Alfie Marjory

Hanging Ikea Shelves On Drywall: My Personal Experience

As someone who has moved to a new apartment recently, I was in dire need of some shelves to store my books and other knick-knacks. After some research, I decided to go with Ikea shelves as they were affordable and looked great. However, the big question was – how do I hang them on drywall?

What is Drywall?

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is a common building material used for interior walls and ceilings. It is made of gypsum plaster sandwiched between two thick sheets of paper.

Why is Hanging Ikea Shelves on Drywall Tricky?

The challenge with hanging shelves on drywall is that it is not as strong as other materials like concrete or brick. Drywall can crack or crumble under heavy weight, and it is difficult to find the right spot to anchor the screws.

Step-by-Step Guide for Hanging Ikea Shelves on Drywall

Here are the steps I followed to hang my Ikea shelves on drywall:

1. Find the studs in the wall using a stud finder.
2. Mark the spots where you want to hang the shelves using a pencil.
3. Measure the distance between the two brackets on the back of the shelf.
4. Use a drill to make holes in the drywall where you marked the spots.
5. Insert wall anchors into the holes.
6. Screw the brackets onto the wall anchors.
7. Place the shelf onto the brackets and secure it with screws.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas for Hanging Ikea Shelves on Drywall

Here are some tips and ideas to make the process of hanging Ikea shelves on drywall easier:

1. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. This will give you a stronger base to anchor the screws.
2. Choose the right wall anchors based on the weight of the shelf and the type of drywall.
3. Use a level to ensure that the shelves are straight.
4. Consider using a French Cleat system for hanging heavy shelves.
5. Use a template to mark the spots where you want to hang the shelves.
6. Pre-drill holes in the brackets before attaching them to the wall.
7. Use a screwdriver instead of a drill to avoid damaging the drywall.
8. Paint the shelves before hanging them to avoid getting paint on the wall.
9. Use decorative brackets to add a touch of elegance to your shelves.
10. Experiment with different arrangements and configurations to create a unique look.

Pros and Cons of Hanging Ikea Shelves on Drywall

Like any other DIY project, there are pros and cons to hanging Ikea shelves on drywall:

Pros:

• Ikea shelves are affordable and come in a variety of sizes and styles.
• You can create a custom look by mixing and matching different shelves.
• Drywall is easy to work with and can be painted to match the color of the wall.

Cons:

• Drywall is not as strong as other materials and can crack or crumble under heavy weight.
• Finding the right spot to anchor the screws can be challenging.
• It can be time-consuming to measure and mark the spots where you want to hang the shelves.

My Personal Review and Suggestion for Hanging Ikea Shelves on Drywall

After hanging my Ikea shelves on drywall, I am happy with the results. The process was a bit time-consuming, but the end result was worth it. I chose to use decorative brackets to add a touch of elegance to my shelves, and I am pleased with how they look.

My suggestion for anyone who wants to hang Ikea shelves on drywall is to take the time to plan and measure carefully. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, and choose the right wall anchors based on the weight of the shelf and the type of drywall. Pre-drill holes in the brackets before attaching them to the wall, and use a screwdriver instead of a drill to avoid damaging the drywall.

Question & Answer and FAQs

Q: Can I hang Ikea shelves on drywall without using wall anchors?

A: It is not recommended to hang Ikea shelves on drywall without using wall anchors. Drywall is not strong enough to support the weight of the shelves without proper anchoring.

Q: How do I choose the right wall anchors for hanging Ikea shelves on drywall?

A: The right wall anchors depend on the weight of the shelves and the type of drywall. Plastic anchors are suitable for lightweight shelves, while metal anchors are better for heavier shelves. Consult the packaging for the wall anchors to determine the weight capacity and suitability for drywall.

Q: Can I hang Ikea shelves on drywall without damaging the wall?

A: It is possible to hang Ikea shelves on drywall without damaging the wall if you use the right tools and follow the proper techniques. Use a screwdriver instead of a drill to avoid damaging the drywall, and make sure to pre-drill holes in the brackets before attaching them to the wall.