Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose the Location

• Select where you want to mount the bookshelf or cabinet. It’s important to consider the height, surrounding furniture, and overall room layout.
• Ensure the wall is strong enough to support the weight of the bookshelf or cabinet. Solid walls or studs are ideal. If you’re mounting on plasterboard, you’ll need wall anchors unless you can screw into studs.

2. Find the Studs in the Wall (if mounting on plasterboard)

• Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Studs are the vertical wooden beams behind the drywall that provide structural support.
  
  • If you don’t have a stud finder, you can tap the wall with your knuckles. Solid, non-hollow sounds indicate a stud behind the drywall.
  • Mark the stud locations with a pencil. Studs are typically 450mm apart, but double-check their position to ensure a secure mount.

3. Mark the Mounting Points

• Position the bookshelf or cabinet where you want it on the wall and use a level to ensure it’s straight.
• Mark the location of the mounting holes on the wall through the keyhole slots or brackets on the back of the unit.
• If you are mounting a cabinet with brackets, measure and mark the exact placement for the brackets as well.

4. Drill Pilot Holes

• Drill pilot holes at the marks you made on the wall. The size of the drill bit should match the size of the screws or wall anchors you’re using.
  
  • If you’re drilling into studs, use a wood drill bit.
  • If you’re drilling into plasterboard without studs, you’ll need to use wall anchors. These expand once inserted, providing support for the screws.

5. Install Wall Anchors (if needed)

• If you’re not drilling directly into studs, you’ll need to insert wall anchors.
  
  • Insert the wall anchors into the pilot holes you drilled. For plastic anchors, you may need to tap them gently with a hammer to make them flush with the wall.
  • Make sure you use the correct type of wall anchor for the weight of the bookshelf or cabinet.

6. Attach the Mounting Brackets or Back Plate to the Wall

• Position the bookshelf or cabinet against the wall, ensuring the back plate or brackets align with the pilot holes or anchors.
• Screw the mounting brackets (or back plate) into the wall using screws. Tighten them securely, but avoid overtightening, as this could damage the wall or bracket.

7. Mount the Bookshelf or Cabinet onto the Wall

• With the brackets or back plate securely attached to the wall, lift the bookshelf or cabinet and carefully mount it onto the wall brackets or back plate.
• If the unit has locking mechanisms, make sure to engage them to prevent it from shifting.

8. Level the Bookshelf or Cabinet

• Once the unit is mounted, double-check its alignment with a level. Adjust it slightly if necessary to ensure it’s perfectly level.

9. Secure the Bookshelf or Cabinet

• If there are additional screws or fasteners that need to be installed to fully secure the bookshelf or cabinet to the brackets or wall, install them now.
• Tighten all screws to make sure the unit is stable.

10. Final Check

• Test the stability of the unit by gently pulling or pushing on it to make sure it’s securely mounted.
• Ensure there are no gaps between the wall and the unit, and that the unit is level.

Additional Tips:

• Use appropriate anchors: For heavier units, make sure you use heavy-duty wall anchors or toggle bolts if you can’t secure the unit to studs.
• Check weight limits: Ensure the wall and the brackets you are using can support the weight of the bookshelf or cabinet.
• Use the right screws: If you’re drilling into studs, use wood screws. For plasterboard, use screws that are appropriate for the anchors.
• Install safety brackets: For extra security, especially in homes with children, you can install safety brackets or straps to prevent the unit from tipping over.

By following these steps, you should have a securely mounted bookshelf or cabinet!