install wall shelves to lath and plaster

INSTALL WALL SHELVES TO LATH AND PLASTER INSTALL
INSTALL WALL SHELVES TO LATH AND PLASTER SERIES

I assumed this was because I was not only hitting the studs, but also the wood lathing, which produced wood shavings at intervals between 16inches.Īs a last resort, I decided to tie a strong magnet to some dental floss to try and find nails holding the lath to the studs and to my surprise it stuck to the wall. This method has not produced consistent results. I measured 16' from either end of the wall and began drilling little holes. I've drilled a number of holes trying to locate the studs, which I assume are on 16' centers (building was built in 1931). Listening for the studs while banging on the wall. I have tried all of the methods outlined on the internet. Luckily, I have the power of the internet which is rendering my books obsolete and is quite a bit lighter and doesnt require shelving.

INSTALL WALL SHELVES TO LATH AND PLASTER INSTALL

I have recently moved into an apartment in the lovely neighborhood of Greenpoint Brooklyn and am trying to install a shelf into a plaster and lath wall that will need to support the weight of many books about 'how to find studs in plaster and lath walls.' Although the knowledge is at my fingertips I suffer from a rare psychological disorder that prevents me from reading books not on shelves. Again, the shelves came with a little piece of nylon strap that you are supposed to screw into the wall with a single cheapo anchor, and that is supposed to be sufficient.Greetings all ye experts on patching and plastering.

Anyway, the forces as it begins to fall would be very small. Each large strip can handle about 5 pounds in shear, so I figure they can handle more tension perpendicular to the surface. Rock solid, and no vibration.Ĭommand strips are removable, even after years of use. So to control that, and to add an additional level of protection, I stuck a 2x4 to the wall using six large 3M Command adhesive strips, and then bolted the shelf uprights to the 2x4. IKEA Ivar, if you are interested.)īut like most things IKEA, these are made with the minimum structure required, and while they don’t lean or rack, they do bow from side to side a little. They cannot fall over, unless the sides collapse catastrophically (they are open, ladder-like assemblies predrilled for shelf supports. So the bookshelves are essentially wedged into place against the ceiling. With books filling the bookshelves, you can’t see the 1x2s. Then I tightened the adjustable feet to make sure it was tight. I just set them up then, screwed a piece of 1x2 to the side of each bookshelf close to the wall, snugged up tight to the ceiling. The bookshelves are floorstanding but quite tall, standing about 4 inches below the ceiling. In case it is helpful at all, I’ll post what I ended up doing. The only way there isn’t is if it’s solid concrete in which case that’s easy

Even if it is solid plaster there should still be some structural element you could fasten to. If you do need to anchor through whole wall you can put a wall mounted coat rack or shelf on the other side or hang a picture or painting over bolts. Just away from potential electrical or plumbing and limit drill depth to about an inch.

INSTALL WALL SHELVES TO LATH AND PLASTER SERIES

(Or previous homeowner special who knows what.) 5' From floor Could Just Be Lots Of Debris In Wall cavity, I Would Suggest Going up higher, Maybe 3’ or at your actual height, And doing s series of small,Easily Patchable, Like 1/8'-1/4' Test holes in a pattern to Try And find lathe(if it’s plaster) Probably 3 Holes At 3/4-1' Apart vertically Also Maybe 1-2’ Over another Set. What Bit did you drill with? I Think A Standard Bit in a non-hammer Drill Would Have decent Resistance If It Was Solid Plaster. I’m not the most experienced to comment since I’ve got limited regional and condo experience.

Install wall shelves to lath and plaster