How much weight can a metal French cleat hold?

A French cleat is strong enough to hold heavy items like artwork, cabinets, mirrors, and even tools securely on the wall, supporting over 75 lbs (34.02 kg). You can use this 30-45 degree molding as a pair or cleat that mounts to the wall alongside a matching edge cut into the item you are hanging.

How thick should a French cleat be?

Since the cleat is usually ¾” of an inch thick, it needs to be inset into the object by that amount, leaving the surface flush with the back of the mantle.

What is a metal French cleat?

Simply put, a French cleat is two pieces of material that interlock and are used to hang or mount something on the wall. When hanging heavy casework like wall cabinets or shelves, it can be one of the best methods used for a strong and secure hold.

How deep does a French cleat need to be?

How Thick Does a French Cut Need To Be? As for the thickness of the plywood to use, choose at least ½ inch, although a ¾ inch plywood will serve you better. This will give you a strong and secure hold that can handle great weights subject to the number of studs you attach the cleat to and the style lag screws you use.

What is the best angle for a French cleat?

4 days ago
45-degrees
Cut the Angles The angle of the beveled top edge of a French cleat is 45-degrees, and if you have a miter saw or table saw, cutting the cleats will be a snap.

Can you make French cleats from MDF?

You can use medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for a French cleat, but they may not be as strong and durable as plywood. Plywood has better stability and better resistance to moisture than MDF. It’s best to work with plywood if you need to hang heavy-duty equipment.

What is the best wood to use for French cleats?

French cleat walls are usually made from plywood, but don’t use the cheapest plywood (Grades C and D), which often contains knots and weak spots that would compromise the results. Opt instead for Grade A or Grade B plywood, which is denser, smoother, and less likely to warp and splinter.

How wide should I make my French cleats?

French cleats are surprisingly strong, and the storage possibilities are only limited by your imagination. To build a basic tool-hanging system, start with 3/4-inch plywood cut into a strip that’s 5 inches wide by at least 30 inches long. This piece will become the mounting cleat that gets attached to the wall.

What type of wood is used for French cleats?

plywood
French cleat walls are usually made from plywood, but don’t use the cheapest plywood (Grades C and D), which often contains knots and weak spots that would compromise the results. Opt instead for Grade A or Grade B plywood, which is denser, smoother, and less likely to warp and splinter.

Does a French cleat have to be 45 degrees?

Cut the Angles The angle of the beveled top edge of a French cleat is 45-degrees, and if you have a miter saw or table saw, cutting the cleats will be a snap. Each narrower board will now have a 45-degree angle and can be installed as a cleat on the wall.

What is a French cleat used for?

These angled cuts are used to hook on accessories that have a compatible 45 degree hook attached, allowing you to tidy your workspace and organise your tools. There’s lots of room for flexibility with the scale of French cleat storage systems.

What can the cleat system be used for?

The cleat system is designed to hold a number of accessories and storage utilities. If you feel that your wall needs additional support, insert wall plugs before screwing through the lengths.

What size cleats do I need for my timberwork?

To maximise the sheet timber, we have designed our cleats so that they are 5 inches or approximately 130mm wide. You can easily tweak this measurement to suit your space and custom design. For a French cleat system to work, you will need a straight and true surface.

How do you secure cleats to the wall?

To aid the process of securing the cleats into position on the wall, partially insert wood screws by hand into each pilot hole. A good reference point for your highest cleat is to align it with other features on your wall or in the surrounding space. Use a spirit level or straight surface to mark a line on the wall where the highest point will sit.