Ekby Valter Shelf Installation: Screw Size Guide

The EKBY series by IKEA is a popular choice for those looking to install shelves. However, the EKBY Valter brackets do not come with wall mounting equipment, and there are no pre-drilled holes to attach the brackets to the shelves. This means that you will need to source your own screws and wall anchors, as well as drill your own pilot holes. The process of installing EKBY shelves can be time-consuming and frustrating, but the end result is worth it.

Screw size depends on the type of wall

The screw size depends on the type of wall you are dealing with. For instance, if you are fixing something to a masonry wall, you will need to use a wall plug. The size of the plug will depend on the size of the hole you drill, and the size of the screw you are using. For example, a brown 7mm plug is fine for a 10g or 5mm screw. However, if your wall is made of plasterboard, you will need to use a different type of fixing, such as a hollow wall anchor.

If you are fixing something to a wall made of wood, the type of screw you use will depend on the thickness of the wood. For thicker wood, you will need a longer screw to ensure it goes deep enough into the wood to hold whatever you are fixing securely. You will also need to use a thicker screw if the wood is thick, to make sure the screw doesn't pull out. If the wood is thin, a thinner screw will be needed so that the wood doesn't split.

It is also important to consider the direction of the force that will be applied to whatever you are fixing to the wall. If the force will be lateral, or sheer pressure, you will need a thicker screw. If the force will be pulling the boards straight apart, you will need to make sure that enough of the screw threads are inserted into the receiving board.

Finally, the type of screw you use will depend on the material of whatever you are fixing to the wall. For example, if you are fixing something made of metal to a wall, you will need to use a screw with sharp threads that can penetrate the metal, such as a sheet metal screw.

IKEA doesn't provide wall mounting hardware

For example, if you are mounting the EKBY VALTER bracket onto a wooden doorframe, you would need different screws than if you were mounting it onto plasterboard or brick.

IKEA does provide a guide to wall anchoring on its website, which can be helpful in determining the right type of hardware for your specific wall. However, if the material of your wall is not listed or if you have any questions, it is recommended to contact an expert or a local hardware store for advice.

When attaching the EKBY shelves to the brackets, you will need to drill your own pilot holes and obtain your own mounting hardware. Here is a list of items you will need to complete this project:

• A stud finder (unless you have brick or concrete walls)
• Short screws to affix the bracket arm to the EKBY shelf
• Longer screws with anchors for the bracket to go on the wall
• A pencil to mark where you want to drill
• A level to ensure everything is straight before drilling

This is a relatively easy job for anyone with basic DIY skills, or a handyman.

Additionally, it is important to note that IKEA recommends using wall-fixing screws that are suitable for your walls. As wall materials vary, screws for wall fixation are not included with their products. It is crucial to assess the suitability of your wall to ensure that it can withstand the forces generated by the mounted furniture.

Overall, while IKEA does not provide wall mounting hardware for the EKBY VALTER bracket, the necessary items can be easily obtained at a local hardware store, and the process of mounting the bracket is straightforward.

You may need to cut the brackets to fit

When installing IKEA EKBY shelves, you may encounter a situation where the brackets need to be adjusted to fit the shelves or the wall. This is a common issue, especially with the EKBY VALTER brackets, which are designed to be cut and modified to suit your specific needs. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process of cutting and fitting the brackets:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin, it's important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a stud finder if you have drywall; short screws to affix the bracket arm to the EKBY shelf; longer screws with anchors for mounting the bracket to the wall; a pencil to mark drilling spots; and a level to ensure everything is straight. Additionally, you might want to have a drill, a hammer, a chisel, and a saw (hand or circular) ready.

Cutting the Brackets:

If the brackets are just slightly too small, you can use a chisel to carefully shave off small amounts of material from the sides until you achieve the desired fit. For thicker brackets, you might need to use a saw to cut away excess material. Make sure to measure twice and cut once to ensure accuracy.

Drilling and Mounting:

Once your brackets are cut to size, you will need to drill pilot holes in the brackets and the shelves. Use a small drill bit to create the pilot holes, and then obtain appropriate mounting hardware from your local hardware store. The specific type of screws and anchors will depend on the material of your wall.

Final Assembly:

With the brackets cut and drilled, you can now attach the brackets to the shelves using the short screws. Hold the assembly up to the wall, mark the spots for the wall screws, and drill holes if necessary. Finally, secure the brackets to the wall using the longer screws and anchors.

Remember to take your time, work carefully, and ensure that everything is level and secure at each step of the process. While cutting and modifying brackets can be a bit challenging, with patience and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking result.

You will need to drill your own pilot holes

Drilling your own pilot holes is a crucial step when installing IKEA EKBY shelves. Here's a detailed guide to ensure a secure and successful installation:

Selecting the Right Tools:

Start by gathering the necessary tools and hardware. You will need a drill, a stud finder (unless you have brick or concrete walls), short screws for affixing the bracket to the shelf, longer screws with anchors for mounting the bracket to the wall, a pencil for marking, and a level to ensure everything is straight.

Marking the Pilot Hole Locations:

Before you begin drilling, you need to determine where the pilot holes will go. Use a pencil to mark the desired locations for the holes on the bracket and shelf. Measure and mark the center point for each hole, ensuring they align properly.

Drilling the Pilot Holes:

Now it's time to drill the pilot holes. Install the appropriate drill bit into your drill. The bit size should match the inner diameter of the threaded part of the screw, not the diameter of the threads. Place the tip of the bit on your marked center point and drill slowly and carefully to create the pilot hole. Ensure the hole is drilled perpendicular to the surface and to a depth equal to the screw's length.

Attaching the Brackets:

With the pilot holes drilled, you can now attach the brackets. Apply a small amount of wood glue to the brackets where they will join the shelf. Position the bracket in place, ensuring it is perpendicular to the shelf. Insert the short screws through the pilot holes and tighten them, being careful not to over-tighten as this can strip the screws.

Mounting the Shelves:

Finally, you can mount the shelves to the wall. Use the longer screws with anchors to secure the brackets to the wall. Again, be cautious not to over-tighten the screws. And that's it! Your IKEA EKBY shelves are now securely installed.

Remember, drilling pilot holes is an essential step when installing these shelves. It prevents the wood from splitting, makes installation easier, and ensures the screws are installed straight. Taking your time with this process will result in a sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing final product.

You will need to buy your own screws

When installing IKEA EKBY shelves, it's important to note that you will need to purchase your own screws and anchors. While the shelves typically come with brackets, these do not include the necessary hardware for mounting them to the wall. This is because different walls require different types of mounting hardware, and IKEA does not want to assume the liability of providing the wrong type of screws and anchors for your specific wall type.

The type of screws and anchors you will need will depend on the material of your wall. If you have brick or concrete walls, you will need screws that are specifically designed for use with these materials. On the other hand, if you have drywall, you will need screws with wall anchors to ensure a secure installation.

In addition to the screws and anchors, there are a few other tools you will need to assemble and install your IKEA EKBY shelves. A drill is essential, as you will need to drill holes for the screws. It is also recommended to use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall, unless you have brick or concrete walls. A pencil is useful for marking where you want to drill, and a level can help ensure that your shelves are straight and even.

When purchasing screws, make sure to get a variety of lengths. Short screws will be needed to affix the bracket arm to the shelf, while longer screws with anchors will be required for mounting the brackets to the wall. It is also important to note that the brackets do not come with pre-drilled holes for attaching them to the shelves. You will need to drill your own pilot holes using a small drill bit.

Overall, assembling and installing IKEA EKBY shelves is a relatively straightforward process, but it does require some additional tools and hardware beyond what is included in the box. By purchasing the necessary screws and anchors for your wall type and gathering the required tools, you can ensure a smooth and successful installation process.

Frequently asked questions