The Essential Role of Blocking Supports in Your New Build for Fixtures and Accessories

downcustoms
Sep 14
3 min read

Building a new home or renovating an existing one involves many choices, and one important aspect that often gets overlooked is the installation of blocking supports for fixtures and accessories. These supports might seem small, but they play a big role in ensuring your home is safe and functional. Understanding their importance can help you avoid issues down the road, making your new build not just attractive, but practical for years to come.

What is Blocking Support?

Blocking supports are structural reinforcements placed within walls, ceilings, and floors that provide a strong base for securely mounting fixtures and accessories like towel racks, toilet paper holders, shelving, and TV mounts. Essentially, blocking helps to distribute weight evenly and increases stability.

Typically, these supports are made of wood or metal and installed between studs or joists at specific intervals. According to the National Association of Home Builders, installing blocking can increase the load capacity of a wall by up to 50%, which is especially important in high-traffic areas where heavy items are mounted.

Why You Should Consider Blocking Supports

One of the main reasons to incorporate blocking in your new build is safety. Without proper support, fixtures can become loose over time, creating potential hazards, particularly with heavy items like shelving. For instance, a study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that falling furniture causes over 50,000 injuries annually in the U.S. Properly installed blocking can significantly reduce this risk.

In addition to safety, blocking supports enhance functionality. By ensuring that towel racks and other accessories are securely anchored, homeowners can create a more convenient living space.

Installing a TV with blocking significantly reduces the risk of missing studs and ensures that the TV is fully supported. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your setup but also provides crucial structural support.

Average Weights of Large Flat Screen TVs

As flat screen TVs have evolved, their sizes have increased, leading to varying weights. On average:

55-inch TVs weigh around 50-70 pounds.
65-inch TVs typically weigh between 60-80 pounds.
75-inch TVs can weigh anywhere from 80 to over 100 pounds.

Support Capacity of Blocking

Blocking, which involves installing additional wooden or metal supports between wall studs, can provide significant support for heavy TVs. Depending on the materials used and the installation method, blocking can typically support:

Up to 200 pounds with properly installed wooden blocking.
Metal blocking can support even more weight, depending on the gauge and configuration.

The Versatility of Blocking

Blocking can be employed in various applications throughout your home. In bathrooms, it provides stability for towel racks and toilet paper holders, ensuring they can withstand daily use. For instance, a well-installed towel rack can support up to 30 pounds. In living areas, blocking supports are vital for securely mounting shelves and TV brackets.

The versatility of blocking isn't limited to just walls. For example, in ceilings, extra supports can be added for hanging light fixtures, whereas, in laundry rooms, additional blocking can be included for installing cabinets and drying racks. The more prepared you are with blocking, the more flexible you’ll be when selecting fixtures.

Planning for Blocking During Construction

When planning your new build, think ahead about where you want to install fixtures and accessories. Clearly communicate these needs to your contractor during the design phase. This foresight ensures that blocking gets installed in the right places, saving you the time and cost of retrofitting later. Retrofitting can add as much as 30% to the installation costs compared to getting it done during construction.

If you’re thinking about a DIY installation, having existing blocking can save you a lot of stress. It removes the tedious process of locating studs within walls and provides a clean, professional finish. Plus, it allows you to install fixtures without fear of them coming loose.

Key Takeaways

Blocking supports are essential in any new build and should not be treated lightly. They enhance safety and maximize functionality, making your living spaces better. By investing in proper blocking, you can enhance the durability and usability of your fixtures and accessories. As you plan your construction, take a proactive approach and ensure these crucial supports are part of your design. Your future self will thank you for it!