Fixing cabinet to problem wall

cashcoward

I have just had my en suite toilet refitted using 7mm thick  PVC panels for the walls. Previously, the walls were tiled to waist height with plasterboard above and I had expected the builder to remove the tiles before applying the PVC panels. In the event, he applied the panels over the tiles and, I presume, used battens (certainly not a solid filling) to raise the plasterboard to the same level as the tiles.

However, when I tried to put the bathroom cabinet back on the wall, I ran into problems figuring out how to get even a semi-secure fixing. What I have is the plastic panel which can take no weight nor plugs, then a cavity, then plasterboard, then another cavity. Even using long screws through the PVC panel and into the plasterboard still gives no strength and, because of the gap behind the PVC panels, I can’t even tap to locate the joists.

Unless, by good luck, I manage to hit a joist with one of the three supporting screws, I’m stumped how to do this. Any suggestions from skilled DIYers gratefully accepted.

TELLIT01

It's hard to visualise any form of fixing which would not distort the PVC panelling even if you can get to a solid fixing through that lot.

GDB2222

What you can do is  drill a half inch hole through the plastic. Measure and cut the correct length of 15mm copper pipe and insert that into the hole. That provides a support so the panel does not distort. Then you can put a plasterboard fixing with a suitable length screw into the plasterboard to hold the cabinet. Do this for the the screws required. It sounds easier to do than it is.

stuart45

Did your builder know there was a cabinet going up? If so it's a shame he didn't stick a few noggins where the cabinet needed fixing,

GDB2222

By the way, there's something called a Space Plug which might be easier to use.