Put up a plate rack on a solid brick or block wall

Mark, drill and fix a plate rack level and secure to a solid brick or block kitchen wall in one session.

PLR-01Confirm your wall is solid brick or blockDrill a small test hole in an inconspicuous spot, such as behind where the rack will sit, to check the debris. Solid brick or block gives gritty red or grey dust; hollow sounds, timber dust or fine steel swarf mean you've got a stud wall or dot-and-dab, and this guide won't apply. If it's not solid masonry, stop and follow the fixing method for that wall type instead.

PLR-02Work out the position and mark it upHold the plate rack against the wall at a comfortable working height, usually around 900-1000mm from the floor in a kitchen. Use a spirit level to draw a level pencil line at least 300mm long where the top edge will sit. Mark through the rack's own screw holes or keyhole slots onto the wall.

1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Tape measure

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PLR-03Check for cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over the marked spots, but don't trust it completely — detectors miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones near sockets and pipework. Find your stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and check it turns freely so you can shut the water off fast if you hit a pipe. If you have any doubt about what's behind the marks, isolate the nearby circuit at the consumer unit before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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PLR-04Drill and plug the wallDrill straight into the brick or block with a masonry bit sized to your wall plug — 6mm for a No.8 screw, 7mm for a No.10. Drill to a depth of at least 40mm, slightly deeper than the plug, clearing dust from the hole as you go. Push the plug in flush with the wall surface, tapping gently with a hammer if needed.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 6mm

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4 each · Wall plugs (red, for masonry)

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PLR-05Fix the rack to the wallDrive a 40-50mm No.8 woodscrew through each fixing point into the plugs, leaving a couple of millimetres clearance if the rack needs to hang rather than sit flush. Check the rack is still level before fully tightening. Tighten each screw evenly so the rack doesn't tilt or bow.

4 each · Woodscrews, 40mm No.8

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PLR-06Load test and tidy upLoad a few plates or mugs onto the rack and check it holds firm without flexing or pulling away from the wall. Wipe down any brick dust from the wall and worktop, and vacuum dust out of the drilled holes and skirting area. Keep any spare plugs and screws for the next small job.

1 each · Cloth or dust sheet

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