Securely hang heavy items like TVs, mirrors, and paintings on drywall with plasterboard fixings. Traditional methods may lack stability, but there are a few methods that offer unmatched strength and reliability. By gripping the back of the drywall, they distribute weight evenly, minimizing damage risk. 

Whether it is a heavy mirror or a large painting, plasterboard fixings provide a solid anchor point. Once you master drywall hanging fundamentals, personalize your space with artwork or entertainment fixtures. Explore the guide on fixing drywall for added flexibility in rearranging your space. 

How to fasten heavy objects to plasterboard?

Follow this guide’s steps for safe and secure mounting of heavier objects on plasterboard with proper knowledge and planning.

How much does it weigh?

Start by determining the combined weight of the item to be mounted and any accompanying fixtures, such as a TV and wall bracket, to ensure safe installation.

How thick is the wall?

Determine the thickness of your inner wall’s wallboard, which is crucial for assessing weight support. 

Know where the studs are

Locate the studs on the wall where you will fasten the item. Tap the wall to detect solid areas or use a magnet to find steel studs. Alternatively, invest in a stud detector available at most DIY stores for accurate stud location.

Plan ahead

Based on the gathered information, plan anchor points accordingly:

• Single plasterboard: 15 kg/square meter
• Double plasterboard: 25 kg/square meter
• Triple plasterboard: 35 kg/square meter

Studs reinforce weight capacity: 15 kg to the left and 15 kg to the right of each stud. Adjust anchor points accordingly to ensure safe and secure mounting based on wallboard thickness and stud placement.

Let us try to illustrate an example to explain it. Considering the TV and wall bracket weighing 17 kg and a single plasterboard supporting 15 kg per square meter, anchor points are needed on both sides of the stud. This ensures the utilization of weight capacity for each square meter adjacent to the stud.

Mark the anchor points

Once wall thickness and weight capacity are determined, mark anchor points accordingly for safe and secure installation.

Select the right hollow wall anchor

Select the appropriate hollow wall anchor based on the plasterboard thickness and the weight and dimensions of the item being mounted.

Fasten the hollow wall anchor

Drill holes at marked locations and install the hollow wall anchor according to the instructions provided. If using Rapid anchors, a correctly sized drill bit is included for precise hole drilling.

Installing and hanging

Now, with proper planning and execution, you are ready to securely mount your item on the wall. Though it may seem daunting at first, following these steps ensures a safe and successful installation.

What if it is too heavy?

If your calculations reveal that the wall cannot support the intended weight, consider reinforcing it with horizontal studs for added strength and support.

Now that you have learned how to hang any objects on the drywall, you will have no difficulty hanging any heavy items on the wall of your home.