I have a floating shelf from ikea and need to know what size anchors to use to mount it to my wall?

Question

IKEA floating wooden shelf, please help me to know what size of anchors I need to use to mount the shelf to my wall (its drywall) and I want to mount it so it holds about 5 kg of weight. THANKS!

Answer 1

Add to the weight you wish to put on the shelf, the weight of the shelf itself, and look on packages of anchors to determine what weight limits are suggested.

Without knowing the span of the shelf, I suggest you "Anchor" the brackets to studs, at 16 inch centers. That way, with the proper screw size, and without loading cinderblocks onto the shelf, you'll have a much more secure setup.

If that isn't possible there are two alternate ways you can go. I prefer the latter.

1. Hollow wall anchors. They are thin bolts/screws with a fip out anchor at the end. The issue with them is, that even though they may accept more weight, they also require a large hole to insert into the drywall.

2. Plastic anchors, hollow interior, looking much like an abstract screw, they are pointed and threaded. Once it's determined where they need to be, a tap with a hammer, and screwing them in with a screw driver until the flange is flush, will offer a hole to screw the bracket into.

The only real issue with a shelf in drywall is that it defines two types of weight load. One being "Shear" weight (That being straight down) while the other burden is in the width from the wall, of the shelf, and the weight added to it, pulling perpendicular to the wall and anchors. It isn't strictly Rocket Science, though it is a law of physics.

Determine where the brackets are in relation to where you want the shelf to "float"; measure more than once, and perhaps within an aesthetic range, you can attach the brackets to studs.

Steven Wolf
(The Rev.)

Answer 2

If you can, try to get your screws into the studs. You can find them by using a stud finder or just by knocking on the wall. Or if the area will be hidden, you can drill small holes in the drywall to find where the stud is. The wall will sound a bit more solid where the stud is. If you are able to find the studs, a nice long 2" drywall or decking screw will work nicely.

If you are unable to find a stud or for some reason cannot put a screw into a stud you can use something called a toggle bolt. I don't like using toggle bolts but sometimes they are necessary given the weight of what you are trying to hang. A 2 or 3 inch toggle bolt would work here.

Another popular anchor are the Scorpion self drilling anchors. Not sure irf that is the brand name or the name on the anchor itself. It looks like a big screw with a hole in it. It also has a point on one end for piercing the drywall. Push or lightly hammer the tip into the drywall. With a philips head screwdriver or screw gun place some pressure on it and screw it into the drywall, stopping when the anchor is flush with the drywall. You will have a hole in the middle of this anchor to put your screw in. I have had lots of luck with these. As far as what size to use, they usually are a standard size. I haven't seen different sizes in this type of anchor. The screw length is about an inch and a half but once tightened, very strong.

Try this link, it may show you a pic.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.itwbrands.com/cms/core/editor_images/EZancor_zinc.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.itwbrands.com/brand_details.aspx%3FbrandID%3D1&h=200&w=155&sz=8&hl=en&start=4&tbnid=zKmJNuem6ONJ2M:&tbnh=104&tbnw=81&prev=/images%3Fq%3Ddrywall%2Banchor%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG

Answer 3

Ikea Ribba Shelf

Answer 4

Ikea Floating Shelf

Answer 5

Question, if there are no studs, then what is the dry wall attached to? They are normally 16 inches on center. Try again, use your finger and tap the wall, when you hear a solid sound, mark the location with a pencil. At the height the shelf will be attached, drive a 3 or 4 penny finish nail through the sheet rock. If you hit the stud, then pull it out and drive it back in a little to the left and right. Do this to locate the exact center of the stud.

Answer 6

Try to find some studs behind the drywall, they are placed every 16 inches from the corner. then you can use 2" drywall screws. If you have to put them in hollow drywall you need 3/8" by 3" ,are close to that '"toggle" bolts. Just look on the package for the amount of weight. I Love IKEA stuff. lol

Answer 7

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