Bookshelves on a plasterboard wall

[chaoticbob]

Sorry if this is only indirectly woodwork related, but I'm sure someone on here will know about this...
I would like to make some wall-mounted bookshelves for a room which is is clad with plasterboard. I've never done this before - all the places I've been in before were wet plastered over brick.
My questions are: (a) is plasterboard strong enough to do this (loading will be about 30kg per linear metre) and (b) if so what sort of fixings/support spacing would be appropriate?

Apologies if this is a totally naive question, but if you don't know, you have to ask...

Robin

 

[Peterm1000]

Can you link into the battens underneath the plasterboard? That will be a lot stronger. There are products out there which claim to be able to hold a lot of weight against plasterboard, but in my experience plasterboard isn't very strong.

 

[Marineboy]

Of all the plasterboard fixings I’ve used, Gripit (from Screwfix) work well.

 

[MikeG.]

Don't fix directly to the plasterboard. Whatever fixings you use, they won't be strong enough. Fix through into the sub-structure (battens or studs).

 

[Marineboy]

I agree re the preferability of fixing to the sub structure. However, is this doable where the cavity wall is constructed using those slim steel ‘studs’?

 

[MikeG.]

Yes, within reason. They're not used very much in domestic construction, though.

 

[Myfordman]

Build a proper floor standing bookcase and anchor the top to a couple of wall stud with appropriate fixing to suit wooden or steel studs to remove tipping risk.

 

[Blackswanwood]

Robin, I have used these before - May be worth considering if you cannot get into the brick or block behind. Cheers. https://www.screwfix.com/p/easyfix-holl ... lsrc=aw.ds

 

[Marineboy]

I’ve used those too but IMHO the Gripit are better.

 

[Peterm1000]

At the end of the day, you are putting the full load against something like 12mm thick of plaster with a bit of paper on either side. There's going to be a limit to what that can hold.

 

[Deejay]

Afternoon Robin

a room which is is clad with plasterboard.

Is the wall made of brick / block and 'dot and dabbed ' to fix the boards, or is it a stud wall?

Cheers

Dave

 

[MikeG.]

At the end of the day, you are putting the full load against something like 12mm thick of plaster with a bit of paper on either side. There's going to be a limit to what that can hold.

I've always been amused by how much faith people put in two layers of paper and some powder.

 

[AJB Temple]

On occasions, when faced with flimsy walls, I have lined the entire wall, or section with ply. Bonded on and fixed to stud where possible, otherwise plasterboard fixings. I have also used this to create fake painted panelling.

 

[Robbo3]

Ultimate Handiman

Plasterboard Fixings Test
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECDysfNhx_E

Heavy Items
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glzwY76O0d8

Plasterboard fixings- The good, the bad and the useless!
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIEY3E4fiDk

 

[Peterm1000]

So I just learnt two things... One is that plasterboard with the right fitting is MUCH stronger than I thought. Secondly the magnet trick. No more punching holes until I find the batten! Thank you!

 

[chaoticbob]

Thanks for replies - and especially to Robbo for the first link to quantitative tests. Looks like I may get away with what I want to do by relying on the plasterboard without having to locate the battens.
This is a 'temporary' measure to address a problem which started with a window.

Me: I can fix the window, just need to get these piles of books out of the way.
She: Well they're your books, but Good God, are you actually going to read Gibbon at your time of life? And are you really interested in Piaget's theories of moral development anymore ? And a Viz annual? Charity shop I think.
Me: (in a feeble voice), well you never know, I might need to look something up.

Compromise is to put up some high level shelves, floor standing bookshelves are not an answer at the mo.
It's an old house made mostly from random limestone - I'm not sure how the battens for the drywall are attached to the walls, but shall investigate.
Thanks again, Rob.