Installing shelves and hooks might seem simple, but using the right hardware can make a huge difference in how secure and stable they are.
Whether you're mounting a heavy-duty shelf or hanging a few hooks, selecting the correct fasteners ensures everything stays in place and lasts for years. Let’s break down the best hardware to use for different wall types and situations.
Lag Bolts: Best for Heavy Shelves and Hooks on Wall Studs
When it comes to installing heavy shelves or hooks, especially those that need to hold a lot of weight, lag bolts are your best choice.
These thick bolts are designed to go directly into the wooden studs inside your wall, providing a super strong hold. Lag bolts are ideal for mounting anything that needs to support heavy loads like floating shelves, coat racks, or large wall-mounted hooks.
When to use them: Mounting heavy shelves, bike hooks, or anything that needs to bear a lot of weight, directly into wall studs.
Drywall Anchors: Light to Medium Loads on Drywall
If you're installing shelves or hooks and can’t find a stud, drywall anchors are the way to go. We recommend toggle bolts, also called a butterfly anchor, which are incredibly strong.
Toggle bolts are heavy-duty metal wall anchors with a spring-loaded wing that expands behind the wall to provide secure support.
When to use them: Hanging shelves or hooks in areas without wall studs such as drywall or hollow walls.
Masonry Anchors: For Shelves and Hooks on Brick, Concrete, or Stone
If you’re installing shelves or hooks on brick, concrete, or stone walls—like in a garage, basement, or outdoor area—you’ll need masonry anchors.
These anchors are made specifically for tough surfaces and expand to hold tight when installed in pre-drilled holes. They’re perfect for hanging things like utility shelves, tool hooks, or even outdoor storage racks.
When to use them: Mounting shelves or hooks on brick, concrete, or stone, such as in garages, basements, or outdoor walls.
Wood Screws: Simple Installs on Wood
For shelves and hooks mounted directly to wooden surfaces, like under a cabinet or on wooden trim, wood screws are your go-to.
Wood screws are perfect for hooks or paper towel holders that don’t need to support a lot of weight.
When to use them: Installing shelves or hooks on wooden surfaces, like inside closets, cabinets, or solid wood trim.
The Right Hardware for Secure Installations
Using the correct hardware for installing shelves and hooks is one of those small upgrades that can make a big impact on your space. Whether you're mounting heavy-duty storage or hanging light decor, matching the right fasteners to your wall type ensures your shelves and hooks will stay secure over time.
The next time you're gearing up for a shelving or hook installation project, take a moment to choose the best hardware for the job. It’s a simple step that leads to long-lasting, stable results.
