How to Hang a Wall Rack for Storage and Display
By Timeless Furniture, Lighting & Homeware | Rowen & Wren | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to hang a wall rack securely for storage and display. Step-by-step instructions to mount an oak wall rack, with tips for finding studs and leveling.
Quick answer
To hang a wall rack securely, locate wall studs, mark the mounting bracket holes, drill pilot holes, and screw the rack into place. For a solid oak rack like the Witham Oak Wall Rack, pre-drilling prevents splitting.
Why mounting into studs matters
A wall rack used for storage (plates, books) can be heavy. Drywall alone won't support the load. Screwing into a stud ensures the rack stays put. If you cannot find a stud, use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for the weight.
The Witham Oak Wall Rack is handcrafted from solid oak, so it's heavier than a hollow-core rack. Mounting it securely into studs (or using appropriate anchors) is essential for safety.
Choosing the right hardware
Most wall racks come with screws and wall plugs. For a solid oak rack, use screws that are long enough to reach the stud (at least 2 inches). If you must mount into drywall, choose toggle bolts that can hold at least 50 lbs per fastener.
The Witham Oak Wall Rack does not include mounting hardware, so you'll need to purchase screws and wall plugs separately. Check the weight of the items you plan to display to select the right hardware.
How to hang a wall rack in 5 steps
- 1. Find the studs: Use a stud finder to locate the wooden studs behind the drywall. Mark the center of each stud with a pencil. If you cannot find a stud, plan to use toggle bolts rated for the weight of your rack and its contents. A common mistake is skipping the stud finder. Without it, your rack may pull out of the wall.
- 2. Hold the rack in position: Hold the wall rack against the wall at your desired height and use a level to ensure it's straight. Mark the bracket holes through the rack onto the wall with a pencil. If the rack has a keyhole slot, trace the slot outline. Double-check the level before marking. An off-level rack is hard to fix after drilling.
- 3. Pre-drill pilot holes: For solid oak racks like the Witham Oak Wall Rack, use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screw diameter. Drill pilot holes into the stud marks. This prevents the oak from splitting when you drive the screws. Skipping pilot holes can crack the wood. Always pre-drill for dense hardwoods.
- 4. Insert wall plugs (if needed): If you are mounting into drywall (not a stud), insert wall plugs into the drilled holes. For stud mounting, you do not need plugs. Tap them flush with the wall using a hammer. Using plugs in studs is unnecessary and can weaken the hold. Only use them for drywall.
- 5. Screw the rack into place: Align the rack's mounting holes with the pilot holes. Drive the screws through the rack into the wall. Tighten until the rack is snug against the wall, but do not overtighten. For a solid oak rack, use a screwdriver or drill on low torque. Overtightening can strip the screw head or crack the oak. Stop when the screw head is flush.
Product fact
- Witham Oak Wall Rack: Handcrafted from sustainably sourced solid oak Solid oak is dense and heavy, so you must pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting during installation.
Witham Oak Wall Rack
