Hey everyone! I'm trying to hang a heavy shelf on my wall, which is made of plaster over brick. I think I have some studs in there as well, maybe between the plaster and brick. The shelf came with plastic anchors, but I'm unsure if I should get anything special for this setup. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
If you end up drilling into a spot without a stud, then yes, you'll want to use a plastic anchor. The anchors help distribute the weight and hold the shelf securely. Just make sure the anchor is rated for the weight of your shelf plus whatever you plan to put on it. It sounds like you've got a solid plan!
For hanging a heavy shelf, it's best to attach it directly to the studs in your wall. Typically, studs are spaced about 16 inches apart, but this can vary, so it's a good idea to use a stud finder to locate them. If you don't have a stud finder, you can look for nails or screws in the wall, or try knocking on the wall to help identify where the studs might be. Once you find a stud, you'll want to use 2.5 to 3-inch wood screws to secure your shelf. Just remember, you don't need anchors if you're going into a stud!