#Drywall over lath and plaster walls series#

This will allow you to drill into the wall and securely attach the shelf bracket or anchor. Once you’ve located the studs, mark them with a pencil along the entire length of the shelf.

The studs will usually be around 16 to 24 inches apart, so make sure to measure accurately before marking the wall.

First, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs.

Here’s how you can easily mark the studs for hanging your shelves: Hanging shelves on lath and plaster walls doesn’t have to be complicated.Īll you need is a stud finder, a pencil, and a few handy tools to get started! How Do I Mark the Studs for Hanging Shelves? Magnetic Stud FinderĪnd lastly, if all else fails, use an electronic magnetic stud finder, which can help detect the wood walls behind drywall or lath and plaster walls so that you know where it’s safe to hang your shelves. When you hear it echo, then there’s probably a stud there, though this method isn’t always reliable. Tap along your wall with a screwdriver’s handle or mallet, or use an electronic stethoscope specifically made for this purpose if you have one. You can also try listening for where the studs are. Then, start drilling tiny holes in the wall that are evenly spaced out you’ll want to start at the top of the wall and work your way down.Īs soon as you hit a stud, move over a few inches and drill another hole until you have something that looks like a line of holes across the wall. You’ll want to use a small drill bit, about 1/4 inch in size. When it comes to hanging shelves on lath and plaster walls, the most important thing is finding the studs so that you can properly secure your shelves.īut how can you tell where the studs are when you’re dealing with lath and plaster walls? Drill Test The right hardware is essential for a safe and secure installation process, so take some time to pick out the right materials before you start! How Can I Tell Where the Studs Are?

Studs (optional): If your lath and plaster walls have easily accessible studs, utilize them for a secure hold! Be sure to double check prior to beginning any installation project.

Your bracket should be sturdy enough to carry your desired shelf weight and match the aesthetic of the room.

Shelf brackets: Select shelf brackets based on the type of shelves you plan on hanging.

Be sure to choose wall anchors that can hold more weight than you expect your shelves to carry, just in case.

Wall anchors: These are essential for providing extra support for heavier shelving.

Make sure to select screws or bolts that are long enough to reach beyond the backing. Long screws or lag bolts: These are the primary pieces of hardware that you’ll use to attach your shelf brackets to your wall.To safely secure shelves on lath and plaster walls, you need specific hardware. If there is not a direct hit when drilling into the wall, plastic anchors can be used to ensure secure mounting. Then you’ll need to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the mounting screws for your shelf bracket so that they will fit in the pilot holes without stripping them or damaging the surface of the lath and plaster wall. The first step is to determine where you want to place your shelf and mark it with a pencil or pen. This type of construction requires certain tools and techniques to ensure a secure installation for your shelves so that they do not come loose from the wall. On top of that lattice, a thin layer of plaster is applied, which forms the finished wall surface.īuilders usually use this type of wall construction in older homes, but they may also use it in some newer ones.

#Drywall over lath and plaster walls series#

The construction of lath and plaster walls involves laying out a series of wooden strips horizontally across the wall.Ī series of vertical studs called laths connect the strips together. However, before starting, it’s important to understand what lath and plaster walls are. Hanging shelves on a lath and plaster wall may seem daunting, but with the right instructions, it can be surprisingly easy.