Fixing picture rail to insulated plasterboard

Murray13

Hey all, I have just fitted insulated plasterboard to the external walls of my house. 72mm (60mm insulation and 12mm slab). I would like to add a picture rail to the walls but I am unsure how to fix it securely.

I could drill into the block work, I don't mind the work but I think it might not work very well, I have a feeling the picture rails won't be very level if I am fixing through block work.
Another option would be to screw into the plasterboard only but I dont think the rails will take much weight
If anyone has managed to do this I would appreciate any advice.
Cheers,
Murray

lawred2

Murray13 wrote: »

Hey all, I have just fitted insulated plasterboard to the external walls of my house. 72mm (60mm insulation and 12mm slab). I would like to add a picture rail to the walls but I am unsure how to fix it securely.

I could drill into the block work, I don't mind the work but I think it might not work very well, I have a feeling the picture rails won't be very level if I am fixing through block work.
Another option would be to screw into the plasterboard only but I dont think the rails will take much weight
If anyone has managed to do this I would appreciate any advice.
Cheers,
Murray

How heavy is the picture?

I rarely use screws to hang anything now.. only the very heaviest mirrors or what not. Otherwise I use those 3M command things. They are fantastic.

lawred2

Ah I see picture rail.. sorry.

I've mounted a tv on a wall the same makeup as that and there were no issues. Just used simple rawlplugs

Murray13

Hey lawred,
did you drill through the plasterboard / insulation into the block work to mount the tv?
What thickness insulation do you have and what size screws?
Thanks!

uberwolf

are you talking the traditional 'ornamental' rail that runs the length of a given wall and you then hang wires down your pictures?

http://www.nickelarse.com/Photos/RebuildingMyHouse/Living%20Room/2006_01_13%20living%20room/1152x768/06%20Coving%20And%20Picture%20Rail.JPG

if so, I'd have thought you've a lot of surface area for glue to be effective?

Guy:Incognito

Metal toggles, albeit from a cheaper supplier maybe

http://ie.rs-online.com/web/p/plasterboard-cavity-anchors-fixings/6917


Once it's in the wall you can unscrew the screw as many times as you like.

lawred2

Murray13 wrote: »

Hey lawred,
did you drill through the plasterboard / insulation into the block work to mount the tv?
What thickness insulation do you have and what size screws?
Thanks!

Didn't drill deep enough to reach block work.

It's about 6/8 inches thick.. I just used the bolts/plugs that came with the tv. They were quite big. You'd be surprised what plasterboard can hold as long as the force isn't lateral.

Water John

Have hung curtain rails with those large diameter tapping screws. The actual screw that holds the curtain pole holder, then screws into the self tapping screw, already in place.

Make sure they are metal and not plastic rubbish. Drill a small hole first for them to take.
Name:Self-Drive Fixing Rawlplugs.

the_pen_turner

are you using the rail to hang picture or just for look.


grabfix do a great plasterboard fixing that you hammer into the slab and drive a screw into.

I would cut the rail to length and tape it to the wall. then drive screws through it into the slab. do it every 16" . take it down again and put in dreva fittings or those hammer in fixings . stick the rail with a good adhesive as well . then screw it back up.

Murray13

Thanks for the replies.
the_pen_turner Yea that sounds like a good approach!
I want to use it for some framed pictures no major weight but I would like it to be functional.

lawred2

not sure about hammering into plasterboard

I find these to be excellent and done right can take quite a load of load

http://www.ie.screwfix.com/easydrive-self-drill-plasterboard-fixings-metal-32mm-pack-of-500.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwhOvPBRBxEiwAx2nhLhV_qxDoN0PFLXnGEaHJiafsj3WDbjtWfx_jNtbCFn9IxCdxQWXZLRoCXDUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

the_pen_turner

the hammer in ones are great. they hammer in like a flat nail. when you drive the screw in they expand and wedge in there

dodzy

lawred2 wrote: »

not sure about hammering into plasterboard

I find these to be excellent and done right can take quite a load of load

http://www.ie.screwfix.com/easydrive-self-drill-plasterboard-fixings-metal-32mm-pack-of-500.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwhOvPBRBxEiwAx2nhLhV_qxDoN0PFLXnGEaHJiafsj3WDbjtWfx_jNtbCFn9IxCdxQWXZLRoCXDUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Crap fixings, these are far superior

lawred2

dodzy wrote: »

Crap fixings, these are far superior

they are as long as you have the setting tool... for the job detailed by the OP - the fixings I've provided are more than sufficient.

BlazingSaddler

Hi sorry to jump on this thread but a similar question. I have to put up a curtain rail this evening into plasterboard. Can anybody recommend a suitable fitting or would the ones mentioned earlier in the thread be ok?

Water John

Yes, as per post 11. Really good.