How to hang items on a plasterboard wall

These days, most interior non-load bearing walls are made of plasterboard. Plasterboard, or gypsum board, is a plaster-based material designed to be screwed onto a timber or metal stud wall. Plasterboard partition walls are considered hollow surfaces since the plasterboard used to make them is brittle and only measures around 13mm in thickness. For this reason, you'll need to choose your wall plugs carefully if you want to install heavier items like frames or shelves. But of course a framed portrait won't weigh the same as a shelf full of your favourite books and that's why you also need to pick your fixings to match the weight of the items you want to hang as well as their position on the wall (i.e. vertical or horizontal).

As you'll see in the infographic above, plasterboard fixings all feature different designs. Some may require the use of a drill to secure while others, such as self-drilling wall plugs, won't. A 3kg mirror can be hung using a so-called universal plug (the yellow plug in the infographic). But if you are hanging anything heavier than that, it is advisable to use a fixing such as a hollow wall anchor (also known as a Molly bolt) or a heavy-duty universal plug designed to lock into place.

Specially designed for hollow materials these wall plugs provide a stronger grip. There is a wide range of plasterboard fixings available. Below we'll take you through some of the most commonly used options. It's worth nothing that the weights indicated are for guideline purposes only and refer to vertical loads. The maximum weight supported by hollow wall anchors, for example, depends on the diameter and length of the fixing. It is essential that you consult the manufacturer's recommendations for maximum weights.

Universal, or multi-purpose, wall plugs need to be installed using a drill fitted with a drill bit that matches the plug diameter. Special heavy-duty versions of these plugs are equipped with rotational fins which lock against the surface material for greater grip. They can be used to hang decorative items such as light mirrors, photo frames or paintings or heavier items if you have several anchor points. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions in terms of load capacity. As a rough indication, expect a heavy-duty plug to handle 5kg on its own or up to 80kg with multiple anchor points.

Self-tapping wall plugs can be used for lightweight to medium-weight items hung vertically (under 20kg). They are easy to use and only require the use of a screwdriver for fastening.

These self-drilling fixings, such as those made by the brand Spit, feature a special locking system. When the fixing is fastened, a leg is released which then folds back against the plasterboard. These fixings can handle vertical loads of up to 25kg and are easy to install using just a screwdriver.

Hollow wall anchors can be used to hold light to medium weight items in plasterboard. They may require the use of a setting tool to secure and should be chosen to match the weight of the object you want to hang. The most reliable plug for plasterboard, these fixings can hold 20 to 50 kg.

Self-drilling plasterboard fixings are generally designed to be installed using a hammer but can split the plasterboard if you aren't careful. You won't need a setting tool for these wall plugs. Self-tapping wall plugs are designed to be installed using a screwdriver and may require the use of a setting tool. A classic hollow wall anchor requires the use of a setting tool and drill.

How to secure heavy items in plasterboard

If you need to secure heavy objects like kitchen cabinets, a wash basin or a wall-hung toilet, you will need to install reinforcements behind the plasterboard. These reinforcements can consist of materials like steel profiles, or timber boards or battens. If you did not install these reinforcements as the partition wall was being built, you will have to cut the plasterboard around the area you want to secure your items before filling the gaps and sanding the surface.

You will then have to choose wall plugs to match the material used to reinforce the plasterboard. If the fixing is being secured directly in the material (e.g. in wood) be sure to select the appropriate screws. Another option is to try to aim for the stud wall behind the plasterboard using long wall plugs and to use threaded bolts and fixings designed for solid materials.

Spring toggles, also know as simply 'toggles', are special fixings used to secure pendant lights and any other overhead installation. These fixings are secured by legs which fold back on a surface as they are inserted into the plasterboard. You will need to use a drill for installation. A spring toggle can hold about 5kg max. in plasterboard.

Positioning the wall plugs

A tape measure may be required depending on the object that you want to secure. For example, you are hanging a split canvas painting, you will have to measure the position of each part using a tape measure. The same goes if you are installing a mirror in the middle of a hallway. If, on the other hand, you are securing any other item that doesn't need to be secured in any particular way you can position the item as you like.

Mark out your measurements

Using a spirit level will help you to avoid taking incorrect measurements if your floor or ceiling is not level. Your first vertical mark should be made using a tape measure – or not if you don't have any particular technical or aesthetic requirements – while your horizontal line should be drawn using a spirit level and tape measure.

• Plasterboard is a brittle material that can be pierced using a basic masonry drill bit. If you do reach the timber or metal stud wall on the other side, you can use a wood or metal drill bit to get through.

• BA13 (13mm) plasterboard is not designed to accommodate heavy items. That said, a hollow wall anchor can be used to secure up to 50kg across several anchor points while special heavy-duty knotting plugs can be used to hold up to 80 kg.

• Check the fixing packaging for drill hole guidelines required to insert the wall plug as well as the maximum weight allowed. Drill through the plasterboard with control to ensure the chuck jaws won't damage the surface. Fitting your drill with a depth stop can prevent this kind of damage.

• Drill slowly to avoid bursting the plaster as you reach the other side of the material.

Fastening a Molly bolt

1. Hollow wall anchors always come provided with a bolt. Fit the fixing in the hole and secure it by tapping lightly with a hammer. Two little barbs will bite into the plaster to prevent the fixing from turning as it is tightened.

2. Loosen the bolt slightly so you are able to get purchase with the setting tool.

3. Squeeze the setting tool until the bolt comes all the way out of the fixing.

4. Screw the bolt back in and squeeze the setting tool again.

5. Once you start to feel resistance, your fixing is in position and is gripping the plasterboard securely.

6. You can then use your bolt to hang the object of your choice. Be careful not to screw too tightly as this can cause the legs of the Molly bolt to retract. You can also drill smaller holes from the opposite side of the material and widen them to the correct diameter later on.

1. Drill a hole to match the diameter of the wall plug.

2. Drive through the wall plug ensuring it sits flush with the plasterboard.

3. Secure the item you want to hand using the screw provided or a screw that matches the size of the wall plug.

As long as the wall plug isn't designed to expand, all you need to do to secure the fixing is drill a hole (or not if it is self-drilling or self-tapping) and tighten the screw.

Required skills

Hanging items on a plasterboard wall is a straightforward task that requires no particular skills. You will simply need to be able to use a drill and/or screwdriver, mark out and take measurements using a tape measure and spirit level, and choose the right wall plugs to match the weight of your object.

However, the process gets a little trickier if you find yourself having to reinforce the plasterboard in order to secure a heavy item and if the plasterboard is already in place or in the process of being fitted.

Time required

approx. 10 minutes per hole

Number of people required

1 person

Tools and equipment

• Spirit level

• Tape measure

• Drill

• Drill bit to match plug diameter

• Hammer

• Slotted screwdriver

• setting tool

• Wall plugs