First time shelf builder

[moosesmom]

Hello, im attemping to build shelves in an alcove. I live in a victorian end of terrace and I *think* im drilling into plasterboard directly onto masonry - i cant detect any studs. Whats the best way to make a
sure the shelf battons (3cm thick) attach securely to the wall - would red plugs with long nails do the trick? Should I be drilling into the brick behind the plaster? Any help appreviated before i make a complete mess of the wall...!

 

[Scally-Ho]

If that was my project, I'd use Hammer-in Fixings to affix batons to the plasterboard facing. The hammer-ins need to be long enough to go into the brickwork to a depth of at least 45mm to give a good weight bearing strength.

 

[endecotp]

would red plugs with long nails do the trick?

Plugs and nails?! No. Plugs and long screws. Or possibly hammer-fixings, as above.

Should I be drilling into the brick behind the plaster?

Yes.

What is the width of the alcove? Have you discovered the “sagulator”?

 

[opps]

In the old days, when a customer wanted alcove shelves, we scribed in 25mm MDF. We then used a mini-router to make notches in the MDF. Those notches would sit on top of 5 by 70 screws that were drilled into the walls. We would then fill the notches with 2 pack filler. If one screw was slightly high or low, whack it with a hammer accordingly.

In my opinion, it looked better than batons under the shelf.