- Measure the length that you need your French cleat to be. ...
- Adjust your table saw or circular saw to a 30°-45° bevel and rip your board along the center. ...
- Secure the top piece of the cleat to the item to be hung (see diagram shown below). ...
- Choose the height at which you want to hang the item on the wall and mark where the bottom cleat will be placed.
- Gently place the object above the wall cleat and lower until the two pieces are securely nested together.
How to hang a cabinet using a French cleat?
Hanging Cabinets With French Cleat Wedge Brackets
- A Simple French Cleat Hanging System for a Wall Cabinet. In our utility cabinet project, the French cleat is formed from a piece of 2 x 6 dimension lumber sized ...
- Variations. ...
- Another Mounting Option. ...
How to hang a heavy mirror with a French cleat?
- Center the mounting bracket, or cleat, on the back of the mirror frame and level with its top edge.
- Use a power drill to carefully make pilot holes into the frame using the pre-drilled holes in the bracket as a guide.
- Attach the bar to the frame with screws.
- Determine placement on the wall and the location of wall studs using a stud finder.
What wood to use for French cleat system?
French cleat walls are usually made from plywood, but don’t use the cheapest plywood (Grades C and D), which often contains knots and weak spots that would compromise the results.
How to build a French cleat tool storage wall (DIY)?
How to Cut a French cleat
- Mark the cut. I'm starting with 5" wide strips of 3/4" plywood. ...
- Use an edge guide for circular saw or jig saw. To get the most accurate cuts, I recommend making a circular saw jig, using a circular saw guide, or just ...
- Set the blade angle. Somewhere on your saw, there should be a knob that allows you to tilt the blade. ...
- Make the Cut. ...
- Sand the point. ...
How do you make French cleat picture hangers?
0:012:45Hang Heavy Picture Using a Metal French Cleat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first attaches to the back of the picture frame I notice the angle shape to avoid theMoreThe first attaches to the back of the picture frame I notice the angle shape to avoid the possibility of splitting. And first drill pilot. Holes. Then install small pan head screws.
How do you make French cleat tool holders?
3:539:4810 Practical French Cleat Tool Holder Ideas | Evening WoodworkerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI started by cutting some quarter inch plywood as the backer i then glued two pieces of threeMoreI started by cutting some quarter inch plywood as the backer i then glued two pieces of three quarter inch plywood together and cut that into wedges with an 18 degree angle on one. Side.
What is the best size of wood to make a French cleat?
French cleats are surprisingly strong, and the storage possibilities are only limited by your imagination. To build a basic tool-hanging system, start with 3/4-inch plywood cut into a strip that's 5 inches wide by at least 30 inches long. This piece will become the mounting cleat that gets attached to the wall.
How much weight can a French cleat hold?
A single lag screw in a wood stud can bear a weight of between 80 – 100 pounds; two screws can hold 160-200 pounds. The wall cleat should be wide enough to fit two lag screws and span a minimum of two studs.
How do you make a french cleat box?
7:0113:05French Cleat Wall System and Lots of Boxes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen simply putting on a back. And screw in the back onto a cleat. I also wanted to fit some smallMoreThen simply putting on a back. And screw in the back onto a cleat. I also wanted to fit some small clamps. So I used the same concept as the mallet hanger however on a smaller scale.
What angle is a French cleat?
45 degreeA French cleat is a way of securing a cabinet, mirror, artwork or other object to a wall. It is a molding with a 30–45 degree slope used to hang cabinets or other objects.
Can you use 1/2 plywood French cleats?
When making French cleats for hanging cabinetry (or other wall-hanging things), plywood (1/2" or 3/4") seems to be an ideal choice as it's strong, stable and, generally pretty straight.
Can you use half inch plywood for French cleats?
If building a French cleat wall in a home office or kitchen and hope to avoid a bulky appearance, ½-inch plywood will provide a leaner look while offering adequate support for items like pots and pans.
How much spacing is between French cleats?
4:446:26What is the Best Spacing between French Cleats? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI still love the 5 to 6 inch spacing that allows me to have a bunch of tools up on the wall. ButMoreI still love the 5 to 6 inch spacing that allows me to have a bunch of tools up on the wall. But still allows me to utilize. Most of those cleats without having a bunch of those empty.
Can you hang cabinets with French cleat?
0:3314:11How To Hang Cabinets Using The French Cleat System. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's get to it. Welcome back today we're going to talk about how to hanging cabinets. Using aMoreLet's get to it. Welcome back today we're going to talk about how to hanging cabinets. Using a French cleat system if you can see here in the background.
How do you hang a heavy mirror with French cleats?
1:553:01Hanging a Heavy Mirror by French Cleat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe placed the cleat on the wall with the 45 facing away from the wall. Then we used a long bubbleMoreWe placed the cleat on the wall with the 45 facing away from the wall. Then we used a long bubble level to make sure that we had the cleat. Level for pilot holes were drilled into the studs.
How do you make a 2x4 French cleat?
0:387:52How to make a French Cleat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is 1 by 4 and what we're going to do is we are going to cut the board right here at about 45MoreSo this is 1 by 4 and what we're going to do is we are going to cut the board right here at about 45 degree angle and that is completely through so you'll have a board that's long.
Step 1
Measure the length that you need your French cleat to be. Typically a french cleat is the length of the item to be hung on the wall and spans the length of at least 2 studs in the wall that the item will be secured to.
Step 2
Adjust your table saw or circular saw to a 30°-45° bevel and rip your board along the center. (For tips on using a table saw safely, read this article .)
Step 3
Secure the top piece of the cleat to the item to be hung (see diagram shown below). This can be done with pocket-holes, glued under a shelf, or with screws to the back of the item. (You may want to pre-drill your holes to avoid splitting the wood.)
Step 4
Choose the height at which you want to hang the item on the wall and mark where the bottom cleat will be placed. Mark the studs that the cleat will be screwed into and secure the cleat to the wall using wood screws and a level in the orientation shown above. (Again, you may want to pre-drill your holes to avoid splitting the wood.)
Step 5
Gently place the object above the wall cleat and lower until the two pieces are securely nested together.
Step 1: Rip Plywood
Rip down a 24-inch piece of plywood. The piece should be 5 inches wide and your desired length.
Step 2: Set Angle and Mark
Set the table saw to a 45-degree angle. Then mark the ripped piece of plywood at 3 inches wide.
Step 3: Cut Plywood
With the saw, cut a 45-degree angle at your 3-inch mark along the length of the plywood. Use a guide (or the table saw's fence) to help keep your line straight.
Step 4: Find Studs
Use a stud finder to find wall studs. Mark the placement of studs with a pencil. If you can't find the studs, or want to hang your item in an area where there are no studs, you can also use wall anchors to secure the shelf.
Step 5: Mark and Drill Holes
With the angled edge facing upward on the larger piece of plywood cleat, mark and pre-drill pilot holes. Use a level to make sure your cleat will be level. Attach the long cleat to the wall studs with wood screws.
Step 6: Mark and Drill Holes Again
With the angled edge facing downward on the back of the item you're trying to hang, mark and pre-drill pilot holes. Use a level again to make sure your cleat will be level. Attach the smaller cleat to the back of the item you're hanging with a thin line of wood glue and screws.
Step 7: Line Up
Line up the short cleat with the long cleat and hang item on wall. Ensure the cleats are properly aligned.
So, what are French Cleats, exactly?
French cleats are picture hanging hardware composed of two horizontal metal or wood plates. One plate is attached to the wall, while the other is attached to the object you want to hang.Each angled pair is designed to interlock, allowing you to hang objects on the wall securely.
7 Beautiful Wall Hanging Ideas to Liven up Your Walls
Like we mentioned earlier, cleats serve both design and function, so we've divided this section to show you just that. Check out these aesthetic tips to beautify your space, or skip ahead to the Functionality Section if you want ideas about storage and organization instead.
Where can I buy french cleats?
Picture Hang Solutions has regular and heavy duty cleats in different sizes and profiles to suit your needs. Some kits even include the screws and plastic anchors to use during installation.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing afrench cleat can’t hold. You can find different lengths and weight ratings that cater to your wall hanging needs. Whatever you are trying to hang, you can rely on french cleats to do the job properly. They’re strong, secure , and very easy to install. French cleats are definitely a picture hanger’s best friend!
Organize and store tools and other implements neatly by creating a wall of sturdy French cleats
It may sound fancy, but a French cleat is simply a sturdy beveled support board, a secret that builders and craftsmen rely on to hang heavy items, such as large mirrors, artworks, and cabinets. It’s also become popular to cover as much as an entire wall with French cleats to organize and store tools and utensils.
French Cleat Wall Fundamentals
The purpose of any cleat—a horizontal board attached to a wall—is to help support a heavy item, but a French cleat improves on the concept by beveling the top edge of the cleat to slope downward in back. If you feel the top of an installed French cleat with your fingers, you will notice how the front edge is higher than the back.
1. Choose the Right Material
French cleat walls are usually made from plywood, but don’t use the cheapest plywood (Grades C and D), which often contains knots and weak spots that would compromise the results. Opt instead for Grade A or Grade B plywood, which is denser, smoother, and less likely to warp and splinter.
2. Cut the Angles
The angle of the beveled top edge of a French cleat is 45-degrees, and if you have a miter saw or table saw, cutting the cleats will be a snap. Cutting bevels on any other type of saw is more difficult, so if you don’t have a table saw, ask the folks at the lumberyard where you purchase the plywood to rip it into cleats for you.
3. Keep It Level
Trying to balance and level a cleat as you attach it to the wall can be tricky, so rather than attempt it freehand, draw a guideline on the wall. You’ll need a carpenter’s level (the longer the better) and a pencil. Position the carpenter’s level where you want the bottom of the lowest cleat on your wall, and draw a line along the level’s top edge.
4. Build for Strength
In order for a cleat wall to be strong enough to hold numerous heavy items, the cleats must be securely attached to the wall. Use a stud finder to locate the center of a stud, and then snap a vertical chalk line from the top to the bottom of the stud.
5. Finish and Use the Cleat Wall
After installing as many cleats as necessary to complete your French cleat wall, sand the cleats to smooth away any splintery edges. Painting isn’t required, but brushing on a clear coat of polyurethane will protect the wood and make it easier to wipe away spills.
Fasten with trim-head screws
Use 1-1/4-in. screws for 3/4-in. to 3/4-in. joinery. Use 2-in. screws for edge joints. Plus: Learn how to build the cleat wall for mounting all of these nifty tool holders.
Build a test wall
Mount three cleats on a half sheet of plywood to mock up a test wall. Use it to test and assemble your shelves, bins, hangers and more.
The plywood is optional
If your garage or shop wall has exposed studs, you’ll find the plywood in our plan ideal for finishing the wall. But you could also screw the wall cleats right through existing plywood or drywall or even directly to the studs.
Plan your tool holders
Lay out the tools or other items to help you decide what type and size holder will work the best.
Small shelf supports
Small Shelves can get by with minimal support. They’ll only need vertical supports that cover one wall cleat.
Medium-size shelves
Medium-Size shelves, depending on their design and the weight of their contents, may need to span more than one cleat.
Heavy units
Support Large, heavy units with double cleats. Screw the top cleat to the tool holder, then hang it on the wall with the bottom cleat already nested in the wall cleat. That way you can screw the tool holder to the bottom cleat from the front in exactly the right position.
Can I use MDF for making French cleats?
Yes. You can use medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for making French cleats, but its weight holding capacity is lower than plywood. Plywood is far superior when it comes to moisture resistance and stability. If you are hanging heavy-duty objects/equipment, we suggest you go with plywood.
Can you hang a heavy mirror without French cleats?
Yes. You can hang heavy mirrors with toggle bolts. Heavy mirrors need to go into studs, or you will need toggle bolts to hang them.
What is the appropriate thickness for a French cleat?
The appropriate thickness for a French cleat is ¾ of an inch. Please note that the object part of the cleat will need to be inserted into the object by that amount. Otherwise, the backside of the object being hanged will be ¾ inch away from the wall, and it will look like it will fall. So, plan your project accordingly.
How much weight can a French cleat hold?
A French cleat is a very strong joint for hanging heavy objects on the wall. As a rule of thumb, a single lag screw in a wood stud can hold a weight of 80-100 pounds; two screws can hold 160-200 pounds. Your French cleat should be wide enough to fit two lag screws and a minimum of two studs.
How can I Install a French Cleat?
Installing French cleats is easy. You will need a power drill, a 1/8-inch, a ¼-inch bit, corrects screws and anchors for the mounting surface, a tape measure, a carpenter’s level, and a pencil. Once all the tools and supplies have been arranged, follow the steps below for installation.
