What You Need to Know to Hang Wall Picture Frames

Now that you have your photo and picture frame all ready it's time for the important job of hanging your picture frame. Hanging a picture isn’t difficult, but there are a few steps to take before you begin. This article will explain the different ways to hang your picture frame and provide tips to help you hang your frame more easily.Ways to Hang Your FrameThere are three main ways to hang picture frames: nails, screws and adhesives.NailsThe most common way to hang photo frames is with finishing nails. Finishing nails are easy to install and won’t create a large hole in your wall- if you use a small nail. Hammer the nail in at a 45 degree angle and, if possible, into a stud.  If you’re hanging heavy or large picture frames, it’s important to put the nail in a stud. Don’t take a chance of damaging your picture frame, or your sheet rock, by hammering your nail directly into sheet rock that won’t hold the weight of your picture frame. If you don't know how to locate a wall stud, the best way is to use a stud finder (available at any hardware store).ScrewsHanging picture frames on concrete, stone or brick walls requires the extra strength and support of screws. Screws do make larger holes so you normally don't want to use them unless you have no choice. To secure screws into concrete or brick you need to pre-drill a hole in the rock wall using a mason drill bit the size of the screw. You should also consider using screw anchors as they will help secure the screw into the wall.AdhesivesThe third way to hang picture frames is by using adhesives. They are simple and quick and don't require any holes in the wall. Adhesives, like 3M’s Command Strips, are available in Velcro and hooks and are becoming increasingly more popular. Carefully read the instructions as there are weight limitations and instructions that must be carefully followed.  Hanging small picture frames with adhesives works best, but some adhesives will hold up to 5 pounds. Use with caution because if your picture frame is too heavy the adhesive won't hold and your frame could fall and get badly damaged.Once you've decided how you'll hang your wall frames, you now have to decide where your picture frames will be hung.Tips for Hanging Wall Picture FramesWhen hanging your picture frames on the wall, it is best have someone help you with this step. You can have your helper hold the frame at different heights and positions on the wall so you can find the right spot. If you're not sure of how high to hang your picture frame, you generally want to hang it around eye level or about 3/4 of the way up the wall.If you’re hanging multiple wall picture frames, it’s best to decide upon the spacing of each frame before you start hanging them on the wall. Hanging multiple frames can be tricky so to make your wall look coordinated and well put together, arrange them on the floor until you’re satisfied with the look. For best results, follow these steps:   1. Measure the wall area where the picture frames will hang.   2. Take a string and outline the measured wall space on the floor.   3. Carefully place your frames on the floor (on top of a blanket or towel if there's no carpet) and arrange them until you're satisfied.   4. Once you have the right placement on the wall then transfer this placement on the wall. If possible, have someone help you as it will be easier with two people. If you have an empty wall with nothing hanging there, begin to hang your picture frames by starting in the center of your arrangement and working outwards. If you have other items on the wall and have a limited space, then you should start on one side and carefully work to the other end using the measurements from your floor arrangement.   5. Before placing the nail or screw, check the back of the frame and see where the hanger is placed so you don’t make your frame higher or lower than you expect. And, if you have a small level, use it so you’re picture frames will always be straight.Now that you know what hardware is available and have basic steps to follow to hang your picture frames, hopefully it will help you from putting a bunch of unnecessary holes in your wall and make the process a whole lot easier.