Anchoring furniture to the wall is a great way to secure top-heavy items and prevent tipping accidents. Properly installed anchors can provide peace of mind and protect both your valuables and loved ones. Here are two effective methods for anchoring furniture to walls.
Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before getting started, you’ll need to gather a few key supplies:
- Stud finder – to locate studs behind the drywall
- Power drill and drill bits – matched to the size of your wall anchors
- Wall anchors – select anchors rated for the weight of your furniture
- Screws – choose screws long enough to secure the furniture
- Tape measure – to find studs and mark screw locations
- Level – to ensure furniture is mounted straight
- Pencil – to mark the wall at screw locations
Optional but helpful supplies include a hammer, screw drivers, and protective eyewear.
Method 1: Use Wall Studs
Whenever possible, attaching furniture directly to the wall studs provides the most secure anchor. Here are the steps:
Locate and Mark the Studs
Use a stud finder to identify the position of the studs behind the drywall where you want to mount the furniture. Mark the centers of each stud with a pencil.
Pre-Drill Holes
Use a power drill to pre-drill holes at the marked stud locations. Select a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws to avoid splitting the wood.
Attach Furniture to Studs
Line up the furniture so the back aligns with the pre-drilled holes. Insert screws through the back of the furniture and into the wall studs. Tighten securely using a power drill or screwdriver.
Stud mounting provides robust support for heavy furniture like bookcases, TV stands, and dressers. For lighter items, wall anchors may suffice.
Method 2: Use Hollow Wall Anchors
For drywall without conveniently aligned studs, hollow wall anchors are an excellent solution. Here’s how to use anchors properly:
Select Appropriate Anchors
Consider the furniture weight and choose anchors rated to meet or exceed it. Some common types are toggle bolts, sleeve anchors, and lag shields.
Install the Anchors
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to insert anchors into pre-drilled holes. Tap or twist them in using a hammer or screwdriver until flush with the wall.
Attach the Furniture
Line up the back of the furniture with the inserted anchors. Insert screws through the furniture back and into the anchors. Tighten the screws fully to secure the furniture to the wall.
Anchors make it easy to mount furniture virtually anywhere on drywall. Use the recommended number of anchors to distribute weight evenly.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips for optimal results when anchoring furniture:
- Use quality anchors and screws rated for the weight of the furniture. Don’t skimp on materials.
- Ideally use at least two anchors spaced widely apart to stabilize the furniture.
- Make sure the furniture back lays flat against the wall so weight is transferred directly to the anchors.
- Level any tipped furniture and tighten the screws fully for maximum holding power. Retighten periodically.
- For extra safety with dressers, also use included tip-over restraint straps or brackets if available.
Properly anchoring furniture keeps valued belongings secure and reduces safety hazards in the home. Take the time to do it right, using studs or anchors suited for the weight of the pieces you wish to secure. With the right hardware and techniques, you can stabilize furniture and add security with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anchoring Furniture to Walls
What types of furniture should be anchored to walls?
Tall, top-heavy furniture like bookcases, dressers, armoires, and entertainment centers should be anchored. This prevents accidental tipping which can injure children.
How much weight can hollow wall anchors hold?
Anchor weight limits vary by type, but common anchors hold between 50-500 pounds each. Always check manufacturer ratings and use anchors suited for your furniture’s weight.
Should I use anchors or attach to studs?
Stud mounting provides the strongest bond, so use that method whenever possible. But hollow wall anchors are a convenient alternative for mounting furniture anywhere on drywall.
How many anchors should I use for a heavy dresser?
A minimum of two or three anchors spaced widely apart on the dresser back are recommended. More may be needed for extremely heavy dressers holding over 100 pounds.
Is there a risk of damaging my walls with anchors?
With plastic expansion anchors, there is minimal wall damage. Using improper anchors or screws that are too large can crack drywall. Fill any small holes if relocating furniture.
Can I anchor furniture to plaster walls?
Yes, use special plasterboard anchors designed to grip onto the brittle plaster surface. Avoid conventional plastic expansion anchors which can tear out of plaster.
Do anchor ratings apply to brick or concrete walls?
No, anchor ratings are specifically for drywall and plaster walls. Use a concrete anchoring system when securing furniture to brick or concrete.
Conclusion
Anchoring unstable furniture properly provides invaluable protection from accidents in the home. While attaching to studs is ideal, hollow wall anchors offer a convenient and effective solution for mounting furniture on drywall without alignment to studs. Just be sure to select anchors appropriately rated for the weight of the furniture, and install them correctly by pre-drilling holes and screwing them in securely. With suitable anchors properly positioned, you can stabilize dressers, bookcases, TV stands and other top-heavy items quickly and safely.