Child proofing your apartment is a top priority. New York City is where we pay top dollar for minimal space and rely on mounting. Chances are, your apartment has many cabinets to maximize storage, which is great. The only problem that comes from large cabinets such as bookcases and wardrobes is, they are a huge tip risk. If you have children it’s essential to child proof your home with mounting. In today’s blog I will teach you exactly what needs to be done, for your family’s safety.  The National Safety Council reports that over 40,000 tip-over injuries occur annually in the US, many involving young children. 

Your large items

Take a look around your apartment, how many tall objects do you have? This includes bookcases, wardrobes and dressers. 

These items need anchoring to your wall, but first and foremost we need to identify what type of wall is behind the furniture.

Drywall (The Most Common Wall Type in NYC Rentals)

Drywall is made of gypsum and is soft, brittle, and hollow inside. It’s usually ½ inch thick and nailed or screwed into wooden studs spaced 16-24 inches apart.

The risks:

Drywall by itself can’t support heavy loads. If you screw into the wall without hitting a stud, the anchor can tear out, especially under weight, which is exactly what you don’t want when childproofing.

Best practices for childproofing:

Use a stud finder to locate wooden studs behind the wall. This is the safest way to install anything heavy (TVs, dressers, gates).

If no stud is available in the location, use toggle bolts or metal molly bolts. These expand behind the drywall to create a more secure grip.

Avoid plastic expansion anchors, they’re not safe for childproofing heavy furniture or mounts.

Use long screws (2-3″) into studs for furniture anti-tip kits.

Plaster Walls (Older Pre-War Apartments)

Have you ever drilled into a wall and it starts to crumble? Plaster is a hard, crumbly surface applied over wooden lath. It’s thicker and denser than drywall but can crack and chip easily if drilled the wrong way.

The risks:

1. Brittle surface, it can crack or crumble when drilled.
2. Hard to locate studs due to the irregular finish.
3. Anchors not made for plaster won’t grip properly.

Best practices:

1. Go slow. Use painter’s tape over the spot you’ll drill to prevent cracking.

1. Use a masonry bit or carbide-tipped drill bit for clean holes.

1. Install self-drilling plaster anchors or use toggle bolts for better grip.

Better yet locate and screw into a stud behind the plaster (but use a strong drill, as stud finders don’t work well through plaster).

Pro tip: If you’re unsure of the wall type, remove a light switch plate and inspect the edge, you’ll see either gypsum board or rough, layered plaster.

Brick or Concrete Walls (Common in Lofts and Garden Units)

Brick or concrete walls are solid and very durable but they need power tools and the correct hardware.

The risks:

1. Standard screws won’t bite.
2. Improper anchors can loosen over time, especially in humid or cold environments.
3. DIYers often crack the brick or damage the wall finish trying to drill through without experience.

Best practices:

Use a hammer drill: A regular drill won’t be strong enough. Install masonry anchors or sleeve anchors designed for concrete/brick. Use screws at least 2-3″ long for deeper grip. Clean out the dust from the drilled hole before inserting anchors.

Pro tip: For exposed brick, always pre-drill and avoid edges of the brick aim for the middle for the strongest hold.

Why This Matters for Childproofing

Kids pull, climb, and lean on everything. If you’ve mounted a TV, gate, or bookshelf without the correct anchor and technique for your wall type, it might hold for a while then come crashing down. Proper anchoring is not just a DIY step, it’s a safety-critical measure.

Why Hiring a Handyman is Worth It in NYC

Landlords often don’t allow tenants to drill freely, and many tenants don’t own hammer drills or know what wall they’re dealing with. A professional handyman:

1. Knows how to identify and test wall types instantly
2. Has all the right tools (stud finders, hammer drills, levelers, anchors)
3. Can install anchors cleanly without damaging walls (keeping you safe from deposit deductions)
4. Ensures furniture and baby-proofing gear are secure, flush, and kid-proof

If you want to child-proof your apartment without the risk of losing your deposit, click the link below, and I can help if you live in New York City.

https://pictureperfectmounting.com/handyman-services-new-york-booking/