Every wall in your home is unique, and treating them all the same is a fast route to disaster (and a costly repair job!). Whether you are looking to hang a heavy mirror or a set of shelves, choosing the correct wall fixings guide is the key to a professional finish. Getting this right is a classic Handyperson skill.
Understanding the main wall types
Before you start, you need to know what you’re drilling into.
- Solid walls: These are typically found in older properties. They feel firm all over and are made of brick or stone. They require deep, robust anchors. You should be using fixings for brick walls.
- Solid block (breeze block): Common in 1970s–90s homes. These are softer than traditional brick but are still solid.
- Plasterboard over block/brick: A thin layer of plasterboard attached directly to a solid wall (often called ‘dot-and-dab’). This requires fixings that go through the plasterboard into the masonry behind.
- Stud wall (drywall): Common in internal walls and modern homes. They have a hollow cavity between the plasterboard and the timber/metal studs. They require specialist cavity fixings unless you hit a stud.
Choosing the right anchor for every job
The weight of the item dictates the strength of the fixing. Don’t guess—weigh your object.
| Wall type | Job weight (per fixing) | Recommended wall fixings guide |
| Solid Brick/Block | Light (1–5kg) | Standard plastic wall plug and screw. |
| Solid Brick/Block | Heavy (5kg+) | Hammer-fixings, specialist masonry plugs, or heavy duty wall anchors. |
| Plasterboard (Dot-and-Dab) | Light (1–5kg) | Long universal plug that goes through the plasterboard and expands firmly in the block/brick. |
| Stud/Drywall (Hollow) | Light (1–5kg) | Self-drilling plasterboard fixings (metal or plastic). These are the best wall plugs for plasterboard for lighter loads. |
| Stud/Drywall (Hollow) | Heavy (5kg+) | Toggle fixings (like toggle bolts or spring toggles). These are the only safe heavy duty wall anchors for hollow walls. Essential when you learn how to hang shelves on drywall. |
How to hang shelves on drywall safely
The biggest mistake homeowners make is assuming standard screw plugs will hold in drywall. They won’t! If you need to know how to hang shelves on drywall, always use one of two options:
- Hit a stud: Use a stud finder to locate the timber vertical supports behind the board, and screw directly into them with long wood screws.
- Use toggles: If you can’t hit a stud, use metal toggle fixings. These require a larger hole but spread the load across the back of the plasterboard, acting as a much stronger heavy duty wall anchors.
Why use Rated People for handyperson work?
Choosing the right fix is a basic task for a professional handyperson, but it can be a source of real stress and property damage for a homeowner. Our platform connects you with experienced tradespeople who know their toggles from their fischer plugs, ensuring your shelves stay put and your walls stay intact. They offer licensed, reliable help, giving you confidence every time.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.