If you have large artwork, a mirror, a TV, shelves, or a cabinet that needs hanging, you should take extra care when hanging these heavy objects on the wall so they don't fall down and break, damage the wall, or hurt someone.
Make sure to account for not only the weight of the object you are hanging, but any additional weight that will be added, such as books to a bookcase or dishes to a kitchen cabinet.
Here are several methods to hang heavy items on a wall and ensure that they stay on the wall.
photo courtesy of Jocelyn Kinghorn flickr.com/photos/joceykinghorn/9928059996/
French Cleat
A French cleat a horizontal fastener (usually 4 inches to 6 foot long) that fits together like a long horizontal wedge shaped hook.
One part of the French cleat is attached to the wall pointing upward and the other part is attached to the item to be hung on the wall pointing downward.
Once the heavy item is hung on the wall, the French cleat is often screwed together from the underside or top.
You can make your own French cleat out of wood or purchase a French cleat made out of metal #ad.
French cleats are especially popular for hanging headboards on the wall.
Horizontal Wood Bracing
For hanging items over 100 pounds, such as cabinets, you may need to add horizontal 2x4 or 2x6 wood bracing.
The wood bracing will need to be added behind the drywall and securely attached between 2 vertical wood studs.
You may need 3 sections of bracing at the top, middle, and bottom of your heavy item.
The horizontal bracing will ensure that all fasteners go into wood and not drywall.
They will also help hang the heavy item on the wall in a level position while it is being fastened.
Specialty Hooks
Hardware stores sell specialty hooks, such as Hercules Hooks #ad, that easily attach to drywall without using any tools (not even a hammer) and can hold anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds of weight each.
Make sure to read the specialty hook directions for how much weight that particular hook can hold.
You can weigh the item you wish to hang by stepping on your scale to check your weight, then stand on your scale again while holding the item to get the combined weight, then subtract your weight from the combined weight.
Wall Anchors
Traditional wall anchors are little plastic tubes that go into your wall before you use a screw to hang your heavy object.
You will need to drill a hole in your wall, then hammer the wall anchor into the wall and insert the screw into the wall anchor.
There are also threaded wall anchors that screw into your wall.
Wall anchors usually hold around 50 pounds of weight, however read the package of wall anchors to determine the appropriate weight those anchors can hold.
Find a Stud
When using a nail or screw to secure something to your wall, make sure the nail or screw goes into a wall stud, not just the drywall.
You can purchase a stud finder #ad tool to help locate studs.
Studs run from floor to ceiling vertically and are typically located 16" apart from center to center.
A nail in just drywall can't hold more than a few pounds of weight, but a thin nail in a wood stud can typically hold up to 20 pounds and several coarse threaded wood screws in wood studs can typically hold up to 100 pounds or more.
For More Information on How to Hang Heavy Items on a Wall, see the video below:
