Mounting Shelves On Plaster Walls

Plaster walls are a common feature in older homes, and while they can be beautiful, they can also be a challenge to hang shelves on. The key is to use the right anchors and to be careful not to damage the wall.

The first step is to choose the right anchors. There are a few different types of anchors that are suitable for plaster walls, but the most common are toggle bolts and molly bolts. Toggle bolts are a good choice for light to medium-weight shelves, while molly bolts are better for heavier shelves.

Once you have chosen the right anchors, you need to drill pilot holes for them. The pilot holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the anchors. When drilling the pilot holes, be careful not to drill too deep. You only need to drill deep enough to accommodate the anchor.

Once the pilot holes are drilled, you can insert the anchors. Toggle bolts are inserted by pushing them through the pilot hole and then folding the wings out. Molly bolts are inserted by screwing them into the pilot hole until the head of the bolt is flush with the surface of the wall.

Once the anchors are in place, you can hang the shelves. Be sure to use screws that are long enough to penetrate the anchors and into the wall. When screwing in the screws, be careful not to overtighten them. Overtightening the screws can damage the wall.

With a little care, you can easily hang shelves on plaster walls. Just be sure to use the right anchors and to be careful not to damage the wall.

Here are some additional tips for hanging shelves on plaster walls:

If you are hanging a heavy shelf, it is a good idea to use two or more anchors.

If you are not sure how deep to drill the pilot holes, err on the side of caution and drill too shallow rather than too deep.

When screwing in the screws, use a slow, steady motion. Avoid using a drill or power screwdriver, as this can easily damage the wall.

If you make a mistake, don't panic. You can usually remove the anchors and start over.

If you are hanging shelves on a plaster wall that has been painted, be sure to sand the paint off the area where the anchors will be installed. This will help to ensure a secure hold.