Pictures, mirrors, shelves, TVs and curtain rods all depend on the wall behind them. Homes around Warragul and Drouin have plasterboard walls in newer estates, brick and blockwork in some homes, and lath and plaster or timber linings in older houses. Each needs a different approach. This guide explains the basics.

Know your wall

• Plasterboard on timber or steel studs: most homes built in recent decades. Hollow between studs.
• Brick or block: solid masonry, in some internal walls and many external walls.
• Lath and plaster: older homes, with thin timber strips behind plaster. Can crumble when drilled.
• Timber linings: some older homes and extensions.
• Fibre-cement sheeting: wet areas and older homes. Sheeting in homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos; do not drill it without testing.

Knock on the wall: a hollow sound usually means plasterboard between studs, a solid sound may mean a stud or masonry.

Find the studs

Studs are usually spaced around 450 or 600 millimetres apart. A stud finder helps, as do clues like skirting nails and power points, which are often fixed to studs. Heavy items such as TVs, large mirrors, shelves for books and grab rails should be fixed into studs or noggins wherever possible.

Choose the right fixing

• Light pictures on plasterboard: picture hooks with angled nails, or adhesive hooks rated for the weight.
• Medium items on plasterboard between studs: hollow wall anchors, spring toggles or plasterboard anchors rated for the load.
• Heavy items: screw into studs, or use heavy-duty toggles only where rated for the load.
• Brick and block: masonry plugs or anchors, drilled with a masonry bit.
• Lath and plaster: find the studs, or use fixings designed for older walls.

Always check the rated load of a fixing, and allow a good safety margin.

Avoid hidden services

Electrical cables and water pipes run inside walls. Cables often run straight up or down from power points and switches, and horizontally at certain heights. Pipes run near bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. Never drill directly above or below power points or switches, and use a detector before drilling. If you hit a cable or pipe, stop immediately and call a licensed electrician or plumber.

Get it level

Use a spirit level or laser level. For groups of pictures, lay them out on the floor first, then mark positions on the wall with masking tape.

TVs

TV brackets carry a lot of weight leveraged away from the wall, especially tilting and swing-arm brackets. They must be fixed into studs or solid masonry with appropriate fixings. Concealing cables inside walls may involve electrical work for new power points, which must be done by a licensed electrician. See TV wall mounting.

Tall furniture

Anchor bookcases, wardrobes and chests of drawers to the wall to prevent tip-overs, which can seriously injure children.

Get help

If you would rather have it done, see picture and shelf hanging, or send your list through our free quote form.