Creating pseudo studs behing wallboard

[JDP]

I am installing shelves in a closet. I was able to nail into studs in the back - but have nothing more than drywall on the sides. An attempt with anchors on one side led to a hole (ah, 5 X 6in). I went to a local lumber yard and got enough wallboard to repair the hole. The gentleman was nice enough to provide me some advice - drop wood through the hole where the shelf brackets would be screwed in, screw the wood to the wallboard above and below, then repair the wall using the wood for some backing, like it was a stud.

As a result, I wouldn't need anchors for that spot, because, as he put, now I've got some real meat to screw into. I joked, maybe I should do in for the other spots too - he sent me off with more wallboard in the event I did make more whole.

Is this a legit suggestion? If so, what is this method called? If so, can anybody provide me with a link to how to do it or provide me a little more detail on how this is done.

 

[Scrit]

I don't know the name for the technique (if any) but I've used a variation a few times in the past: spread PU (polyurethane) glue on the face of the timber you add so that when it's screwed on it will permanently bond to the plasterboard (drywall). A word of warning though, whilst this increases the strength it still isn't strong enough to carry upper cabinets in a kitchen, for example, so use the technique sparingly!

Scrit