Hang heavy shelves securely on any wall

Heavy items such as bookshelves, large mirrors and wall-mounted TVs need more than a basic plug and screw. The right fixing depends on whether the wall is solid masonry, plasterboard on studs or plasterboard on dabs. This guide builds on basic drilling skills to help you fix heavy loads safely.

Step by step

1. Identify the wall type

   Knock on the wall: a hollow sound suggests plasterboard on a timber or metal frame, while a solid sound suggests brick or block. A test hole in a hidden spot shows the dust colour: red or grey for masonry, white followed by nothing for hollow board.