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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 walk you through the different ways to hang your picture frame and give you some important steps to make hanging your frame easier.

Three Different Ways to Hang Your Picture Frame
There are three main ways to hang picture frames: nails, screws and adhesives.

Nails
The most common and least expensive way to hang picture 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. Always hammer the nail into a wall stud at a 45 degree angle.  If you’re hanging heavy or large picture frames, it’s important to put the nail in a stud. Never attempt to hang your picture frame with a nail that’s only secured into sheetrock as it won’t likely hold and could damage your picture frame. If you don’t know how to find a wall stud, you can knock lightly on the wall until you hear a solid sound or you can use a stud finder, available at any hardware store.

Screws
Anytime you have to hang a picture frame on concrete, stone or brick, you need to use screws as nails will simply fall out. Screws do make larger holes so you normally don’t want to use them unless you have no choice. In order to secure screws into brick or concrete you will need to pre-drill a hole using a mason drill bit and make the hole smaller than the size of the screw. You should also consider using screw anchors as they will help secure the screw into the wall.

Adhesives
The third method for securing a hanging wall frame is with the use of adhesives. They are simple and quick and don’t require any holes in the wall. Adhesives, like 3M’s Command Strips, are becoming increasingly more popular and are available in hooks or velcro. 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.

Your next step, after deciding how to hang your wall frame, is to decide where your frame should be hung.

Tips for Hanging Wall Picture Frames

Anytime you’re hanging picture frames on the wall, it’s always easier if you have someone help 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 unsure of what height to hang your frame, it is generally recommended that the picture frame be hung 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 picture frames on the floor (protect with a towel or blanket if there is no carpet) and arrange and rearrange them until you are satisfied with how they look.
4. Once you have the right placement on the wall for your frame arrangement, begin transfering it to the wall. If possible, have someone help you as it will be easier with two people. If you have an empty wall with no other objects on the wall, start in the center of your arrangement and work 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.

Tags: hanging frames, hanging picture frame, hanging picture frames, wall frame, wall frames, wall picture frame, wall picture frames