You’ve installed your beautiful new PVC cladding, and your room has been transformed. It’s clean, modern, and blissfully low-maintenance. But now you need to add the practical finishing touches – a new shelf for your shampoo, a towel rail, a cabinet, or even just a picture frame. This is often the point where people pause, drill in hand, and ask: “Can I actually drill into this?”
The answer is a resounding yes! You absolutely can attach fittings to a wall that has been clad. However, there is one golden rule you must follow to do it safely and securely.
The Golden Rule: Fix to the Wall, Not the Panel
This is the most important piece of advice we can give you. PVC wall panels are a decorative, waterproof covering; they are not structural. They are not designed to bear weight. Attempting to hang a shelf by fixing it only to the thin PVC panel will, at best, result in your shelf falling down. At worst, it could damage your wall and the panel itself.
The secret is to think of the cladding as just the first layer. Your secure fixing point is always the solid wall behind the panel. This means you will need longer screws and the correct wall plugs for the job.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Securely Mounting Fittings
Ready to get started? Here’s how to do it properly.
Tools You’ll Need:
- A drill with various drill bit sizes
- A pencil or marker pen
- A tape measure and spirit level
- The correct wall fixings (screws and plugs) for your wall type
- A screwdriver or screwdriver bit for your drill
- (Optional) A small amount of clear or coloured silicone sealant
Step 1: Plan and Mark Your Position
Decide exactly where you want to place your fitting. Use your spirit level and tape measure to ensure it’s level and in the right spot. Mark the positions for your drill holes lightly on the PVC panel with a pencil. Double-check your measurements before you proceed.
Step 2: Drill a Gentle Pilot Hole
This first drill hole is just to get through the PVC panel cleanly. Select a small drill bit (e.g., 3mm). Set your drill to a low speed and, using gentle pressure, drill through your pencil marks. This low-and-slow approach will create a clean hole and prevent the plastic from cracking or splitting under pressure.
Step 3: Drill into the Main Wall
Now, switch to the drill bit recommended for your wall plug. For a standard red plug, this is typically a 5.5mm or 6mm masonry bit for brick walls, or a standard wood/metal bit if you’re fixing into a timber stud.
Place the drill bit into the pilot hole you’ve already made and drill into the wall behind to the required depth for the wall plug.
Step 4: Insert the Wall Plug
Push your wall plug through the PVC panel and into the hole in the wall. It should be a snug fit. Tap it gently with a hammer until it is flush with the surface of the main wall, not the cladding panel. This is crucial – the plug needs to be entirely within the solid wall to provide a strong anchor point.
Step 5: The Final Fix
You’re ready to attach your fitting. Place your shelf bracket, towel rail, or cabinet over the hole. Use a screw that is long enough to pass through the fitting, the small gap behind the panel, and deep into the wall plug.
Screw it in until it is secure, but do not over-tighten. If you tighten it too much, you risk compressing and cracking the PVC panel around the screw head. You just need it to be snug and firm against the panel surface.
Step 6 (For Wet Areas): Seal the Deal
If you are attaching fittings in a bathroom, shower, or kitchen splashback, it’s vital to maintain the waterproof integrity of the installation. Once your fitting is securely attached, apply a small, neat bead of silicone sealant around the base of the fitting where it meets the cladding. This prevents any water from getting through the drill holes and behind the panels.
And that’s it! A secure, strong, and professional-looking fitting that will stand the test of time, without compromising your fantastic new cladding. By remembering the golden rule – always fix to the solid wall behind – you can confidently customise your space however you see fit.
