How to Hang Heavy Frames on Plasterboard (Drywall)

Plasterboard (drywall / gyprock) is hollow, so a bare nail or screw just crumbles it. For anything with weight, you either hit a stud or use the right anchor.

Best: screw into a stud

Studs are the timber uprights behind the board, usually spaced ~45–60cm apart. Use a stud finder (or knock for a solid vs hollow sound), then drive a screw straight into it — that’s the strongest fixing there is.

No stud where you need it? Use an anchor

1. 1Plastic expansion plugs — light frames (up to ~5kg). Drill, tap in, screw.
2. 2Self-drilling (screw-in) anchors — medium frames (~5–15kg); no drill needed on standard board.
3. 3Toggle / butterfly anchors — heavy pieces (15kg+); the wings spread behind the board for a strong hold.

Two points beat one

For wide or heavy frames, use two anchors level with each other rather than a single centre hook — it spreads the load and keeps the frame from tilting.