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How to install a shelf on a plasterboard wall?

Tshelf
Growing in Experience

How to install a shelf on a plasterboard wall?

Hi,

I want to build a shelf in the gap between a built-in closet and the door of a room. The shelf itself is a piece of 17mm plywood. One of the sides will be attached to the door frame. I was planning on attaching 42x19 pine onto the studs of the 3 walls, but the closet side has no studs. Will these drywall anchors do the job? I'm considering making a wooden frame with supports running down the middle, but I'm not sure if its necessary.

 

ShelfA.pngShelfB.png

Tshelf
Growing in Experience

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Thanks @EricL ,

Will UNi-PRO 500g Multi Purpose Interior Filler  be fine for filling the 13mm hole? I won't need the toggle bolts now that I found a stud I can attach the frame to. Ended up making a lot of mistakes but I'm glad it wasn't anything serious.

 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Hello @Tshelf 

 

Yes, the UNi-PRO 500g Multi Purpose Interior Filler will do just fine. It's all part of the learning process, next time you put up a shelf you will be more confident and have a much better idea of what needs to be done.

 

Eric

 

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Tshelf
Growing in Experience

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Hi @EricL, I've finally put the shelf up, it seems stable but one corner is a little wobbly. Takes a bit of weight for it to sag down a couple millimeters but I don't want to take my chances. Forgot to account for the wall not being perfectly square, I knew it wasn't square but it slipped my mind while assembling the frame. I placed a nut as a spacer so I wouldn't warp the frame while I screwed it in place. There's an 8mm gap from the stud and the frame, I was thinking of using a nut and bolt with washers but I'm not sure how best to resolve my mistake. I don't want to redo the frame if possible.

 Shelf Done.PNGShelf Frame.PNG8mm gap.PNG

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Hello @Tshelf 

 

I know the feeling! I've done this particular exercise so many times and forget that the area I'm installing is not square. I propose using either a piece of timber moulding such as the Porta 40 x 8mm 1.2m Clear Pine Square Edged Board cut down to short lengths to fill the gap or use Delf Assorted Builders Wedge - 24 Pack. Once the gap is filled you should get a much firmer fit.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

"I know the feeling! I've done this particular exercise so many times and forget that the area I'm installing is not square."

 

Ditto that my learned friend! @EricL 

 

Just a thought @Tshelf 

Only a thought.

Cheers.

 

20251121_094952.jpg

 

AlanM52
Amassing an Audience

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Hi @Noyade,

CC: @Tshelf 

 

May I tamper with your sketch.

20251121_094952B.jpg

Use a bracket and trim the front.

Pine Rounded Edging Bead.jpg

With Pine Rounded Edging Bead

 

Cheers

 

 

Noyade
Home Improvement Guru

Re: Putting up a shelf and wall anchors

Hi Alan @AlanM52 

 

"May I tamper with your sketch."

 

You may - and you did. 😁

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