Mounting Things From Hollow Core Doors Is So Much Easier Than You Realized

Hollow-core models are unsurprisingly some of the most popular door options for the home. These offer the looks and performance you expect from a quality solid-core design, but without the lofty price tag (or excessive weight). However, there are some unfortunate drawbacks to installing hollow-core doors, especially if you're banking on stability. With these doors consisting of thin panels with a honeycomb grid interior, you can imagine they won't offer the fast hold that screwing into thick wood would offer. You're essentially screwing into a wood veneer, granting only a few millimeters of support for your hardware. Even if the panel can hold the weight of your hung item, the last thing you want is a screw to rip out and ruin the look of your door as it drops your décor to the floor.

With these doors, your mounting hardware can make all the difference. Like the eight types of drywall anchors offering a firm grip for screws in your wall, hollow-core door anchors create a reliable hold for mounted materials on your door, including racks, shelves, and shades. One of the easiest styles to use are these Self-Drilling Ansoon Anchors. You can also use toggle anchors (such as Toggler Plastic Hollow Door Anchors). Although they require a few extra steps, these disperse weight against the back of the door panel to handle heavier loads. With your anchor in place, you can drill your hanging item and secure it with confidence.

Before installing your mounted items to your hollow-core door, consider the weight of the object and whether your door can handle it. While anchors can hold lots of weight (up to 100 pounds in some cases), their capacity is meaningless if the door panel can't manage it. Doors can vary in the weight they'll tolerate, but you should generally use them to only hold light racks. If you think the object may be too heavy, you may want to try a wreath hanger that hooks to the top of the door to hang it instead. The second consideration is the size of the anchor head and the item being placed over it. Since anchors can take up a decent amount of space on the door's surface, check to make sure the object you're mounting can hide the anchor for a clean look.

When you're ready to install your mount, measure and mark your anchor points on the door. Drill pilot holes with a bit slightly thinner than the widest point of the anchor's shaft, excluding the head. Insert the anchor, and drive it flush with the door's surface. You can then screw in your mounted gear. The anchor's hold will be tight and durable, helping you avoid tear-outs and excessive damage to the door. When they're ready for removal, simply unscrew the anchors and fill the hole with wood putty. Sand and paint to cover the hole, and your hollow-core door will be good as new!