Lightweight, closed wall storage

November 18, 2024 12:38 PM

I have a patch of wall in my condo where I'd like to have some closed storage, about the size of a medicine cabinet. However, this spot also contains a pocket door, so I can't put anything in the wall that sticks too far into the drywall - small, short plastic drywall anchors are fine, but anything longer/sturdier will block the door from sliding into the cavity in the wall. Of course there is no stud in the vicinity either. What kind of lightweight storage can I put in that can hold some small items, and has a closed front?

All of the cabinets I find typically available are made of MDF/particle board, and I'm afraid they will be too heavy for the small anchors to hold up. Or am I wrong, and would something like this ikea medicine cabinet be okay with just basic anchors?

posted by btfreek to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Best answer: Mount two 1x4s to the drywall, arranged vertically, horizontally spaced to match the width of the cabinet. The 1x4s should run from the ceiling down to the bottom of the cabinet. The idea is that all of the weight is born by a pair of long screws that are securely driven through the top end of each of the 1x4s into the wall framing "top plate" that is above the pocket door. I'd probably use glue and a couple of shallow wall anchors in the middle and bottom of the 1x4s, largely to make sure the 1x4s remain flush with the drywall. Screw the cabinet into the 1x4s. Hide the seams with paintable caulk between the drywall, the 1x4s, and the cabinet. I would prime and paint the 1x4s before attaching the cabinet.
posted by RichardP at 1:29 PM on November 18 [4 favorites]

This is more of a creative idea but I think it could work. I suggest attaching a metal square (it could be any color) with cement glue or very adhesive substance and attach storage through magnetic holders or boxes or cabinets. You can do something similar with a pegboard.
posted by ichimunki at 1:47 PM on November 18

The instructions for that cabinet literally have a picture of it fallen off the wall because it wasn’t mounted into studs. It’s definitely too heavy, and it’s going to be an extra pain to fix any hole you can’t just spackle over with the pocket door behind the drywall. Maybe something like an over the toilet cabinet would work?

Also consider the weight of the items in the cabinet and the force you need to open/close the door. Drywall just isn’t made for that. You could maybe make a plywood accent wall if you’re determined to wall mount things?
posted by momus_window at 4:13 PM on November 18