Anchoring a Bookcase to Drywall

Although most bookcases will stand upright without being attached to a wall, anchoring them is a valuable safety precaution. Doing so keeps the bookcase stable when fully loaded and prevents it from falling if a child climbs on it or an earthquake occurs. Not only will this prevent someone from being hurt by a tumbling bookcase and its contents, but it also will protect the items on the bookcase from being damaged or broken.

Stud finder
2-inch screws
“L”-shaped brackets
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Find the studs in the wall on which you plan to attach the bookcase. Anchoring a bookcase only to the drywall does not effectively attach it. You can find studs by knocking on the wall and listening. When the wall no longer sounds hollow, you have found a stud. Alternatively, use an electronic stud finder to locate studs behind the drywall.
- 2
  An inexpensive way to anchor the bookcase is to drive several screws through its back through the drywall and into studs. Because this damages the back of the bookcase, it is not always the preferred method. It also is ineffective if the back of the bookcase is flimsy and not securely attached to its shelves and sides.
- 3
  Anchoring the sides of the bookcase is another option. Place an “L”-shaped bracket on the side of the bookcase with one part against the bookcase and the other against the wall where a stud is located. Drive one screw through the bracket into the bookcase. Drive another screw through the bracket into the wall. Repeat this process for the other side of the bookcase. Alternatively, attach one bracket to each side of the top of the bookcase and secure these to studs behind the drywall.
- 4
  Anchor a large bookcase to two or more studs for added stability.

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