A large solid-hardwood frame with acrylic glazing can weigh fifty pounds or more. A single picture hook in drywall isn't designed for that - and a wire puts all of the load on the two corners.
Why a French cleat
A French cleat is a pair of interlocking bevelled rails: one screwed to the wall, one to the back of the frame. The frame's weight is spread along the full width of the rail, and the frame can't be knocked off the wall.
Installing one
- Find the studs with a detector and mark them.
- Level the wall rail and fix it into at least two studs with 2.5 inch screws. Use toggle anchors only where a stud can't be reached.
- Hang the frame and check for level - a cleat lets you slide it side to side for fine adjustment.
Frames over 30 inches wide ship from us with a cleat already fitted to the back and a matching wall rail in the box.
