How to Hang a Heavy Mirror

How to Hang a Heavy Mirror With Screws and Wire

1. Identify Positions of the Studs

   Locate the positions of two adjacent studs near the intended installation area with the stud finder. Mark the positions with the pencil. In most cases, studs should be located every 16 inches, on-center (from center to center). Some walls may have studs located every 24 inches, on-center.

2. Mark the Vertical Location

   Mark the vertical location of the hang point on one of the studs. Use a pencil. Note that this will be the position of the screw, not the top edge of the mirror. The top edge of the mirror will be 2 inches to 4 inches higher than the hang point.

3. Determine the Level

   Cast a laser level line across the mark. Use the laser line to determine the position on the adjacent stud.

   Tip

   The mirror's level can be adjusted with the wire. But it's always best to make the screws as close to level as possible.

4. Drive the Fastener Screws

   Drive two fastener screws on the adjacent studs with the cordless drill. The heads of the screws should protrude about 1/4-inch.

5. Hang the Mirror

   Drape the mirror's stainless steel hanging wire over the tops of the two fastening screws. Slowly let go and the mirror hang. Adjust the level by sliding one side of the mirror either up or down.

   Tip

   Determine the mirror's level with the laser lever or with a bubble level. Often, visually determining the level works best, especially in rooms with imperfect sizing or crooked trim or crown molding.

How to Hang a Heavy Mirror With Cleats

Metal cleats are a stronger alternative to the wire-and-screws method of hanging heavy mirrors. Installation must be precise since you do need to make sure that the wall cleat is exactly level as it cannot be adjusted.

1. Determine the Level

   Use the stud finder to strike a level line where you want the cleat to run. Be precise about this, since cleats do not allow for re-adjustment in the way that the wire-and-screws method does.

   Tip

   Keep in mind that the cleat location does not represent the top edge of the mirror. The mirror's edge will be a few inches higher, depending on where you place it on the mirror.

2. Screw the Cleat to the Wall

   If you have an 18-inch or longer cleat, it can span from one stud to an adjacent stud. If the cleat is shorter than 16 inches, screw the center hole to a stud and screw the two end holes into drywall anchors.
   

3. Screw the Cleat to the Back of the Mirror

   Screw the other cleat into the top of the frame on the back side. Be sure to keep the cleat parallel to the top of the frame. For mirror frames with irregular edges, maintain parallel with the top edge of the mirror glass. Determine parallel by measuring down with a tape measure in two places.

4. Attach the Mirror to the Wall

   Attach the mirror by sliding the mirror cleat over the wall cleat. The mirror should rest firmly in place.

When to Call a Professional

For antique mirrors, overly heavy mirrors, masonry walls, or if you simply do not feel comfortable hanging a heavy mirror, call a repair or fix-it service. This basic project should take less than an hour for most mirrors and wall systems and about a half-hour extra for masonry walls.

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