My husband and I just moved into a new apartment and are trying to install our floating wall shelves. When we drill into the wall, the hole gets really big and the edges crumble. It takes a good bit of pressure to drill in.
The walls must be made of a plaster, as it is solid all the way through. Our last place was thick plaster, too, though, and we were able to drill smooth, clean holes that held the shelves no problem.
Is there any way we can install things onto our wall? We've already marred a few spots pretty good. Any advice is appreciated!
Best Answer
Walls aren't made out of solid plaster. Plaster is merely a coating. If its hard and 'crumbling' all the way through, my guess is it's a masonry block (or brick) wall coated in plaster. Knowing what region of the world you live in may help us narrow down the potential building technique for you.
If it is masonry, there are two things you need to do:
1) Make sure it's not a party wall. Party walls are fire walls and you may not be allowed to drill into them to begin with.
2) Invest in masonry drill bits and masonry anchor screws.