Wall Fixings Guide: Which Anchor & Screw for Every Wall Type
Using the wrong fixing is the #1 reason shelves fall. Find your wall type below for the right anchor, drill bit and load guidance.
Drywall / plasterboard
Self-drilling drywall anchors or metal toggle anchors with suitable screws
No pilot hole for self-drilling types; otherwise drill to the anchor manufacturer's specified diameter
Light loads use picture hooks/anchors; medium loads use metal cavity anchors; heavy loads should be fixed into studs or use rated toggles
Do not use ordinary wood screws directly in the board for anything beyond very light loads
Solid plaster
Quality nylon wall plugs with screws, preferably long enough to reach sound masonry behind the plaster
Masonry bit matching the plug diameter; drill slowly through plaster to reduce cracking
Capacity depends mainly on the masonry behind the plaster; use longer fixings where plaster is thick
Do not rely on a plug seated only in loose or thick plaster
Brick
Nylon wall plugs and screws; use specialist brick anchors or resin anchors for high loads
Masonry bit matching plug or anchor size; rotary drill, using hammer mode only if the brick is sound
Suitable for medium to heavy loads when fixed into solid brick; use multiple rated anchors for heavier items
Do not drill into soft mortar joints when a sound brick fixing is possible
Concrete / masonry
Concrete screws, expansion anchors, sleeve anchors, or chemical/resin anchors for high loads
Carbide-tipped masonry/SDS bit exactly matching the anchor specification
Medium and heavy loads are well supported when anchor depth, edge distances, and spacing meet manufacturer guidance
Do not use an oversized, dusty, or shallow hole; clean drilled holes before installing anchors
Aerated concrete (AAC / breeze block)
AAC-specific spiral plugs, aerated-concrete anchors, or chemical anchors with suitable sleeves for higher loads
Use a standard masonry bit without hammer action; drill the manufacturer-specified diameter
Light to medium loads are generally suitable with dedicated AAC fixings; heavy loads need approved anchors and load verification
Do not use standard expansion plugs or hammer drilling, which can crush the soft block
Ceramic tile
Tile-safe screws with plugs anchored in the substrate behind the tile; use suitable waterproof sealant where needed
Carbide spear-point tile bit or diamond tile bit; drill tile without hammer mode, then switch bit/mode for the substrate
The load capacity comes from the wall behind the tile, not the tile itself
Do not use hammer mode through the tile or overtighten screws, as this can crack it
Wood stud
Structural wood screws, cabinet screws, or coach/lag screws sized for the load
Pilot bit slightly smaller than the screw shank/root diameter; countersink if required
Good for medium to heavy loads when screws achieve adequate embedment into the stud
Do not confuse a stud location with an empty cavity or use drywall screws for structural/heavy mounting
Chipboard / MDF
Coarse-thread chipboard screws, confirmat screws, or threaded inserts/through-bolts for stronger connections
Pilot drill sized for the screw core; use a correctly sized hole for inserts or confirmat fittings
Suitable for light to medium loads; heavy loads need reinforced material, inserts, or through-bolting
Do not overtighten or place screws too close to an edge, as MDF/chipboard can split or strip
Metal stud
Self-drilling sheet-metal screws for light loads; toggle anchors or purpose-rated metal-stud anchors for heavier loads
No pilot hole for self-drilling screws; use the anchor manufacturer's required hole size for toggles
Light loads can use the stud flange; medium/heavy loads should use rated toggles or a blocking/reinforcement method
Do not assume a thin steel stud alone safely supports heavy shelves, TVs, or cabinets
Hollow door
Hollow-door anchors, toggle bolts, or through-bolts with washers where appearance and access permit
Drill only the diameter required by the anchor; use a sharp brad-point or HSS bit
Best limited to light loads; use several rated anchors and avoid dynamic or high-leverage loads
Do not use ordinary screws directly in the thin door skins or hang heavy items from a hollow door
Plasterboard ceiling
Fix directly into ceiling joists whenever possible; otherwise use ceiling-rated toggle anchors only
Locate joists first; for anchors, drill the exact manufacturer-specified hole size
Light fittings may use rated ceiling anchors; heavier or safety-critical loads must be fixed to joists or a designed support
Do not use standard drywall plugs for hanging loads overhead, especially lights, fans, or suspended items
No surface matches.
Note: General DIY guidance. Always follow the fixing manufacturer's instructions and weight ratings, and check for pipes/cables before drilling. For heavy or safety-critical loads, consult a professional.