How to Hang a Large Item

3 Things you’ll need to hang a large item on the wall – big muscles, looks, and brains.  Well okay, maybe a bit more than that 😉 . Find out how we secured our very large and heavy chalkboard to the wall.

It’s times like these where Mr. TIDBITS really delivers.

He just simply can’t resist my batting eyes and innocent pleas.  Especially when I say it like this . . .

“Hey honey bun???  Will you pretty please take this massive chalkboard we made, that I told you would only ever be propped on the floor, and hang it above the stairs . . . pretty pretty please with sugar on top??  I’m certain those strong muscles wouldn’t even feel strained, you hunk of burnin’ love.”

Oh.  And then there was this.

“While you are up there straddling a ladder and hanging on for dear life – my oh so talented and brilliant man – could you sketch a lovely ‘relax’ script with botanicals?”

Sorry ladies.

This obedient muscle man, who also sketches lovely botanicals, is so taken.

And he is all mine.

But I’ll let you borrow him for just a minute, long enough for him to explain how to hang a large item using the “French Cleat” method.

As far as finding a man with big enough muscles to hang it while standing on top of a ladder that is straddling stairs . . . well . . . you might have to find a few men to match my Mr. TIDBITS. 😉

Take it over babe . . .

As you can imagine, while straddling stairs and trying not to think of my precarious position, I was thinking to myself “why didn’t I just get some help?”.

The french cleat method is a simple way to hang really anything you want.  I started with a piece of plywood 1/2 inch thick, 4 feet long and 2.5 inches wide. I set my table saw on a 45 degree angle and cut the board in half lengthwise.  Keep both pieces since you will need one for the wall and one for the item you are hanging.

Use a measuring tape to mark the same distance along the item you are hanging, and screw one of the half pieces on to it. Be sure the angle part is facing down.  Don’t use a level on this step since you don’t know if your floor is level.

Use a level and screw the other piece to the wall where you want the item hung.  Be sure the board on the wall has the angle part pointing up.  I was able to hit four studs with my board so I knew it would be strong enough to hold the chalkboard we were hanging up.

Carefully, without giving yourself a hernia, set the item you are hanging against the wall.  Gently slide the item down until the boards meet, and if you did everything right you will have a straight well hung item on your wall.

Small or large, the French Cleat works great!

Thank you Mr. TIDBITS!  I always prefer to have him help me explain his methods!

Let us know if you give the French Cleat a try!