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The project:
Anchoring furniture to the wall is a simple but essential step in preventing tip-over accidents, especially in homes with children or pets.
This guide walks you through the tools, materials and steps needed to safely secure common household furniture like bookcases, dressers or entertainment units.
- Materials:
- Tools:
- Step 1:
Identify furniture that needs to be anchored
Furniture tip-overs are a serious safety hazard in many homes and can cause injuries, particularly to young children. Items such as bookshelves, wardrobes, dressers, and cabinets can become unstable if they are bumped, climbed on, or if heavy drawers are opened.
Tall and narrow furniture is especially prone to tipping, while drawer units can become front-heavy when multiple drawers are extended. Furniture that children might attempt to climb, such as TV stands or tall cabinets, also carries a risk of toppling.
Anchoring furniture items to the wall is a simple preventative measure that greatly reduces the chance of accidents and helps create a safer home environment.
- Step 2:
Understand wall types
Before installing anchors it is important to identify the type of wall you are working with so that the furniture can be secured safely. Most homes have either timber stud walls or masonry walls made of brick or concrete.
Timber stud walls consist of plasterboard attached to a timber frame, and the studs provide the strength needed for secure anchoring. A stud finder can help locate these studs, or you can lightly tap the wall and listen for a solid sound that indicates a stud behind the plasterboard.
Masonry walls feel solid across the entire surface and are typically constructed from brick or concrete.
It is important not to anchor furniture directly into plasterboard alone, as it does not have enough strength to support the weight or force of tipping furniture. Anchors should always be installed into timber studs or masonry for proper support.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when drilling into your wall. Make sure your stud finder has a plumbing and electrical detection feature so as not to accidentally drill into the house utilities.
Here’s a helpful guide: How to use a stud finder.
- Step 3:
Choose the right safety brackets
Selecting the correct hardware is essential to ensure the furniture remains securely anchored. Common options include L-brackets, anti-tip straps, TV anchors and metal safety anchors designed specifically for securing furniture to walls.
The best choice will depend on the size and weight of the furniture. Heavier items may require strong metal brackets, while lighter furniture can often be secured using anti-tip straps.
When choosing brackets, consider the strength of the material and ensure the screws are long and thick enough to reach solid timber studs or masonry. At a minimum, use screws at least 50mm long into the wall studs. Using reliable hardware designed for this purpose helps ensure the furniture remains secure even if it is bumped or pulled.
- Step 4:
Install brackets into studs or masonry
Installing the wall bracket depends on whether the wall contains timber studs or masonry.
For timber stud walls, begin by locating the stud using a stud finder. Once the stud is identified, mark the position of the bracket with a pencil and drill a small pilot hole to help guide the screw and prevent the timber from splitting. Position the bracket over the stud and secure it firmly using suitable wood screws.
For masonry walls, Stahl Wall plug kits include everything you need. Use the masonry drill bit included in the kit to create holes in the wall. Insert the wall plug into the holes, then attach the bracket using screws. When drilling into any wall, it is important to wear personal protection. Also double check for hidden electrical wiring or plumbing fittings before drilling.
- Step 5:
Attach brackets to the furniture
To secure the furniture to the installed wall bracket, locate a strong part of the furniture frame such as the top rail, frame, or a solid back or side panel where the bracket can be attached. Avoid thin or decorative panels that may not support the screws properly.
Use screws that are long enough to provide a firm hold without penetrating through the visible surface of the furniture or splitting the wood. Ensure the bracket sits flush against the furniture and tighten the screws securely. Repeat the process for the other side of the furniture.
Once installed, gently pull the furniture forward to test the connection. If anchored correctly, the furniture should remain firmly in place and unable to tip forward.
