How do I fix something securely into plasterboard?

Plasterboard is about 12mm of compressed gypsum. It has almost no strength by itself, so every fixing works by spreading the load across a larger area behind the board — or by reaching the timber stud behind it.

What you'll need

• Stud detector
• Drill
• Spring toggles (optional)
• Self-drive plasterboard plugs (optional)

Step by step

1. Find the studs first.An electronic detector, or tap along the wall listening for the change from hollow to solid. Studs are usually 400 or 600mm apart.
2. Fix into a stud wherever possible.A wood screw into a stud is stronger than any plasterboard fixing. For anything heavy, this is the only fully reliable option.
3. Check for pipes and cables before drilling.A detector with a live wire setting. Cables run vertically and horizontally from sockets and switches, so avoid drilling directly above or beside them.
4. For light items, use self-drive plasterboard plugs.They screw straight into the board with a screwdriver, no drilling. Suitable for small pictures and light fittings up to a few kilograms.
5. For medium loads, use plastic expanding anchors.They open out behind the board. Better than self-drive plugs but still limited — check the rated load, and derate it in practice.
6. For heavy items, use spring toggles or metal cavity anchors.They open a large wing behind the board and spread the load widely. This is the strongest plasterboard-only fixing available.
7. Use several fixings and spread them out.Load shared across four fixings well apart is far stronger than two close together. Never rely on a single fixing for anything heavy.
8. Derate everything against the stated capacity.Rated loads assume perfect installation and static weight. Something being pulled on, like a shelf people lean on, needs a substantial margin.

Tips

• For a heavy TV or wall unit, fix a timber batten across two studs and mount to the batten. It spreads the load properly and is the standard professional approach.
• Old lath and plaster walls behave differently and need different fixings. Check what you have before buying anything.
• Note where the studs are before you fill the holes. It saves finding them again next time.

Common mistakes

• Using an ordinary wall plug in plasterboard — It is designed to expand against solid masonry. In plasterboard it simply crumbles the board and pulls out.
• Hanging something heavy on plasterboard fixings alone — For a TV, a heavy mirror or a shelf that will be leaned on, fix into studs or a batten across studs.
• Drilling without checking for cables — Cables run vertically and horizontally from sockets and switches. A detector costs little compared with an electrical repair.

Questions people ask