Heavy mounting in thin wood panel

[Zusgazah]

I was thinking of hanging up some fixtures that consist mostly of cast iron on a wall made of 11 mm wood paneling. Unfortunately, the studs are not conveniently located, so I would like to screw directly into the paneling where there is only insulation behind. The lamps are insanely heavy, and there will be a vertical load of about 20 kg. Can I use a molly plug or similar to get a more stable mount, or how should I proceed to avoid the risk of the paneling giving way?

 

[Exostor]

If the plank wall is so thin and the fixtures so heavy, I think there's a risk that the planks will detach from the studs or bend, regardless of how well you secure the fixtures to the plank wall. Instead, place a solid horizontal 45-stud on the outside of the wall and screw the fixture into that.

 

[Thomas_Blekinge]

If the planked wall is that thin and the fixtures are that heavy, I think there's a risk that the planks will come loose from the studs or bend, regardless of how well you fasten the fixtures to the wall. Instead, place a sturdy horizontal 45-stud on the outside of the wall and screw the fixture into that.

I think this could look quite unattractive. 20 kg isn't that much. But as mentioned, the panel should be securely mounted on the base. If the fixture just has a large mounting plate, there are no issues with sensible wood screws. Test with a piece of scrap panel.

 

[Bernieberg]

Yes, the mounting is hardly a problem even if it's just a few screws. A bigger risk is that the panel bends due to the moment from the fixtures. But if their center of gravity is fairly close to the wall, I don't think that's a problem either. I suspect that the panel is tongue-and-groove and then it holds together well.

 

[Zusgazah]

No, an external rule didn't sound so nice. Good idea to test first on scrap material!

Yes, it's tongue and groove paneling and the fixtures only protrude a few decimeters so there's no lever to speak of.

So metal expanders are not even worth considering? Regular standard wood screws directly into the panel do the job?

 

[Thomas_Blekinge]

Buy screws where the thread engages in the wood and at least 6 mm in diameter.

 

[Exostor]

No, an external rule didn't sound very nice. Good idea to test first on scrap material!

Yes, it is tongue and groove paneling and the fixtures only stick out a few decimeters, so there's no leverage to talk about.

So metal expanders are nothing to even consider? A regular standard wood screw directly into the panel does the job?

Yes, if they are so close to the wall that there's no moment force to speak of, then a few wood screws should do the trick.