Tip-over accidents involving furniture and TVs injure thousands of children in the US every year, and most of them happen with ordinary dressers and bookcases. Anchoring a piece takes about 15 minutes. It's the one step of furniture assembly we never skip.
WHAT NEEDS ANCHORING
- Dressers and chests of drawers, especially when drawers can open all at once
- Bookcases, shelving units and tall cabinets
- Wardrobes and closet systems like IKEA PAX
- TV stands with a TV on top, and the TV itself if it isn't wall-mounted
Under the federal STURDY Act, clothing storage units 27 inches or taller sold since 2023 have to meet stronger stability standards, and most come with a tip restraint kit. Stability standards help, but a restraint attached to the wall is still the real protection.
THE RIGHT ANCHOR FOR YOUR WALL
| Wall Type | Best Attachment |
|---|---|
| Drywall with a stud available | Wood screw into the stud (best option) |
| Drywall, no stud where needed | Metal toggle bolt; avoid plastic expansion anchors |
| Plaster and lath (older DC/MD homes) | Screw into the stud or lath behind; toggles for hollow spots |
| Brick or concrete | Masonry sleeve anchors or concrete screws |
| Metal studs (condos, newer apartments) | Toggle bolts rated for metal studs |
The plastic anchors included in many kits are the weak link. A child climbing open drawers puts a sudden pulling load on the anchor, which is exactly what plastic anchors in drywall handle worst.
COMMON MISTAKES
- Attaching the strap to the thin back panel. Fasten into the solid top rail or side of the furniture.
- Leaving slack. The strap should be snug, so the piece can't lean forward at all.
- Heavy items in top drawers. Load the bottom drawers first.
- Baseboard gaps. A dresser pushed against the baseboard sits an inch off the wall; the restraint needs to account for that.
RENTERS AND LANDLORDS
A screw hole is a two-minute patch at move-out. Most landlords would much rather patch holes than deal with an injury. If you rent, ask; if you own rentals, consider allowing anchors in writing.
When we assemble furniture, anchoring is included for any piece that can tip. If you have pieces already assembled, we can anchor a whole house in one visit.
More in our furniture assembly guide.
RELATED READING
FURNITURE ASSEMBLY: WHEN TO DIY VS. HIRE A PRO
What professional furniture assembly costs, which jobs are worth delegating, and what you can combine with other tasks to save a trip charge.
IKEA PAX ASSEMBLY: TIME AND COST
Realistic hours per frame, ceiling clearance, anchoring and professional assembly prices.
HOW TO HANG A HEAVY MIRROR ON PLASTER WALLS
The anchors, drilling technique and weight limits that keep old plaster from cracking.
Planning a project? See our Furniture Assembly service page for scope, process and recent work.
BOOK A CONSULTATION IN THE DMV
We respond within 15 minutes. No obligation, no pressure — just a clear, itemized estimate.
Book Your Consultation