Wall Fixings Buying Guide: Plasterboard, Brick, Block and Timber
Difficulty2/10
ToolsWall plugs / anchors / drill / detector
Back to Tools, Hardware & Supplies guides
Fixings only work when they match the wall and the load. A shelf, mirror, cabinet or handrail can fail if the fixing is strong but the wall behind it is not.
Safety note: Check for hidden cables and pipes before drilling. For heavy, overhead, safety-critical or load-bearing fixings, use structural fixing points or a competent installer rather than relying on light-duty anchors.
Match fixing to wall type
- Solid brick or block: plugs, masonry screws or anchors depending on load.
- Plasterboard: use cavity fixings or fix into studs where possible.
- Timber: use timber screws with suitable length and pilot holes where needed.
- Concrete: may need SDS drilling and rated anchors.
Load checks
Think about the object weight, what it will hold, movement, children pulling on it, doors opening against it and whether failure could injure someone.