It is so easy to work with drywall sheets (GKL) that the creation of original shelves is available even to those who have never encountered it in their work. And the most surprising - seeming fragile, this material is able to withstand heavy loads. But so that laudatory odes are not unfounded, you need to know a few subtleties of working with this material.
The advantages of drywall for shelves over other materials
The main advantage of GCR is ease. This applies to weight, and the processing process, and ease of installation. Among other advantages, stand out:
- low cost;
- fire safety;
- lack of harmful substances.
ATTENTION! The fragility of the material is considered a disadvantage. But careful handling of gypsum plaster in the process of preparatory work and compliance with the rules for its installation allow you to create structures that are not inferior to wooden counterparts in their operational characteristics.
Due to its lightness, it is possible to significantly reduce the load on the walls. Fire resistance makes it possible to route power lines inside the box, which creates spectacular and functional shelves and shelves with backlight.
Flexible ceiling or arched plasterboard makes available the implementation of curved contours. For structures of special strength, a tongue-and-groove GCR is well suited, even differing in seismic stability. True, such material is quite expensive and not sold in every hardware store.
DIY do-it-yourself drywall shelf
The secret of a solid construction is the correct selection of material in accordance with the tasks assigned to it. To do this, it is worth deciding on the place where the shelf will be placed, and with the tasks assigned to it. She may be:
- decorative;
- functional.
The first option allows the use of less durable and relatively inexpensive materials. Arched or ceiling GKL, the thickness of which is 6.5 and 9.5 mm, respectively. The design is based on a lightweight metal profile and the use of kapron dowels is allowed.
If a shelf is created that can withstand serious loads, for example, angular, then wall gypsum cardboard is used. Its thickness is 12.5 mm. The frame is reinforced, and vertical fixation is carried out using metal dowels.
IMPORTANT! The kitchen and the bathroom are characterized by high humidity, so you need a moisture-proof drywall. Shelves from it are additionally treated with water-repellent properties, which will significantly extend their service life.
Necessary materials and tools
In addition to drywall, to create a shelf, you need a supporting and directing metal profile. Due to the existing cuts, the arched profile is easily bent, acquiring the desired shape, which can be useful when creating curved shapes.
From consumables you will also need:
- screws and dowels;
- liquid primer;
- mounting grid.
Of the tools you need:
- level and plumb;
- roulette;
- knife and scissors for metal;
- screwdriver;
- plane;
- hammer and pliers;
- spatula, brush;
- sandpaper.
A separate line is the finishing materials, the type of which depends on the preferences of the owners of the apartment. It can be paints, wallpaper or something else.
Design
The design of the shelf depends entirely on the preferences of the owners of the apartment. In order not to be disappointed with the result, it is necessary to make a schematic drawing of the structure and evaluate how harmoniously it fits into the interior.
The next step is a sketch with dimensions. Based on it, it will already be possible to calculate the required amount of consumables. Focusing on the sketch, it’s easy not to miss the number and size of elements in preparation for installation. Yes, and the latter he greatly facilitates.
Creating a frame and attaching drywall
Experienced craftsmen recommend first installing the frame and only then proceed with cutting drywall. This will allow you to timely adjust the size of the elements, achieving maximum fit to each other.
The installation of the frame can be divided into 4 stages:
- Carrying out measurements and putting down marks.
- Fixing the carrier profile on the wall. The distance between fasteners is inadmissible more than 25 cm. If serious loads are supposed, the interval between self-tapping screws is reduced.
- Installation of guides.
- Complementing jumpers with weak points in the structure.
The connection of the profiles with each other is made with short screws. Additional shelf reinforcement is carried out using vertical racks.
When the metal profile construction is ready, the only thing left is to sheathe it with drywall. First, the elements of the upper and lower sides of the shelves are mounted, then the side comes in. The butt is sewn up last. Following this procedure, it is easy to adjust the parts, achieving their maximum fit and avoiding distortions in the structure.
IMPORTANT! If a shelf is made for a TV or other massive household appliances, a plywood mortgage is placed under the top sheet. This will further strengthen the surface and prevent it from breaking.
Phased GKL cut looks like this:
- marking the boundaries of the element;
- an incision of one layer of cardboard;
- bending and turning the sheet;
- cutting the second layer of cardboard.
The workpiece is treated with sandpaper or a plane to eliminate bumps at its edges. Elements are attached to the frame profile using butterfly expansion bolt shields.
REFERENCE! In order for the shelves to look like new during the entire period of operation, the joints should be processed using a reinforcing mesh. End angles for the same purpose are closed with filler corners.
The penultimate stage of the construction of the shelves is the finishing putty. It is layered. Each of the layers is rubbed with sandpaper, which prevents the appearance of irregularities and roughness. When the putty has dried, it remains only to prime the almost finished structure and proceed to decorate it.
Painting and lighting
The shelf illumination looks original, which can also play the role of additional lighting. For these purposes, you can use both LED strip and spotlights. If you decide to supplement them with the shelves, then you must take care of the wiring of the power lines immediately after creating the frame from the metal profile. Holes for lamps in the gypsum plasterboard are made at the stage of cutting to the skin elements. To do this, you need a special nozzle on the drill (crown) of a suitable diameter.
There is only one requirement for decorative decoration - a stylistic combination with the design of the room. The prepared drywall is easily painted or pasted over with any materials, whether it be wallpaper or decorative stone. To get a quality coating, just follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the finish.
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