Specs for hanging large framed mirror (2 1/2' X 3 1/2') on 5/8" drywall
#1
06-16-14, 08:00 AM
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Specs for hanging large framed mirror (2 1/2' X 3 1/2') on 5/8" drywall
Hi everyone,
What are the general guidelines for hanging a large framed mirrow on 5/8" drywall when none of the drywall studs are going to be close enough to use on the frame rings or brackets where mirror-frame is to be centered? Say you have to place all mounting points on just the drywall itself and the mirror probably weighs between 30-40 lbs.
First, with this heavy a load on drywall, would you just use a design incorporating mounting on the studs?
Second, if not, would you recommend using the plastic/nylon screw-in type anchors that go right into the drywall - making sure to use sufficient number of these mounts, based on the max. bearing load weight of each mounting piece?
Or would the old-fashioned metal 'butterfly' expansion anchors be a safer and better option for this type of installation?
Thanks,
greynold99
What are the general guidelines for hanging a large framed mirrow on 5/8" drywall when none of the drywall studs are going to be close enough to use on the frame rings or brackets where mirror-frame is to be centered? Say you have to place all mounting points on just the drywall itself and the mirror probably weighs between 30-40 lbs.
First, with this heavy a load on drywall, would you just use a design incorporating mounting on the studs?
Second, if not, would you recommend using the plastic/nylon screw-in type anchors that go right into the drywall - making sure to use sufficient number of these mounts, based on the max. bearing load weight of each mounting piece?
Or would the old-fashioned metal 'butterfly' expansion anchors be a safer and better option for this type of installation?
Thanks,
greynold99
#2
06-16-14, 08:28 AM
Group Moderator
I would be tempted to string a wire across the back of the mirror and hang it from two hooks attached to studs relying on the friction to allow me to go off center enough to properly position the mirror. My second pick would be to still use the wire and go to two hooks mounted to the sheetrock with toggle bolts. I'm don't think I'd trust that much weight to seven two of the screw in type plastic anchors.
#3
06-16-14, 09:36 AM
A few years ago I purchased a large, ornate, 160+ year old mirror, size is about 6'x 7 1/2'. It took 4 of us to carefully handle it as it weighs about 200+ pounds.
I had the artisan who restored it make up some channel shaped brackets with about a 1/4" leg in the front, a 1/2" return leg at the bottom and a 1-1/2" back upright leg. The brackets are about 4"-6" long and got screwed to a stud with 2 screws each. The front edge of these brackets has a sawtooth pattern cut into them so that the little "teeth" stuck up into the bottom edge of the frame. It really didn't matter where the studs were in relation to the bottom of the mirror as long as we got something close to symmetry.
We placed a large eyebolt into a stud that was closest to the top center of the frame and we wired it to the frame just to create a balance point for the top. The real weight of the frame is resting on those metal brackets, which, by the way, are about 1/8" thick metal.
I had the artisan who restored it make up some channel shaped brackets with about a 1/4" leg in the front, a 1/2" return leg at the bottom and a 1-1/2" back upright leg. The brackets are about 4"-6" long and got screwed to a stud with 2 screws each. The front edge of these brackets has a sawtooth pattern cut into them so that the little "teeth" stuck up into the bottom edge of the frame. It really didn't matter where the studs were in relation to the bottom of the mirror as long as we got something close to symmetry.
We placed a large eyebolt into a stud that was closest to the top center of the frame and we wired it to the frame just to create a balance point for the top. The real weight of the frame is resting on those metal brackets, which, by the way, are about 1/8" thick metal.
#4
06-16-14, 09:45 AM
Super Moderator
I've hung large mirrors and pictures using Toggler anchors or the plastic pop out butterfly anchors. Never had an issue. Just hung a large framed poster that weighed about 40 lbs using the wire across the back. 2 Togglers with the recommended #10 x 1 1/2 screws hold it just fine. They are each rated at 69 lbs pullout in 1/2" sheetrock. Small print says industry standard is 25% of max (17 1/4 lbs) as a working load, but since the weight is almost all static sheer force not lateral, it should be more than adequate.
That said, getting even one screw into a stud and then using an anchor as a second point to keep the item level is a better idea.
I wouldn't do either of these for something like a shelf or articulating TV arm....but for static loads like mirrors and pictures, it works just fine.
That said, getting even one screw into a stud and then using an anchor as a second point to keep the item level is a better idea.
I wouldn't do either of these for something like a shelf or articulating TV arm....but for static loads like mirrors and pictures, it works just fine.
#5
06-16-14, 12:52 PM
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Thanks for your replies and suggestions
Thanks GunGuy45, Calvert & PilotDane for taking the time to reply.
You've made some good suggestions and I'll be honest I was somewhat anxious on trusting that weight on only those plastic screw-in type anchors even before posting.
I'll look at it tonight with a focus on using a stud or two studs for mounting hidden-brackets to support the main weight of the mirror/frame and using a screw-in anchor to provide the top-frame. I'll be sure to attach those bottom-brackets to the frame so it won't be able to be kicked off the support.
Later,
greynold99
You've made some good suggestions and I'll be honest I was somewhat anxious on trusting that weight on only those plastic screw-in type anchors even before posting.
I'll look at it tonight with a focus on using a stud or two studs for mounting hidden-brackets to support the main weight of the mirror/frame and using a screw-in anchor to provide the top-frame. I'll be sure to attach those bottom-brackets to the frame so it won't be able to be kicked off the support.
Later,
greynold99
