Hanging a vanity mirror and frame

I have a 66" wide mirror that has a 4" wide maple frame surrounding it. The frame and mirror are attached together and weigh approximately 60-70 LBs. I need to hang this above a bathroom vanity.

I spoke to an installer at a local glass/mirror shop and he said he'd use 2" finish nails to mount the mirror/frame to the studs in the wall. The frame of the mirror is 3/4" thick. This would be the easiest option for me since I have a 16 gauge nail gun and there are 4 studs available to nail the top and bottom of the mirror/frame to. My concern is that the weight of the mirror/frame might be too much for the 16 gauge nails and pull them off the wall.

My backup option is to use a french cleat that supports 70 LBs. I'd prefer to use the first option as it would leave a cleaner look with the mirror mounted flush to the wall.

Has anyone had any experience with hanging a framed mirror using a nail gun? And if so, do you think the weight of the mirror would be too much for 16 gauge, 2" nails that would be nailed to 4 studs at the top and bottom of the mirror (i.e. nailed to the wall in 8 locations)?

Thanks.

 

The finish gun will be fine but 2 1/2" nails would be better. 8 nailing locations = < 10 lbs of weight on each nail. Done this many times on wooden framed mirrors. I will make a sort of french cleat that just sits on the counter (not attached anywhere) and is level so that you can just sit the mirror on it, leaving you to worry only about centering the mirror.

 

2" 15ga? Not for me thank you. You have a 3/4" frame and 1/2" sheetrock (probably) before you hit the stud. That only leaves 3/4" of nail in solid wood.

Maybe 16ga and maybe 2 1/2", but even then I'd probably use a different system. If you ever wanted to take it down, you'd have to cut the nails to do it.

Maybe something like this 1-1/2" x 1-3/4" Extra Thin Flush Mounts w/ Screws (Pair) - Rockler Woodworking Tools or this https://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...96550797142952

 

15 ga nails are larger than 16 ga.

 

IMO it doesn't make much difference whether a 16 or 15 gauge nail is used, either hole can be puttied up and made to disappear. As for taking it down it usually isn't a big deal to pry it loose and any minor damage to the surface is easily remedied.

 

Yeah, I discombobulated the ga sizes. He said 16 and mine is a 15 so I just reversed them in my mind.

I still wouldn't just nail it up in a residential setting.

That's what makes the world go round, different opinions.

 

The nail idea is fine. Obviously the bottom nails hold the weight of the mirror and the top keeps it from falling forward. The nails should be driven at 45° angle which will provide greater holding strength. Trim head screws could be another option.