How to hang shelves on plaster walls: tips and tricks? (Updated February 2023) (2023)

If you want to add extra storage space to your home,Shelves are a good option. But if your walls are plaster, you may be wondering how to hang shelves on them. Don't worry - it's not as difficult as it seems! In this blog post, we discuss some tips and tricks for hanging shelves on plaster walls.

We also providesome helpful installation instructions. Whether you are a DIY beginner or an experienced builder, you can easily hang shelves on plaster walls.

things you need

• tape measure
• eben
• Pencil
• Stud-Finder
• Drill
• sledgehammer
• Wall anchors (if required)
• screws
• Regale

Plaster walls with available studs

If you're lucky enough to have a plaster wall with studs, you cancan easily hang shelves.

Locate the vertical studs in the wall

The best way to find the stud is overwith an electronic stud finder. Mark the location of each stud on your wall with pencil marks in several places so you don't lose them when setting up your shelf.

If there aren't any usable spots to mount our mounts - don't worry, because thereother options are available.

Use a pencil to mark the mounting holes for the bracket on the wall

After finding the studs, use a level toDraw horizontal lines across the wallwhere you want your shelf brackets. Make sure these line up with the vertical marks that indicate the position of each stud behind the plaster. Once everything is marked and ready, it's time to drill some holes!

Drill a pilot hole through the plaster and into the stud at each mark

Drill pilot holes in the wall at each mark. These prevent the screws from splitting the wood.

Position the first bracket on the wall and attach it to the stand

Attach the first bracket pieces according to the packaging instructions, paying special attention to how much weight your shelves will support. After mounting the first bracket, it's usually a good idea to measure the distance between it and the other to make sure they're even. Unless,You can make adjustments at this point at any timebefore proceeding.

Place the second bracket on the wall and set the carpenter level

Now that you have one side of your shelf assembled, it's time to set up the other! Place the second bracket on the wall and adjust as neededuntil both sides are level.Remember not to use your best drill when drilling these holes lest they break apart too soon after installation is complete (and always wear safety goggles)!

Drill pilot holes and install into the studs with wood screws

Once the second bracket is attached,Drill the pilot hole and installscrews into the studs. Again - be careful not to drill through your plaster wall!

Attach the shelves to the walls

Attach your shelf to the wall with two screws on each side of the bracketMake sure it's level before tighteningall four all the way down (and don't forget the carpenter's pencil again). Be careful not to overtighten or you could break both brackets apart!

Gypsum walls with no available studs

When you don't have studs in the wall but need to hang shelvescan use toggle screws. Toggle screws are a great option for hanging shelves on plasterboard walls. They allow you to assemble your shelf without having exposed screws that could damage the underlying drywall or plaster! That's how they work.

Mark the locations of all mounting holes for the bracket on the wall

Mark the locations of all mounting holes for the bracketon your wall. This is where you insert the toggle screws. Once everything is marked and ready, it's time to drill some holes!

Drill a small pilot hole in each mark made

Drill a small pilot hole in each mark madeon your wall. This prevents the toggle bolts from splitting the wood. Be careful not to damage your plaster wall!

Drill a larger hole with the diameter indicated on the size of the toggle bolt used

Drill a larger hole with the diameter indicated on the size of the toggle bolt used.

Insert toggle bolt

After you've drilled the holes, it's time to insert the toggle bolts. Insert the toggle bolt into the small pilot holeuntil the latch flaps are open. Then insert the toggle bolt into the larger hole until fully seated. Once all the toggle screws are in place, it's time to install the brackets!

Install the brackets and the shelves

Position the first bracket on the wall and secure with a toggle screw.Attach the first mounting hardware according to the instructions on the box, pay special attention to how much weight your shelves will support. After mounting the first bracket, it's usually a good idea to measure the distance between it and the other to make sure they're even.

Place the second bracket on the wall andadjust as neededuntil both sides are level with a spirit level. Hang your shelves by inserting the screws into the brackets. Tighten all screws until tight.

Other ways to attach the shelves to the walls

If there aren't any viable places to mount our mounts - no problem, there are other options. For example, one possibility isUse L brackets or monkey hooks.

L-angles can be screwed directly into the plasterwithout the hassle of drilling pilot holes (although this may damage your wall in the long run).

Monkey hooks are another option that can be attached to the patch with glue. This is a good choice if you're looking for something temporary or want to avoid drilling into your walls.

Whichever route you choose, just make sure you take precautions and use the right hardware for each surface. With a little patience, anyone can hang shelves on plaster walls!

For example, another available option is to use anchors.Anchors can be used with drywallor plaster walls without studs and they come in many different types such as winged ones that expand when driven into place (e.g. molly bolts) or screw-in fasteners made of plastic material molded around their heads to look like a mushroom cap.

Can I install a floating shelf on my plasterboard wall?

If you want to install a floating shelf on your plaster wall, the answer is yes, but iIt's going to be a lot harderto install as one with brackets. The process starts with using an electric drill and drilling two holes in the wall for screws to be inserted before placing this piece of furniture (this may take some time).

With that all done we would then have access points for both drywall anchors - which are needed because there isn't a bolt behind those areas for us to secure things properly! That meanshave enough patience during installationPlus, you'll know how everything works so nothing goes wrong when you start.

Diploma

Although hanging shelves on plaster walls may seem daunting at first, with a little know-how it can be a breeze. OnlyMake sure you're using the right hardware for your Surfaceand take your time measuring and installing the brackets. Go ahead and add some much-needed storage space to your home with ease!

If you're looking for more DIY tips and tricks, you can find more helpful advice in other articles on our blog.