Categories: Design & PlanningInterior Spaces

How to Hang a Large Picture: French Cleat

Mounting the Cleat

Mounting this plywood cleat is the same as mounting the metal one. Center the cleat and mount it an inch down from the top of the piece. Then hang the bottom half of the cleat on the wall using a level. Since my cleat was around 20″ I was able to hit two studs when mounting it. I only used two fasteners at it is solid as a rock.

Then just slide the picture down onto the cleat and position it side to side for the best look. A huge benefit to a french cleat is that a picture or mirror can be moved side to side while remaining level.

I could do pull ups on this coat rack, the french cleat is that strong

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Jeff Williams

Contributing Editor Jeff Williams is a carpenter for a commercial General Contractor specializing in concrete, steel, and wood buildings. Jeff comes from a long line of contractors. His parents started a commercial General Contracting firm many years ago and it has afforded him life-long, hands-on learning opportunities from rough and fine carpentry all the way to structural steel and concrete. Jeff has a Construction Management degree and loves the thrill of coordinating and successfully managing large jobs from start to finish. Inspired by the difficulties sometimes encountered to complete punch lists his motto is, "Work hard until the job is done."

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View Comments

Karen says:
November 26, 2017 at 3:07 pm
I am hanging an old window on a wall but will only be able to center it on 1 stud. Can I use the French cleat or is there a better way?
- Todd Fratzel says:
  November 30, 2017 at 4:53 pm
  French cleat will work...but you'll need to use some drywall anchors.