Quck answer
To hang shelves on plaster walls, follow these steps:
1. Determine the location: Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. This is crucial for proper support.
2. Mark the spots: Once you’ve identified the studs, mark their locations on the wall using a pencil.
3. Pre-drill holes: Use a drill with a masonry bit to pre-drill holes into the marked spots on the wall. This will prevent the plaster from cracking.
4. Install anchors: Insert wall anchors into the pre-drilled holes. These anchors will provide additional support for the shelves.
5. Mount the shelves: Attach brackets or shelf supports to the wall, aligning them with the anchors. Then, secure the shelves onto the brackets.
6. Test stability: Make sure the shelves are securely mounted by applying some weight and checking for any wobbling or sagging.
By following these steps, you can confidently hang shelves on plaster walls while ensuring stability and durability.
While drywall is the preferred wall covering in North America, older homes may still have plaster walls. If you live in one of these homes and want to install hanging shelves, it’s important to understand how these walls are constructed.
Plaster is a hard coating applied over thin strips of wood lath that are nailed to the studs. While the studs provide the necessary support for shelves, they are not spaced the same way as they are for drywall. If you need to install a shelf support on a part of the wall without a stud, toggle bolts can be used to anchor to the back of the lath.
Required Tools
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Stud finder
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Torpedo level
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Pencil
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Drill
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Wood boring bits
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Toggle bolts
Steps to Hang Shelves on Plaster Walls
Step 1: Choose Your Shelving
Select a shelving system that suits your needs. It may come with pre-attached brackets or separate ones. Loose brackets work better for plaster walls due to irregular stud spacing. However, toggle bolts can be used with shelving that has pre-attached brackets.
Step 2: Find the Studs
Use a magnetic stud finder to locate wall studs, as electronic imaging stud finders do not work due to the lath. A magnetic stud finder will detect the nails holding the lath to the studs. Move the stud finder horizontally along the wall and mark the positions of the studs that intersect the planned location of the shelf. If a magnetic stud finder is unavailable, a strong magnet can be used.
Step 3: Position the Shelf and Mark the Bracket Locations
Place the shelf against the wall in the desired location, level it with a torpedo level, and draw a line along the bottom edge with a pencil. If the brackets are pre-attached, position the shelf so that at least one is in front of a stud and mark the screw hole locations on the wall. If the brackets are not pre-attached, remove the shelf, align the brackets with the line on the wall, position them in front of a stud, and mark the screw holes.
Step 4: Drill Holes for the Screws or Screw Anchors
Use a wood-boring bit with a diameter slightly smaller than the screw you are using. Operate the drill at a low speed and drill a hole at each mark to avoid chipping the plaster. If installing anchors, drill until the bit contacts wood. When drilling holes for toggle bolts, use a drill bit slightly wider than the bolt sleeve with the spring-loaded wings folded together.
Step 5: Mount the Shelf
If your shelf doesn’t come with pre-attached brackets, you will need to fix them on the wall by driving screws through the bracket holes that you predrilled on the plaster. It is important to use screws that are at least 2 inches long so that they can sink at least an inch into the studs.
For mounting with toggle bolts, you need to first unscrew the bolt from the sleeve, insert it through the bracket hole, and then reattach the sleeve. After that, insert the bolt into the wall and tighten it to secure the bracket.
If your brackets are already attached to the shelf, you will have to hold the shelf against the wall while you drive screws or install toggle bolts. Otherwise, you can attach the shelf after mounting the brackets.
Tip
If you are mounting modular shelving units with vertical strips that support multiple shelves, attach the strips to studs. Using toggle bolts could cause the wall to bulge if you put too much weight on the shelves.
FAQ
1. Can I hang shelves directly on plaster walls?
Yes, you can hang shelves directly on plaster walls. However, it is important to use the right tools and techniques to ensure a secure installation. Start by locating the studs in the wall using a stud finder. Mark the positions of the studs and use them as anchor points for your shelves. Use a drill to make pilot holes in the plaster, then insert wall anchors or toggle bolts into the holes. Finally, attach the shelf brackets or supports to the wall anchors and secure the shelves in place.
2. What type of hardware should I use to hang shelves on plaster walls?
When hanging shelves on plaster walls, it is recommended to use wall anchors or toggle bolts for added support. Wall anchors are plastic inserts that expand behind the plaster, providing a secure hold. Toggle bolts, on the other hand, have spring-loaded wings that open up behind the plaster to provide stability. Both options are effective for holding shelves on plaster walls, but the choice may depend on the weight of the shelves and the specific wall conditions.
3. How do I find studs in plaster walls?
Finding studs in plaster walls can be a bit challenging since stud finders may not work well on this type of surface. However, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to look for visual clues, such as nails or screws that may have been used to attach the plaster to the studs. You can also use a magnet to locate the metal nails or screws behind the plaster. Alternatively, you can tap on the wall lightly and listen for a solid, dull sound, which indicates the presence of a stud.
4. Can I use adhesive to hang shelves on plaster walls?
While adhesive can be used to hang lightweight shelves on plaster walls, it may not provide enough support for heavier items. Adhesive hooks or strips are designed for temporary or light-duty applications and may not hold up well over time. If you plan to hang shelves with significant weight, it is recommended to use a combination of adhesive and additional hardware, such as wall anchors or brackets, for added stability.
5. Are there any special precautions to take when hanging shelves on plaster walls?
Yes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when hanging shelves on plaster walls. Avoid using excessive force or pressure when drilling or inserting hardware to prevent damaging the plaster. It is also important to distribute the weight evenly across the shelf and avoid overloading it. If you are unsure about the integrity of the plaster or the weight-bearing capacity of the wall, consult a professional for assistance. Additionally, consider the location of electrical wiring or plumbing behind the wall and avoid drilling or cutting into these areas.