Did you know that drywalls are made of gypsum? This fact makes one wonder how much weight drywall can hold.
If hanging heavy objects, such as a shelf, on drywall makes you anxious, you’re not alone! Many people find this process intimidating due to the fragility of both drywall and heavy objects.
It’s not impossible, though! In this article, we’ll show you how to hang a heavy shelf on drywall using four effective methods. Not only this, but we’ll also provide you with tips for mounting a TV on drywall. So, stick around!
How to Hang a heavy shelf on Drywall: Four Effective Methods
Before you hang a heavy shelf on drywall, it’s crucial to find out its weight using a bathroom scale. This way you can choose the most appropriate method that won’t damage your drywall.
Here’s how to hang a heavy shelf on drywall:
Use Drywall Fasteners or Hooks
One fastener can carry around 30 lbs. So, if your shelf weighs around 50 lbs, you can use two fasteners to support its weight. Moreover, when you use two hooks, they’ll keep the shelf from going askew.
Let’s follow these steps to do it right:
-Position the shelf on the wall and mark its center
-Use a piece of wood marked at the center
-Hold it tight to the wire of the shelf
-Mark the spacing between the two fasteners or hooks
-Measure down from the top of the shelf to account for the exact wire height
-Measure down from the mark on the wall to the same point measured in the previous step
-Use the piece of wood and a level to mark the end of the corners on each side
-Use a hammer to tap in the hooks
-Hang your shelf
Use Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors
A size eight self-drilling drywall anchor, also known as a threaded drywall anchor, can hold up to 50 lbs. Threaded anchors make a great option if your shelf weighs a little more than 50 lbs, but it’s safer to use two anchors screwed into studs. Make sure to use a stud finder to avoid electrical cables and plumbing pipes.
To mount your shelf with self-drilling drywall anchors, follow these steps:
-Take the measurements of your shelf vertically and horizontally
-Mark the center point of your shelf on the wall
-Measure down to the hangers or clips of the shelf
-Apply the previous measurements on the wall where the clips will be
-Use your level and mark the two spots of the anchors
-Screw the drywall anchors into the wall using a head screwdriver
-Screw down the nail into the anchor until you reach the required length
-Mount your shelf on the wall
If your two anchors are more than six feet apart, you may find a laser level easier to use than an old-school one.
It’s also better to use anchors that are designed to split apart inside the wall. Although they leave bigger holes when removed, they provide a more sturdy grip on the wall.
If you have drywall toggle anchors, you can use them to mount your shelf following the same steps.
Use Monkey or Gorilla Hooks
Monkey hooks support up to 35 lbs, whereas gorilla hooks hold up to 50 lbs. You can easily install both hooks on your drywall by following the same steps:
-Use your measure tape and pencil to mark the position of your shelf
-Push the long end of the hook into the wall
-Twist it into the wall until only the small coiled part is visible
-Mount your shelf
Use Metal Cleats
You’ll find metal cleats helpful if your shelf has a sturdy frame. Firstly, attach the top cleat to the top part of the frame using screws. Then, level the bottom cleat on the wall and secure them with drywall screws. Lastly, mount the shelf.
If your shelf is heavier than 30 lbs, it may be too heavy for your drywall and metal cleats. An efficient technique would be to use French cleats supported by studs.
How Much Weight Can Drywall Hold?
Surprisingly, drywall can hold up to 20 lbs of weight without the support of studs. However, using the appropriate mounting method is necessary to avoid making too many holes in your drywall.
If you’re planning to mount something heavier than 20 lbs, you should consider attaching it to the studs behind your drywall. You can use a stud finder to locate them, but you must avoid screwing into wiring or other installations attached to the studs.
Before you mount your TV or heavy shelf on drywall, it’s essential to determine its weight. For example, an LG 65-inch TV weighs around 60 lbs. Taking this into consideration, you should locate the wall studs and choose the most convenient anchors with that load capacity.
If the studs are too far apart, connect a piece of plywood to the studs. Then, attach the TV mount to the plywood.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the condition of your wall and its thickness, you’ll be able to decide how to hang a heavy shelf on drywall.
Moreover, the heavier your TV is, the safer it is to consider using wall studs to support its weight.
Now, grab your tools and get to work! Don’t you have something to mount?
A shelf in a bathroom or kitchen can be very useful. It allows you to store a lot of items very neatly. Shelves can last a long time. It is important that it is installed properly though. In this post, we have outlined how you can do this. This can involve some drilling. Make sure that you use great tools and personal protection materials for this. Shelves come in a lot of sizes and weights. The right approach depends on the type of wall you have and the shape and weight of the shelve.
