How to Hang Heavy Pictures

Standard nails won’t cut it when it comes to holding up heavy wall art, so before you begin, make sure you have the right tools. For art that is between 5-20 lbs, you can use drywall anchors, but if you have a heavier piece, use a metal wall anchor. Anything over 50 lbs will require a rail cable. If you are hanging on a stud, look for threaded screws that you can screw right into the stud. You also need a level and a hammer to make sure your wall art is straight. 

Ideally, if your art is over 25 lbs, you will hang it on a wall stud. A stud finder can help you locate the right spot. Anything lighter can be hung on anchors. If you can’t use a wall stud for heavier pieces, be sure to add at least one anchor for every six inches. You can make sure your art is in the right location from an aesthetic perspective by cutting a piece of cardboard to the same size and using tape to stick it where you want to hang the painting. 

When dealing with heavy wall art, you don’t want to make a wrong hole, or you could end up ripping out drywall. This means you need to measure carefully and place your anchors in the right place. As previously mentioned, larger pieces will need extra anchors to hold them up safely. Alternatively, you can use a hanging rail cable, which can hold multiple pieces of art. Again, measuring is essential.

Now that you have everything marked out, place your anchors to provide sturdy support. If using a stud, you’ll need to screw in the screws, which is best done with an electric screwdriver or drill. You can hang the art and have someone else stand back to ensure the piece is straight. If you don’t have anyone available to assist, or you are a stickler for details, use a level to determine how straight the piece is and make any necessary adjustments.