How do you know whether a wall is plaster, wood, or conrete?

Question

I need to install a shelf into my wall and I don't know how to. I have the screws and plastic plugs(in case its plaster). How do i do this?

Answer 1

Hi, Depending on what your going to put up,how much use it's gets and the kind of wall you plan on putting it on determines the best anchor for the job. You can tell what the wall is made of by looking at it,touching it,tapping on it. If it's concrete,you will know it.They usually don't put drywall,or wallboard over concrete.However, they do plaster over or use drywall over wood frames that are used in making the house. Those plastic anchors are fine for light weight shelving that isn't going to be constantly used. But if you plan on it being a holding place for books, car keys, mail, etc, would recommend a anchor that will support a heavier load.For plaster,or drywall(any wall that is hollow behind) I would use toggle bolts.They are easy to use, and will support alot of weight. In concrete, use either concrete screws(which I recentley used,and was quite impressed with) or lead screw anchors.If your lucky enough to have a stud where you are putting your shelf up,than you can use woodscrews.Studs are located every 16 inches in a wall, with a double framing stud at the corners and by a window frame or doorway. You can determine where they are by that, or use a ,"Stud Finder". Which everway you will end up doing,you'll need to predrill. Make sure to ask a knowlageable sales person what drill size to use,but they are listed on the packages,or bin lable of the anchor. Most times they give the ,"Working Load Limit" or how much weight it will support. Hope that helps you, and doesn't confuse you. Bye

Answer 2

Drill into the wall using a 'masonry bit' (less diameter than the screws you intend to use), if it is wood you will see it immediately from the dust, in which case you can screw your shelf straight into the wall. If the dust is at first an easily drilled powder before hitting something solid (after about a half inch),then you can drill on to the depth of your plastic plug (U.K.'Rawlplug'). If it is concrete you will notice the resistance immediately, so do the same and drill to the depth of your plug. If,on the other hand, you drill into the aforementioned easily drilled plaster, and there is a gap before you hit something solid, then you will require special 'Plasterboard Plugs' ('cos your wall is a 'stoothing wall')
Rough guide for screws-- one third holding the work, two thirds in the wall.

Answer 3

Try hammering a thin nail into the wall. If it crumbles a bit, it's plaster. If it goes in easily for a 1/2 inch, it's drywall. If you meet resistance immediately, it's wood.

-MM

Answer 4

Tap a small hole in it. If the nail won't go in it's most likely concrete. If it goes in, wiggle it out and see if there is white on the nail. If there is, it's plaster. Otherwise, it's wood.

Answer 5

Ask a carpenter friend. Or a do it yourselfer that knows what he's doing. They can drill a small hole or look at the door jam and tell.

Answer 6

You forgot drywall. It could be drywall. Yes, you have to be very careful, if you don't know you need to find out.

Answer 7

Bang you head against it to see how hard it is...the more brain cells you kill, the harder the wall's substance is.