Welcome to Schoolhouse Switchboard, the place our staff solutions your most urgent design questions—one matter at a time. This week, we’re breaking down hold artwork and mirrors like a professional.
Hanging a heavy mirror or piece of artwork can really feel like a kind of deceptively easy duties—till you’re standing there with a drill in a single hand and a degree within the different, attempting to verify all the things strains up good. It’s one of the frequent questions we get on the Switchboard: What’s the most secure, most dependable strategy to hold one thing heavy on the wall?
This week, we’re breaking all of it down. From understanding completely different mounting strategies to strolling you thru the instruments and steps you’ll want for a safe set up, take into account this your go-to information for getting it accomplished cleanly, confidently, and with out damaging your drywall.
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Q: What’s the distinction between all these mounting strategies?
A: All of it begins with what’s on the again. Earlier than you choose up a hammer or drill, flip your mirror or artwork over and try the way it’s meant to hold. There are a couple of frequent varieties you’ll see:
Image Wire
A basic for a motive. This one’s normally discovered on lighter mirrors and framed art work. Straightforward to hold with a hook or two, and even simpler to regulate as soon as it’s on the wall. Typically paired with D-rings for added flexibility.
Keyhole Brackets
They could look smooth, however keyhole brackets could be a bit tough. Getting the screws to align completely with the bracket openings takes endurance (and possibly a bit trial and error). That stated, they provide an excellent flush end as soon as in place.
French Cleats
Our private favourite for heavier items. A French cleat mounts in two elements—one on the wall and one on the mirror—locking collectively to create an excellent sturdy maintain. Bonus: you get a number of screw holes for added energy and straightforward horizontal changes.
Picture by Schoolhouse
Q: How do I truly hold one thing heavy?
A: Deliver on the ability instruments—safely. Whenever you’re coping with severe weight, you’ll wish to hold your mirror right into a stud for optimum assist. But when your studs don’t align along with your mounting {hardware} (which occurs as a rule), you’ll want a toggle anchor to assist distribute the load.
Right here’s how we did it with a heavy mirror + French cleat combo:
Measure & mark your top
Begin by determining precisely the place you need the highest of your mirror to sit down. Then, mark the place the cleat will go on the wall. Precision is essential right here!
Discover your stud (or not)
Use a stud finder to find the studs behind your wall. In case you’re fortunate, considered one of your cleat’s holes will line up completely. If not? That’s the place the toggle is available in.
Screw into the stud
On the facet with the stud, use an everyday wooden screw to anchor your cleat securely.
Use a toggle anchor on the opposite facet
Drill a bigger gap in your snap toggle (these are included with our heaviest mirrors), pop it by way of the drywall, and pull it comfortable earlier than screwing in.
Dangle your mirror
As soon as the cleat is mounted and degree, you’re prepared to hold. Ask a pal for assist in case your mirror is cumbersome.
Picture by Schoolhouse
Last Tip: All the time learn your mirror or artwork’s mounting directions, use the correct instruments, and when doubtful—ask for assist. Hanging one thing heavy doesn’t must be annoying, and the payoff (aka that completely positioned assertion piece) is so price it.
Nonetheless have questions? The Switchboard is all the time open. Whether or not you’re hanging art work or rethinking your flooring plan, we’re right here to assist. E-mail us as at [email protected]
What are your finest ideas for hanging artwork and mirrors?
