How to install a hanging basket on either Hebel or Plasterboard?

[chloe_cole27]

I'd like to hang some hanging baskets up outside, but I'm not sure how to do it. My alfresco area has a plasterboard ceiling with a strip of Hebel on the very edge (picture for clarification). I was thinking of using a wall anchor with a hook on the end to hang them from the plasterboard, but I'm not sure if it can handle the weight. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @chloe_cole27,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, neither of these options is great because they are not structural in nature, which means they have very limited load-bearing capacity. When you combine the weight of the baskets with their unstable nature, the force exerted on the fixings will be quite significant.

How large are the hanging baskets you are looking to install? 

You need to consider the weight of the baskets when they are filled with wet soil. Wet soil is surprisingly heavy, so you're looking at getting up around 20kg+ depending on the size of the basket. You also need to consider the fact that the hanging baskets will swing when the wind blows.

If you are using small hanging baskets, then you might be able to use the ceiling framing, but I would still be very cautious and consider speaking with a carpenter or handy person for their assistance to ensure the ceiling framing is capable of supporting the load.

Unfortunately, without knowing the state of the ceiling framing, I wouldn't be 100% confident that this is the best option. Are there any other locations that could be options? Do you see any framing members that might be usable?

Do you have any other photos of the area from different angles? Some additional photos of the area might reveal something you hadn't considered

Let me know what you think. I will keep working with you towards a solution.

Jacob

[chloe_cole27]

Hi Jacob, thanks for your reply!

I was thinking the same thing, it might best if I talk to a handyman or something, I don't want to cause any damage!

I would only use smaller baskets, but I would want to use 2-4 of them, which would be a lot of weight in total.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @chloe_cole27,

Yeah, unfortunately, when you're hanging things overhead, it is better to be safe than sorry.

The ceiling framing still looks like it could be the best option, but it'd be best to have a professional out to make sure.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob