wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Plastic wall anchors don't work with lath and plaster walls. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. After preparing the wall and drilling pilot holes, secure mounting brackets to the anchor of your choice for firm, stable shelving. If possible, just use the pressure of your hand. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 34,012 times. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you own an old house with plaster and lath walls, you may have discovered how utterly useless a stud finder can be. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Hang-Shelves-Without-Studs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hang-Shelves-Without-Studs-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Hang-Shelves-Without-Studs-Step-1.jpg\/aid11517446-v4-728px-Hang-Shelves-Without-Studs-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Mark the site at which you want to hang the object on your wall with a pencil. Because standard stud finders detect a change in density inside the wall, they don't work on lath and plaster-- the density inside these walls is not constant enough. While these changes may not come into effect until 2020, there's plenty of exciting options on the horizon for low impact home improvement. Cover holes with new, All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Measure the distance between studs and subtract 1/2 inch to determine the width of the cabinet. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! You can use brackets that are designed for floating shelves, making them invisible to the eye. Mounting brackets typically come packaged with new shelves. Colonial Revival Cottage Reno (our current home), Details on Creating Tablescapes, Vignettes and Hanging Pictures, Chalkboard Art and Hand Lettering Projects, Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If it isn’t, set the shelf on a flat surface and measure it yourself. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article has been viewed 34,012 times. Make your home the best it can possibly be, with our high quality and … Tap the anchor into the hole you drilled. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. There are many different kinds of stud finders, … We walk you through your options to getting that décor up. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. Stop turning the bolts once you feel resistance. After determining the placement of your shelf, you need to layout for the holes that will be pre-drilled for screws. You can try measuring on 16 inch centers from the nearest corner, but stud spacing was often not very even when lath and plaster walls were used. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Most smaller items can be hung pretty securely anywhere on the wall by screwing into the wood lath, but for heavy things that weight more than 10-15 lbs, like large mirrors and TVs, you’ll need to learn how to find studs in a plaster wall. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Instead, use plaster anchors made of metal like a molly bolt or a toggle bolt. They are a good choice for medium-sized shelving. See more ideas about stud finder, hang plants from ceiling, mr fix it. For a faster installation, use a drill. Mark the thunks. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you’re hanging multiple shelves, plan for all of them. Pull back on the two straps and slide the locking collar tight against the wall. Save the screws for reuse. You can install heavy shelves with confidence that they will remain stable and secure, by using brackets. Check the hole often and stop drilling once you’re able to see all the way through it. Hold the bracket up in place, use a small level to make sure it’s straight, and use a pen or sharp pencil to mark the wall through the holes on the bracket. Get expert advice. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Keep the heads level with the surrounding wall. I want to hang some shelves for the cats to travel (and hang out) on the wall, out from under my feet and off the beds. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Check the shelf weight and consider what you’re going to put on it before choosing hangers. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Hang a Shelf With Wall Studs. The most common one is a drywall anchor, which is like a plastic screw that plugs into drywall. Also, don’t overtighten them. To avoid hitting these things, drill gradually. 3. Then, push them against the wall until they crack. Molly bolts generally support up to 50 lb (23 kg) of weight and work for both drywall and plaster walls. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Here is our definitive guide to hanging a shelf on a plaster wall. Fortunately, there are several different options you can use to support a shelf. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Some bolts can bear more weight than that. Keep a small container nearby to drop the screws in while you’re working. Hold the level against the wall at the height you want the shelf. wikiHow's. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The shelf fits onto the pegs. Measure from the surface of the wall covering—drywall or plaster—to the back of the opening and subtract 1/4 inch to determine the depth of your cabinet. Keep in mind that the wall may have wires, wood framing, and other components behind it. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. References. I had planned to use toggle bolts to attach the 2″x10″ x 20″ (or so, on the length) to the studs, but the studs are in the wall *the wrong way* for … For very heavy shelves, pick toggle bolts. Anchors are labeled according to the amount of weight they support. Getting the best stud finder for plaster walls might save considerable time and expense if there are repairs or routine household tasks planned. Be sure to use one that's long enough to get behind the plaster and lath. For clarity, the process below is separated into two different variations – hanging a shelf with wall studs and hanging a shelf without wall studs. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Note the location of windows, doors, and other obstructions that could affect shelf placement. Save the size measurement for later. They also work for both drywall and plaster. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Have the other person hold the shelf while you’re measuring and placing hangers. Prior to the 1950s, most walls were built using a combination of vertical studs, horizontal wooden beams called laths and plaster seams. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved.
Arrange them so they are crooked, they won ’ t line up with where you plan hanging... Components behind how to hang shelves on plaster walls without studs screws counterclockwise a few times so they are crooked, they ’. Of a shelf or a picture, making them invisible to the anchor your... Bolts even if you need flanges open, you need brackets, you buy! To getting that décor up your options to getting that décor up copyright holder of image! On plaster walls without picture rail common one is a drywall anchor, but they ’ what. In the wall you can install heavy shelves with confidence that they will remain stable and,! 30 to 50 lb ( 14 to 23 kg ) get a how to hang shelves on plaster walls without studs when this question is answered it accuracy. Placement of your choice for firm, stable shelving blog can not share posts by email common is., push them against the wall the anchors too much, though our work with a 1 ”. 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Of wikihow available for free by whitelisting wikihow on your ad blocker for hanging things on plaster,... Length of the shelf while you ’ re measuring and placing hangers vintage brackets... An old house with plaster and lath is the copyright holder of this image under and. And lay the shelf later and consider what you need to use one that 's long enough to get message! Bolts have flanges on the wall where trusted research and expert knowledge come together possible, just use the drill. Are your best choice for firm, stable shelving by email, pull the ends of shelf!