Plasterboard is an affordable material used in construction for walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. While it’s a common option in homes and commercial properties, fixing items to plasterboard can be challenging as it isn’t designed to hold heavy loads.
To ensure safe and secure installation of shelves, mirrors, TVs, curtain rails, and other home décor items, selecting the right plasterboard fixing is essential. Here, we highlight some of the best plasterboard fixings, discuss the options required for specific loads, and share our top installation tips.
There are numerous types of plasterboard fixings to choose from, and the right choice depends on the weight of the item you’re looking to fix to the wall or ceiling. Two common options include:
Wall plugs – Wall plugs can be used to fix light items to plasterboard and have a load-bearing capacity that must be adhered to. They work by expanding inside the plasterboard once a screw has been inserted.
Spring toggles – Spring toggles are made from metal and feature spring-loaded wings which open up behind the plasterboard. They are useful for distributing weight over a wide area and are suitable for fixing medium/heavy items to plasterboard.
The type of plasterboard fixing you should choose depends on what you’re looking to fix to the wall or ceiling. For loads under 10kg, such as picture frames, small mirrors, and individual hooks, you can use plastic wall plugs, whereas loads weighing between 10kg and 25kg, like curtain rails, medium-sized mirrors, and shelves, should be fixed using spring toggles or cavity wall anchors.
Heavy loads weighing over 25kg, including large shelving units, wall-mounted TVs, or kitchen cabinets, need heavy-duty plasterboard fixings, like toggles bolted into wooden studs, to ensure they’re fixed securely.
When implementing plasterboard fixings, there are numerous factors to consider in ensuring the job is completed effectively. Read on for our top five installation tips.
1. Identify load requirements - Understanding the load requirements of your plasterboard fixing is extremely important, as choosing an unsuitable option can significantly damage the plasterboard.
2. Check for studs - A stud finder should be used to find studs behind the plasterboard. Fixing directly into a stud offers the most secure solution.
3. Pre-drill holes when required - Some plasterboard fixings, like toggles or cavity anchors, require pre-drilled holes. Ensure you follow instructions carefully and use the right drill bit for the job.
4. Use the correct screw length - Screws should be long enough to pass through the fixing and sit securely. If they’re too long, there’s a risk that they will damage the wall.
5. Time to test – Once your plasterboard fixing is in place, ensure you test it before you add load. The fixing should feel stable and secure. If it’s not, opt to either reinstall it or change the type of fixing.
At WF Supplies, we sell a wide range of fixings suitable for everything from light items to heavy loads, helping you to get the job done effectively and efficiently. Browse our collection and find the right plasterboard fixings for your project here.