Best Ways to Hang Floating Shelves on Thin Drywall with a Concrete Back?

15 August 2025 3 answers
Asked by SunnySky99
I'm looking for advice on hanging floating shelves in my apartment. The challenge is that my drywall is only 3/4 inches thick, and behind it is a concrete wall that I'm not allowed to drill into because it's structural to the building. I've tried different types of anchors and even cutting some down, but so far, nothing has worked. Any tips or creative solutions would be appreciated!

Answers

CuriousBuilder88
You could technically drill into the concrete if you consider it, but it sounds risky! If you're not supposed to and don’t own the apartment, I'd steer clear. At this point, maybe consider some lighter floating shelves or wall-mounted brackets that could hold less weight securely.
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SkepticalSam2021
It seems like a tough spot! If you had permission, a 3/16 or 1/4 inch Tapcons could work for concrete. But without that, I'd honestly say you need to rely on non-invasive solutions. Check for some cool wall-mounted systems that don’t need anchors.
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CraftyNinja42
Honestly, it sounds like you might be stuck. With only 3/4 inch of drywall, traditional shelving methods won’t work. I'd recommend looking into free-standing shelving alternatives instead. They can be stylish and functional without the need for damaging your walls.
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