, its design and how it is used. And only after that to make a conclusion about which method is right for you.

  • If you are going to equip a small shelf, for example, a shelf for a light picture or photo frame, you can fix the shelf with dowels directly to the drywall;
  • If the goal is a shelf whose dimensions are more than 10 cm in depth, but at the same time it is intended for books at most, the method of attaching to profiles is suitable;
  • If heavy or expensive fragile items are placed on the shelf, it is better to play it safe and mount it to the wall.

But if there is no uncertainty about how the shelf will be used, of course, the choice should be on the most reliable anchor method.

IN modern design interiors are quite often finished with plasterboard walls. With the help of GKL, walls are leveled, niches, partitions and even cabinets with shelves are created. Working with drywall sheets does not require special skills, the material itself is simple, light and economical, and the result always looks neat.

Peculiarities

In fact, a drywall sheet is a solid gypsum panel pasted over with thick cardboard. Cardboard protects the panel from cracks and spillage, and also allows screws and self-tapping screws to be screwed into the panel. When after repair it is necessary to arrange furniture, household appliances and other interior items, the question arises of how exactly to hang a heavy TV or shelf, because the drywall sheet itself is quite fragile, it will not withstand something heavier than a photo frame.

There seems to be no way out of this situation, however, if you evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular fastening system and choose the right one, you can always find a way to place even the heaviest structure on such a wall.

What can be fixed?

Experienced builders claim that a plasterboard wall can withstand a load of up to 55 kilograms per mount, it is only important to choose the right fastener. There are several types of fastening systems used in the decoration of the GKL room. Most often, various dowels are used, which are screwed only into the drywall sheet itself, without reaching the wall behind it.

Various devices allow the plastic, nylon or iron part of the dowel to open in the void behind the gypsum board and press against it from the back, which significantly increases the strength of such an attachment.

Types of dowels that allow you to hang an object weighing no more than 35 kilograms:

  • universal dowel (withstands loads up to 3 kg);
  • dowel "driva" (up to 30 kg);
  • dowel "umbrella" (no more than 6 kg);
  • dowel "butterfly" (withstands loads up to 10 kg);
  • dowel "hartmut" or "mol" (within 35 kg).

If it is necessary to hang an object weighing more than 35 kilograms, it is not enough to use a dowel as a fastener - additional installation of auxiliary elements is required.

  • Installation of mortgages. In this case, it is necessary in advance, even before the installation of drywall walls, to outline the places where this or that equipment and furniture will hang. In these places, a wooden beam or shield is attached to the concrete, into which the fastening mechanisms behind the drywall will then be screwed.

For all their reliability, mortgages have one big drawback: it is necessary to plan in advance the entire environment of the room in order to take into account where and at what height to fix the beam to the plasterboard.

  • Installation of a horizontal tire. Some sets of modern furniture sets include a special metal bar with holes for fastening and bends for hanging shelves and cabinets. It is mounted along the entire length of the wall and allows you to more evenly distribute the load on the drywall.

It is also desirable to mount such a tire on a wooden beam or metal profile previously laid behind drywall, or use anchor bolts to fasten the tire itself.

  • Anchor fixture. This type of fastener is only suitable for main walls, and not drywall partitions. When installing the anchor in a drywall wall, a small hole is cut out to allow drilling with a puncher concrete wall and insert a metal dowel into it, into which the anchor bolt itself is screwed.

This mount is the strongest and allows you to hang even the heaviest household appliances and massive kitchen cabinets on the walls. At the same time, it is also the most expensive in terms of installation time and the price of materials.

If necessary, place small decorative elements in the form of a mirror on the wall, shelves or paintings, you can use a universal dowel or the “driva” model. Before using a conventional dowel, it is necessary to drill a hole with a diameter of 8 millimeters, insert a polypropylene part and screw in the self-tapping screw. plastic part during screwing, the metal expands and adheres tightly to the drywall.

Unlike the universal one, the “driva” dowel does not require a screwdriver or drill. It is screwed directly into the GKL without pre-drilling holes. Most often used plastic version products to prevent drywall from crumbling or cracking.

For hanging on a plasterboard wall of medium-heavy objects, the dowel "umbrella" is perfect. Made of metal in the form of a hook or a simple screw, it opens behind the drywall like the spokes of an umbrella and distributes the load evenly on the plasterboard. In order to install such a mount, it is necessary to drill a hole into which you need to insert the fastener and screw the screw itself. Such fastening will great solution to hang a sconce or chandelier.

The dowel "butterfly" is made of nylon. When a self-tapping screw is screwed into it, it opens in two directions, like open wings, and rests against the wrong side of the drywall, for which it got its name.

The strongest are the dowels "mol" and "hartmut". The first one is metal structure with side slots and a screw screwed into it. In the GKL, it is necessary to drill a hole suitable for the size of the dowel with a drill, slightly bend the wings of the “moth” and screw it all the way into the hole. To fasten the Hartmut dowel, it is necessary to drill a hole with a diameter of 13 millimeters and insert fasteners with a folded spacer into it. Then the dowel is pulled out, and the expansion part, opening up, is pressed against the wrong side of the plasterboard. It is necessary to fix it and break off the excess.

In the kitchen

Most often, the problem of fixing certain items on the GKL arises when placing furniture in the kitchen. To save space part kitchen set hung on the wall above the work surface. Even the lightest box weighs about 7-15 kilograms, and various dishes, food and other household items are also placed in it. Thus, the average weight of a filled kitchen cabinet is from 20 to 50 kilograms, depending on the material of the furniture itself.

This weight can withstand the anchorage, or it is necessary to pre-make wooden mortgages behind the walls of drywall in those places where you plan to hang the top boxes.

For fixing medium-weight items such as a chandelier, open shelves or paintings decorated with a wooden baguette, you can use a "driva" or "hartmut". For attaching small, lightweight items such as curtain rods, curtains or Wall Clock, it will be enough "butterflies" or "umbrella". You can hang portraits of family members or friends on ordinary U-shaped dowels. It is also very convenient to fix the skirting boards on a plasterboard wall with ordinary dowels, since the use of glue can destroy the cardboard layer that keeps the plaster in a dry compressed state.

In bathroom

The biggest problem with drywall mounting in a bathroom is installing a water heater on the wall. There are two types of water heaters: instantaneous and storage. There should be no problems with hanging a flow-through boiler, since it weighs an average of up to 10 kilograms and is mounted using butterfly or driva type dowels. However, such water heaters have a significantly higher price and consumption of electricity consumption, therefore, storage boilers are most often used in bathrooms. The average weight of such a drive varies between 80-100 kilograms - not a single drywall wall can withstand it.

It is possible to reduce the load on the gypsum plasterboard by applying preliminary bookmarking methods or mounted on a pre-installed metal reinforcement. Both methods can be used only if you know exactly the dimensions and weight of the purchased water heater even before installing the drywall coating. If the repair has already been made, and it is necessary to hang the heater, a chemical anchor can come to the rescue. This method of fastening is implemented using a special chemical solution, similar to mounting foam. Expanding and solidifying, this solution firmly fixes the metal pin inserted into it, on which you can hang an apparatus weighing 80 kilograms.

You can also hang the sink and fix the cabinet above it with the help of a “driva” or “hartmut”, and use, for example, a “butterfly” dowel for a shelf and a mirror.

In the hall

In the hallway, there are usually no heavy objects that require hanging on the wall. As a rule, all furniture is placed on the floor: a wardrobe, a bench or a shoe rack. A small lamp and a hanger are attached to the wall, but ordinary dowels or “umbrellas” are enough for them. In some cases, a horizontal bar may be hung, which requires a preliminary bookmark or anchoring.

A beginner who has not previously encountered the solution of such problems, can easily overlook some important details:

  • When installing mortgages, you will have to photograph the finished work from different angles or draw up a plan so as not to forget the exact location of their location. Otherwise, it is very easy to miss a specially installed mortgage.
  • Do not hang very heavy objects on the dowels, even if they reach brickwork or concrete. Even the strongest dowel will bend over time and deform the gypsum board, so it is necessary to use anchors.
  • For any fastening, it is better to use several dowels or anchors - this way the load will be distributed more evenly, and the probability of the fastening falling out will be significantly lower.
  • If the drywall has not yet been wallpapered and painted, you can clearly see the location at the joints of the sheets metal profile. Unlike the coating itself, the profiles are made of metal, they are less susceptible to deformation, so a heavy object can be hung on the wall by screwing the mount exactly into the metal base.
  • It is always better for a beginner to choose a more secure mount, even if you only have to hang a small picture or a shelf with a flower pot.


close